24 Easy Pasta Recipes to Try When You’re Sick of Spaghetti

When it comes to making dinner for the whole family on a busy weeknight, almost everyone can say they turn to a box of spaghetti and a jar of sauce. Pasta is one of the easiest dishes to whip up when you’re short on time, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. If you’re in a culinary rut and are looking to kick up your weeknight pasta dish, check out one of these easy recipes. From 5-star faves to comforting baked pasta dishes, they pack in flavor without taking up too much time or effort. Just take this creamy and hearty pasta can be on the table in just 30 minutes for example. It's a crowd-pleaser but, best of all, everything cooks in one pot—which means you don’t even need to boil water first. It's packed with tender chicken thighs, bell peppers and onions, and the whole thing gets finished off with a creamy tomato sauce.

Baked pasta dishes make for an easy weeknight meal because they’re a hands-off way to whip up a hearty dinner. Crumbled Italian sausage adds meaty, spicy bits to every bite. Parmesan, mozzarella and shredded provolone make this a cheesy, gooey dish that can easily be made in advance and stored in the freezer.

This cheesy, melty pasta is reminiscent of the viral dish that TikTok made famous. It’s easy to see why the recipe is so popular—cherry tomatoes and a whole block of feta get baked until soft and melty, then tossed with garlic, basil and cooked noodles for a beautifully savory dish. Garnish with fresh basil, flaky sea salt and crushed red pepper.

This dish tastes just like the classic alfredo dish you love, but with the addition of creamy avocado instead of added butter or oil. Just blend ripe avocados with heavy cream, garlic and plenty of grated pecorino cheese then toss with al dente fettuccine. The result is a rich, bright, uniquely green alfredo ready in just about 25 minutes and sure to delight pasta lovers and avocado lovers alike.

Fettucine alfredo is a restaurant favorite that’s even better when perfected at home. In this version, seared chicken adds meaty depth to the rich and decadent pasta dish. It’s easier than you’d think—this impressive recipe requires less than 10 ingredients and comes together in just 25 minutes.

It doesn’t get more comforting than a bowl of warm macaroni and cheese, and we love that this recipe is simple enough for beginners to master. Gruyere and cheddar cheeses combine to make a savory sauce that’s seasoned with fresh ground pepper and nutmeg. Breadcrumbs add the perfect amount of crunch.

This easy dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, which makes it a fantastic option for a midweek meal. Simply roast shrimp in the oven until pink, then toss cooked angel hair with butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, pasta water and season with salt and pepper. It’s super simple and packed with flavor.

Creamy pasta salad is perfect for a hot summer day, and this one is packed with flavor thanks to the sour cream and chive dressing. Bell peppers add a bit of crunch to every bite, and ham adds smoky sweetness. Unlike some pasta salads that should be made in advance, this recipe is best if served right away.

Butternut squash is the key to giving this classic dish its signature silky texture, which means you can cut the cream and butter with no sacrifice of flavor. It comes together in under an hour, so you can even enjoy the impressive and decadent dish on a weeknight.

This quick, easy pasta is packed with fiery flavor thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. Flat leaf parsley adds freshness, and capers, anchovies and black olives add savory, umami-packed flavor in every bite. For a full and complete meal, serve with a bitter greens salad.

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This versatile side dish finds a comfortable home at holiday dinners, backyard barbecues and birthday parties alike. Why not learn to master it with this easy recipe? Dry mustard is the secret to bright, complex flavor, and cayenne pepper and paprika add just a touch of heat.

Pasta salad is a summertime staple, and this classic recipe is easy to perfect. It’s packed with summer vegetables and fresh herbs, which makes it a great choice for warm weather. It’s crisp, juicy, and packed with flavor. Let the pasta salad marinate for 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

This easy pasta dish is so simple, it only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home. Tomato paste gives deep, complex tomato flavor, and heavy cream adds irresistible richness. Serve with grated pecorino or parmesan.

If you’re short on time, a one-pot pasta is the key to success. The pasta and sauce cook together to amplify flavors, and clean-up is minimal thanks to fewer dishes. This eggplant parmesan pasta is packed with flavor and a creamy sauce, and best of all, it’s ready in just 35 minutes.

Mac and cheese is irresistible as it is, but one thing that makes it even more so? Lobster! This loaded casserole is cheesy, meaty and creamy and it’s packed with complex flavor thanks to black pepper and nutmeg. Top with bread crumbs for a bit of extra crunch.

Everybody loves caprese salad, but this recipe takes the crowd-pleasing side dish and turns it into a full and nourishing entrée. We love that it can be made in one pot, which not only saves time but also cuts down on dirty dishes. The noodles and sauce cook together, which means this dinner is ready in just 15 minutes. Stirring in the fresh mozzarella after the pasta has finished adds perfect creaminess.

When “toss” is in the recipe name, you know this is bound to be an easy dish to throw together. This simple chicken and pasta dish gets its flavor from lemon juice, white wine, capers and shallots marinating together to make a light and bright sauce. Top with snipped chives and chopped parsley for a bit of extra freshness.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature. The tomato-based pasta salad is flavored with bright and briny feta cheese with bites of zippy capers dotted throughout. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an easy dish to make in advance and store in the refrigerator.

If you’re looking for a fun, nutritious spin on the typical easy pasta dish, try this recipe that highlights the sweet and smoky flavors of butternut squash and pancetta. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with complex flavors that complement each other in every bite. Before serving, top with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.

Tilapia is a great fish to pair with homemade sauce because it’s mild and easily takes on the flavor of whatever dish it’s cooked in. This one features white wine, red pepper flakes and San Marzano tomatoes for a fresh sauce that’s bright and pleasantly acidic. Top with fresh parsley.

Cajun chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavors the whole family is sure to love, which makes this dish a weeknight favorite. A package of Cajun spice mix is the shortcut to flavorful sauce, and bell peppers add texture and freshness. This dish is creamy, hearty and easy to devour.

Casseroles are great for an easy weeknight meal, and we love that they can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer. This one is packed with vegetables like cauliflower, butternut squash and frozen peas to make it extra hearty. Bake until the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses are brown and bubbly, then serve with freshly-torn basil.

This easy and impressive recipe can be ready in less than 20 minutes, which makes it a slam dunk for midweek meals. Red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of heat, and fresh mozzarella melts to gooey perfection.