15 Pasta Ideas to Bring Some Glam to Your Usual Weeknight Routine

If weeknight dinners are starting to feel repetitive, consider this your easy refresh: pasta with a bit of style. These recipes don’t require any complicated steps or hours in the kitchen — they’re designed to upgrade your usual noodles with minimal effort. Simple methods, bold flavors, and just enough flair to make dinner feel less like a routine and more like a treat.

A bowl of pasta with greens and walnuts. — Red Lentil Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Pasta with prosciutto and peas in a bowl. — Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Need dinner in 20 minutes? This creamy tomato farfalle has you covered. With peas and crispy prosciutto, it’s quick, filling, and doesn’t waste your time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

A bowl of pasta salad with peas and bacon. — Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mac and cheese with a smart swap—Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and lighter. You’ll get that cheesy comfort without the extra baggage. Perfect for a quick, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Two bowls of pasta with tomatoes and basil. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mediterranean-style pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta hits all the right notes. Easy, quick, and great for when you just need dinner to be done.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-pot, 30 minutes, and way better than anything from a box. Turkey, spinach, peppers, and real cheddar make this mac and cheese a weeknight winner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

A bowl of pasta with spinach in it. — Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Craving fall vibes? This creamy pumpkin garlic pasta gets it done. It’s simple, cozy, and ready to squash any dinner doubts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A plate of pasta salad with tomatoes and basil. — Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light, fresh, and fast. This lemon ricotta pasta is all about keeping it simple but satisfying. Basil, tomatoes, and ricotta make it great for any night you need dinner quick.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlicky lemon kale and a cheesy finish. It’s a fast, no-nonsense dinner that gets the job done without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Penne with Pesto

Two bowls of pasta with greens and pistachios. — Penne Pesto with Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brown rice penne loaded with lamb and mint pesto. It’s hearty, fresh, and great when you need something that hits hard and fast.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto

Soba Noodle Pasta

A bowl of noodles with an egg and chopsticks. — Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Budget-friendly soba noodles with onions and a soft-boiled egg. Simple, slurpable, and perfect for when you need dinner quick without the extra drama.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Garlic Shrimp Bucatini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is ready in under 30 minutes. Great for when you want a quick, no-fuss meal that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel. — Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Five ingredients, 20 minutes. Bucatini cacio e pepe keeps it simple, creamy, and all about the basics. Perfect for when dinner just needs to be easy and good.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Brussels sprouts and bacon pasta in a pot. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Six ingredients, 25 minutes. Brussels sprouts, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes make this pasta the one you pull out when you need dinner done right and fast.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sun-dried tomato rigatoni with spinach is a meatless option that’s rich and ready in under 30 minutes. Great for a midweek dinner when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A bowl of pasta with tomato basil almond pesto. — Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and fresh. This trapanese pesto made with tomatoes, nuts, and basil is your go-to summer sauce for pasta when you need dinner on the table without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta

A pan with noodles and vegetables in it. — Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted butternut squash and broccoli rabe tossed in a creamy almond butter sauce. Add a buttery garlic cracker crumble, and you’ve got a dinner that’s simple but hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Fall Pasta

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.