16 Family-Friendly Pasta Recipes Everyone Will Adore

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Let’s shake things up with some delicious and easy pasta recipes that are sure to please the whole family. From cheesy classics to fresh and zesty dishes, pasta offers endless possibilities for tasty meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and simple or a bit more indulgent, these recipes are perfect for any night of the week.

American Goulash

American Goulash is a simple, hearty meal that blends ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomatoes for a comforting one-pot dinner. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 1 large onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of paprika. Begin by browning the beef with chopped onions and garlic, then stir in the tomatoes and paprika, cooking until the flavors meld together. Add water and bring to a simmer, then stir in the macaroni and cook until tender. The result is a savory, tomato-rich pasta dish with a slight spice from the paprika. It’s a convenient and filling dish perfect for family meals or leftovers.

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna offers the taste of lasagna in a fraction of the time by using frozen ravioli as a base. You’ll need 1 pound of frozen ravioli, 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Start by browning the beef in a skillet, then layer the ravioli and sauce on top. Simmer until the ravioli are cooked through, then sprinkle with mozzarella and let it melt. This easy, deconstructed lasagna comes together quickly, delivering rich, cheesy layers of flavor without the fuss of traditional lasagna. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the melted cheese creates a creamy finish.

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp is a light yet indulgent dish combining the bright flavors of lemon with tender shrimp and whole-wheat pasta. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of shrimp, 2 cups of whole-wheat pasta, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), and 2 tablespoons of fresh basil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then sauté the shrimp with garlic, adding the yogurt, lemon juice, and zest for a creamy, tangy sauce. Toss the pasta and shrimp together with fresh basil, creating a refreshing and balanced dish. The yogurt adds creaminess without excess fat, while the shrimp and lemon provide a burst of freshness.

One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal with tender chicken, broccoli, and creamy pasta. You’ll need 1 pound of chicken breast, 2 cups of pasta shells, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook the chicken in a large pot, then add the pasta and broth, simmering until the pasta is tender. Add the broccoli and cheese toward the end, stirring until the broccoli is cooked and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. This dish is comforting and nutritious, with the broccoli adding a nice crunch to the creamy pasta.

One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Shrimp

This dish combines succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a lemony sauce in one pot for a quick, vibrant meal. You’ll need 1 pound of shrimp, 2 cups of pasta, 1 bunch of asparagus, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), and ½ cup of feta cheese. Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water, adding the asparagus and shrimp during the last few minutes. Drain and return to the pot, then toss with lemon juice, zest, and feta for a bright and tangy finish. The feta cheese adds a tangy creaminess, while the shrimp and asparagus provide texture and fresh flavors. This is a light, spring-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Tuna Casserole with Peas

Tuna Casserole with Peas is a nostalgic, comforting dish combining canned tuna, pasta, and sweet peas in a creamy sauce. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 can of tuna, 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1 cup of peas, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup of breadcrumbs. Mix the cooked pasta, tuna, peas, and soup together, then transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until the top is golden and crispy. The result is a creamy, savory dish with a crunchy topping that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The tuna adds a briny depth of flavor, while the peas provide a touch of sweetness.

One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan

This bright and flavorful one-pot dish features lemony pasta, tender broccoli, and a savory hit of Parmesan cheese. You’ll need 2 cups of whole-wheat pasta, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta and broccoli together in the same pot, then drain and return to the pot. Toss with lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan for a quick, refreshing meal. The lemon adds a zesty brightness that pairs perfectly with the savory Parmesan and tender broccoli. This simple yet delicious dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Skillet Broccoli-Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Skillet Broccoli-Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a cheesy comfort dish with a nutritious twist from the added broccoli. You’ll need 2 cups of macaroni, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of milk. Cook the pasta and broccoli together, then make a cheese sauce by melting the cheddar in warm milk. Stir everything together in the skillet and bake until bubbly and golden. The sharp cheddar provides a tangy richness, while the broccoli adds texture and a slight sweetness. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering both comfort and nutrition in one cheesy bite.

One-Skillet Pastitsio

One-Skillet Pastitsio is a simplified version of the classic Greek baked pasta dish, combining lean ground beef and creamy bechamel sauce. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of whole-grain pasta, 1 cup of bechamel sauce, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook the beef with onions and spices, then layer with cooked pasta and bechamel in the skillet. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling. The combination of cinnamon-spiced beef, creamy sauce, and pasta creates a comforting dish with layers of flavor. This one-skillet version simplifies the traditional pastitsio while keeping its rich, savory essence.

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman dish made with just three ingredients: pasta, pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. You’ll need 2 cups of pasta, 1 cup of grated pecorino Romano, and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some of the pasta water. Toss the hot pasta with cheese and pepper, adding the reserved water until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. The bold flavors of the pecorino and pepper are balanced by the pasta’s simplicity, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying. Cacio e Pepe is quick and easy to make but delivers complex, peppery flavors.

Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta

Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish that brings together roasted tomatoes and creamy feta cheese. You’ll need 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 block of feta cheese, 2 cups of pasta, 3 garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the tomatoes and feta in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until the tomatoes burst and the cheese becomes soft and creamy. Cook the pasta, then toss with the roasted tomatoes, feta, and garlic until combined. The roasting process brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and creates a rich, tangy sauce from the feta. This dish is a perfect combination of creamy, salty, and savory flavors, with minimal effort required.

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta is a refreshing and hearty dish that brings together the tanginess of lemon with the richness of Parmesan cheese. You’ll need 1 pound of chicken breast, 2 cups of spinach, 2 cups of pasta, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the chicken in a skillet until golden, then add the spinach and pasta, tossing everything together with lemon juice and zest for brightness. Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end, adding a savory, umami-rich flavor that balances the citrus. The dish is light yet filling, with the fresh spinach adding a vibrant touch. This easy-to-make recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful meal in just one pan.

Easy Lasagna

Easy Lasagna is a simplified version of the classic dish, combining rich layers of ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 12 lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles and layer them with the beef mixture, ricotta, and marinara, then top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden. The ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while the mozzarella gives a melty, cheesy finish that complements the savory beef and sauce. This lasagna is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta is a bright and zesty dish featuring tender chicken, spiralized zucchini, and a refreshing lemon sauce. You’ll need 1 pound of rotisserie chicken, 2 cups of pasta, 1 zucchini, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta and zucchini together, then toss with shredded chicken and a tangy lemon-Parmesan sauce. The lemon adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the zucchini provides a slightly sweet crunch, balancing the richness of the Parmesan. This dish is light and flavorful, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy dinner.

Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal combining ground beef, mushrooms, and pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of pasta, 1 cup of chopped mushrooms, 2 cups of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Cook the beef and mushrooms until browned, then add the tomato sauce and simmer. Stir in the pasta and let it absorb the flavors as it cooks, then top with mozzarella and let it melt. The mushrooms add depth and richness to the dish, while the ground beef provides hearty protein, making this an easy, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Quick Shrimp Puttanesca

Quick Shrimp Puttanesca is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the briny tastes of olives, capers, and anchovies with sweet, tender shrimp. You’ll need 1 pound of shrimp, 2 cups of pasta, 1 can of tomatoes, ¼ cup of olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, and 4 anchovy fillets. Sauté the anchovies, garlic, and capers in olive oil, then add the tomatoes and olives, simmering until the sauce thickens. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, then toss with pasta for a quick, robust meal. The combination of salty and savory flavors from the olives and anchovies pairs perfectly with the sweet shrimp, creating a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s ready in no time.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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