When I don’t know what to make for dinner and don’t feel like running to the store, I’m always relieved to find a box of pasta in the pantry. Pasta is incredibly versatile for using up odds and ends from the produce drawer, pulling together a quick weeknight meal, or feeding a crowd on a budget. It’s one of those pantry staples that consistently saves the day.
Since I’ve already compiled a collection of the Best Pasta Salad Recipes, I didn’t include those here. Instead, this list focuses on the best pasta dishes — satisfying, varied recipes that will make dinnertime easier and more exciting. Expect comforting classics, clever one-pot meals, and a few seasonal twists.
The selection includes several lasagnas, like a Spicy Skillet Lasagna that captures the layered goodness of lasagna without the long bake time. I also added hearty soups that pair beautifully with pasta or stand on their own: an easy minestrone that’s ideal for making in large batches and taking to work for lunches all week, plus brothy, vegetable-forward options for chilly nights.
If you want something different from the usual marinara-and-meatball rotation, try the One Pot Creamy Pumpkin Pasta for a smooth, autumnal twist, or a Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese for a spicy, indulgent crowd-pleaser. There are also simple, reliable weeknight recipes and a few fuss-free vegetarian options. With these recipes on hand, you’ll rarely be stumped at dinnertime.