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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    22 Pasta Recipes That Prove Simple Really Is Better

    Published: Jul 14, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Some nights, all I want is a bowl of something cozy that doesn’t take forever to make or require a million ingredients. That’s why I keep going back to these pasta recipes that prove simple is better—they’re the kind of dishes that feel fancy without any of the fuss. Think rich sauces, perfectly cooked noodles, and just the right amount of flavor with barely any cleanup. Trust me, once you try a few, you’ll see why less really is more.

    30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts

    Sun-Dried pasta with artichokes in a skillet.
    30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Artichokes add just the right flavor along with some sun-dried tomatoes for an easy pasta dish you can make in just 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts

    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta

    A large bowl of broccoli pasta with ricotta.
    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

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    Ricotta pasta with roasted broccoli makes a perfect quick weeknight dinner. A lighter, but still flavorful, mac and cheese dish.
    Get the Recipe: Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser, the perfect summer potluck food.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn

    A skillet of creamy shrimp carbonara.
    Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these easy make-ahead steps for shrimp carbonara with grilled corn (it doesn’t have to be grilled) and bacon.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

    A creamy chicken breast served on a bed of pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and two lemon slices. Perfect for fans of pasta recipes, the rich sauce is seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful finish.
    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Indulge in this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

    Pancetta Pasta

    Tongs pulling up pasta.
    Pancetta Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Enjoy diving into Fettuccine Carbonara with Pancetta, for a rich and creamy sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Pancetta Pasta

    Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese

    A blue casserole dish with baked cauliflower pasta.
    Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy cauliflower pasta bake has surprise pockets of ricotta cheese along with lemon and capers and a crispy topping.
    Get the Recipe: Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese

    Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti

    A black plate holds a serving of pasta mixed with diced tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese—an inviting choice for easy date night dinners. A vintage-style fork rests on the side atop a gray tray set on a white, hexagon-tiled surface.
    Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This delicious chicken mushroom pasta is a blend of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a mouthwatering tomato-based mushroom sauce.
    Get the Recipe: Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti

    Baked Spaghetti With Creamy Vodka Sauce

    A close-up of a cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with tomato sauce and ground meat, topped with melted cheese and herbs, makes for one of those easy date night dinners—served with a fork lifting a gooey, delicious portion.
    Baked Spaghetti With Creamy Vodka Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Baked spaghetti with vodka sauce is a creamy pasta that makes an easy meal that you can prepare in twenty minutes for a hungry crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Spaghetti With Creamy Vodka Sauce

    Italian Pasta Salad

    Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    This Italian Pasta salad has it all! Tender pasta, salty pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, lots of diced veggies and a homemade garlic dressing.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Pasta With Mascarpone

    Parmesan being added to shrimp and pasta.
    Shrimp Pasta With Mascarpone. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy shrimp and spinach pasta with mascarpone is rich and creamy and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta With Mascarpone

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a summertime comfort food, which is great if you’re craving Southern flavors this summer.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

    A black platter of lemony chicken pasta on a grey napkin.
    Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Lemon Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dish with tender chicken and a lemony cream sauce. A 30 minute meal you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl.
    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta

    Creamy pasta with Italian sausage on a platter
    Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This quick and easy creamy Italian sausage pasta is a great weeknight pasta dinner that will be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sure to be a family favorite with savory Italian sausage and rosemary.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta

    One Pan Pasta With Italian Sausage, Onions And Apples

    a bowl of pasta with sausage apples and onions.
    One Pan Pasta With Italian Sausage, Onions And Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Pasta with Italian Sausage, Onions, and Apples is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for cozy weeknights with a sweet and savory twist.
    Get the Recipe: One Pan Pasta With Italian Sausage, Onions And Apples

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley.
    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    Lasagna With Bechamel

    A serving of homemade lasagna
    Lasagna With Bechamel. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is an all time favorite comfort food. Smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce it’s the best homemade lasagna you’ll find.
    Get the Recipe: Lasagna With Bechamel

    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    A bowl of peach pasta salad with dressing in a pticher on the side.
    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
    Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce

    A stuffed shell being removed from a baking dish
    Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Stuffed Shells with Spinach, three cheeses, a fabulous tomato sauce, and with either Italian or chicken sausage make for an Italian meal that’s restaurant worthy.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce

    Tender Chicken Ravioli

    Close-up of ravioli topped with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, with one ravioli cut open to show a green and white filling, all served in a white bowl.
    Tender Chicken Ravioli. Photo credit: Josie and Nina.

    Fall in love with ravioli thanks to a simple chicken filling recipe that is tender with delicate flavors of fresh rosemary and lemon.
    Get the Recipe: Tender Chicken Ravioli

    Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese

    Close-up of creamy rotini pasta mixed with flakes of smoked salmon, garnished with chopped chives, and a gold fork twirling some pasta.
    Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

    This Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s simple but feels indulgent & without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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