A collage of four different pasta dishes: broccoli pesto pasta, tortellini in a creamy sauce, pasta soup, and shrimp pasta.

15 Easy Pasta Dishes That Aren’t Spaghetti

ByAnnie Brown

Spaghetti gets plenty of love, but it’s far from the only pasta worth keeping in your weeknight rotation. These easy recipes explore all kinds of pasta—think orecchiette, orzo, tortellini, and more—with bold flavors and low-effort prep.

Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies, there’s a no-spaghetti pasta dish here that fits.

Spicy Sausage & Pepper Pasta

A blue enameled cast iron pot of spicy sausage and pepper one-pot pasta is shown from above. The pasta is topped with fresh parsley. Ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and basil are visible around the pot.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

This one-pot dish brings together spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender pasta for a no-fuss dinner that’s loaded with flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is fast and easy.

The broth-soaked noodles absorb all the bold seasoning as they simmer.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Sausage & Pepper Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A close-up overhead shot of creamy Cajun chicken pasta. The pasta is penne, and the dish is topped with sliced grilled chicken breast, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

This dish layers smoky Cajun spices over seared chicken and coats everything in a rich, cream-based sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights. The sauce gets a kick from paprika and a smooth finish from heavy cream.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Shrimp Pasta in Vodka Sauce

A white bowl of orecchiette pasta with shrimp in a vodka sauce is shown from above. The pasta is topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Two forks and a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Small, ear-shaped orecchiette catches every drop of this silky vodka sauce, which is punched up with garlic and crushed red pepper. Juicy shrimp bring some elegance to the plate without much extra effort.

It’s a weeknight-friendly dish that feels restaurant special. 

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta in Vodka Sauce

One-Skillet Lasagna

An overhead shot shows a large skillet of baked lasagna and two smaller bowls of the same dish. The lasagna is topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Two forks rest on a blue napkin.
Photo Credit: I Heart Eating

This clever recipe skips the layering and baking of traditional lasagna for a quicker, stovetop version. Using broken lasagna noodles, ground beef, and a shortcut sauce, everything cooks in a single skillet. A generous sprinkle of mozzarella melts right on top.

Get the Recipe: One-Skillet Lasagna

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Two bowls of broccoli pesto pasta are shown from above. The pasta is penne, and the sauce is a vibrant green pesto sauce with broccoli florets. The pasta is topped with grated Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Small bowls of pine nuts and Parmesan cheese are visible in the background. Slices of toasted bread are also visible.
Photo Credit: Barley & Sage

Broccoli stands in for basil in this fresh take on pesto, blended with Parmesan, garlic, and lemon for a vibrant green sauce. Tossed with your favorite short pasta, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies. The whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes. 

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A split image shows a creamy white pasta dish with chicken and spinach. One side shows the dish in a skillet, the other shows a fork lifting a portion, revealing the texture. Lemon slices and parsley are visible.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits

Bright and zesty, this orzo dish features lemony chicken, tender pasta, and a buttery garlic base. It cooks in a single pot and feels both light and comforting. A final touch of Parmesan pulls it all together.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Taco Pasta

A close-up shot of taco pasta in a white skillet. The pasta is rotini, and it's mixed with ground beef, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo

This mashup of taco night and pasta night is loaded with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melty cheese. Shell pasta works perfectly to catch all the saucy goodness. It’s kid-friendly, hearty, and ready in around 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

A split image shows a chicken Alfredo casserole. One side shows the casserole in a baking dish, the other shows a close-up of a serving being lifted with a spatula, showing the creamy, cheesy texture.
Photo Credit: Crayons & Craving

This baked version of Alfredo turns the creamy classic into a comforting casserole layered with penne, chicken, and cheese. A shortcut white sauce makes it faster than starting from scratch. Great for freezing or feeding a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Pasta and Meatball Casserole

A white baking dish of baked meatballs is shown from a slightly elevated angle. The casserole is topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. Glasses of water and a bunch of parsley are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

Pre-made or homemade meatballs bake with pasta, marinara, and lots of melted cheese in this cozy dinner. The recipe calls for rotini, which holds up well and adds texture. It’s simple, filling, and full of classic Italian flavors.

Get the Recipe: Pasta and Meatball Casserole

Parmesan Spinach Mac and Cheese

A white bowl of parmesan spinach mac and cheese is shown from above. The pasta is cavatappi, and the sauce is a creamy white sauce with spinach.
Photo Credit: Life as a Strawberry

This mac and cheese gets an upgrade with sharp Parmesan, sautéed spinach, and a hint of garlic. It’s creamy without being too heavy and works as a main or side. The sauce comes together in a single pot with a quick roux.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Spinach Mac and Cheese

Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta

A split image shows farfalle pasta with Italian chicken sausage in a creamy tomato sauce. One side shows the pasta in a skillet, the other shows a serving of the pasta in a bowl, garnished with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Photo Credit: Nourish and Fete

Sweet Italian chicken sausage pairs with bell peppers, onions, and rigatoni for a fast, colorful dinner. The tomato-based sauce simmers just long enough to bring everything together. It’s hearty without being heavy.

Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pasta with chicken in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Eating in an Instant

This creamy, tomato-kissed pasta is made completely in the Instant Pot with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tender chicken. The flavor builds quickly with minimal prep. Everything cooks together in under 30 minutes. 

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Eggplant and Tomato Pasta

A skillet of pasta is topped with a sprinkle of what looks like breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Slices of what appears to be parmesan cheese are also on top.
Photo Credit: The Sassy Foodie

Chunks of roasted eggplant and bursts of cherry tomato give this dish a rustic, earthy flavor. It’s a great vegetarian option that feels hearty and satisfying. A sprinkle of fresh basil brightens every bite.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Tomato Pasta

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta

Close-up of a cheesy pasta dish. The pasta appears to be rotini, and the sauce is creamy with bits of green and red. The top is covered with melted cheese.
Photo Credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl

This creamy pasta takes inspiration from jalapeño poppers, with shredded chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and just the right amount of heat. Shells or twists are the perfect shape to hold the thick, cheesy sauce. It’s bold and comforting all at once.

Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta

Tortellini alla Panna

A black cast iron skillet of tortellini alla panna is shown from above. The tortellini is in a creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and it's topped with fresh parsley. A wooden spoon is in the skillet. A piece of Parmesan cheese and glasses of white wine are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: Sugar and Soul

Cheese-stuffed tortellini are coated in a rich cream sauce with peas and diced ham in this quick and cozy meal. It’s done in about 20 minutes, making it an easy upgrade to store-bought pasta. Everything simmers together for maximum flavor.

Get the Recipe: Tortellini alla Panna

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