6 Easy Dinners That Start with a Box of Pasta

Quick and easy dinners are a must for busy families or couples. While going out is always an option, there is something about a home-cooked meal that just tastes better. Plus, you probably don’t know how much you can make with the ingredients in your pantry. For instance, a box of pasta can make a range of great dishes that will make you go back for seconds. So next time you need a quick fix, throw together one of these six easy dinners that start with a box of pasta.

6. Chicken Zucchini Alfredo Pasta

Starting our list of dinners that start with a box of pasta is a Chicken Zucchini Alfredo Pasta from Half Baked Harvest. Take a staple dish with chicken alfredo and add a fresh twist with thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash. Or go all out and do a mix of both. While tomatoes are usually the go-to for summer pastas, this dish is a great alternative, paired with a deliciously creamy fettuccine Alfredo.

5. Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Fifth on our list of dinners that start with a box of pasta is Shrimp Pesto Pasta. Super fast and easy to make, it’s a great way to enjoy a blend of pasta, vegetables, and seafood. Cover the noodles in green basil pesto, and add the juicy shrimp on top. The best part? The flavor explosion between the garlicky pesto and the savory shrimp. Check out this recipe here from A Couple Cooks.

4. Baked Feta Pasta

Next on our list of dinners that start with a box of pasta is Baked Feta Pasta, from the recipe book of Feel Good Foodie. A huge trend on TikTok, this baked feta pasta is insanely easy to throw together and place in the oven. Cooking a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and topping with your choice of pasta, this meal is perfect for a busy weeknight.

3. Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

Rounding out the top three dinners that start with a box of pasta is a Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta from Eating Bird Food. A tasty option for those who prefer high-protein meals, the blend of cottage cheese, marinara sauce, pasta, and ground turkey is irresistible. The meal takes around 30 minutes to put together, making those later nights less stressful.

2. One Pot Mushroom, Spinach, and Beef Pasta

Second on our list of dinners that start with a box of pasta is a One-Pot Mushroom, Spinach, and Beef Pasta. One-pot or one-pan meals are a must if you want minimal clean-up but still have lots of flavor. Similar to a mushroom or beef stroganoff, the recipe by Ambitious Kitchen takes a fun spin by adding spinach and cooking it all in one pot. This meal is great for all ages and can be a fun option for the colder months of the year.

1. Pasta Primavera

Last but not least on our list of dinners that start with a box of pasta is Pasta Primavera from Love and Lemons. If you just stopped at the farmer’s market or the local farmstand on the way home, this could be a perfect way to use all those fresh ingredients. While all pasta primaveras have different blends of vegetables, you can customize your recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences.