Must-Try Pasta Dishes Even Beginners Can Master

|

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure policy.  

Nothing beats a comforting plate of pasta, and the best part? You don’t have to be a pro to whip up a delicious dish.

Whether you’re craving creamy, cheesy goodness, a fresh and vibrant meal, or a hearty one-pot wonder, these easy-to-make pasta recipes will have you cooking like a seasoned chef in no time.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

Close-up of a plate of penne pasta with a creamy parmesan sauce, artfully mastered and garnished with a sprinkle of herbs.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe Final

A creamy and garlicky delight, this dish combines tender chicken, parmesan cheese, and a luscious sauce for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet is incredibly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

GET THIS RECIPE: Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

Italian Pork Sausage Pasta

Perfect for beginners, this dish features a delightful plate of short tube pasta smothered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with savory pork sausage.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in this comforting dish. It’s a flavorful, filling meal that’s easy to throw together with pantry staples.

GET THIS RECIPE: Italian Pork Sausage Pasta

Crack Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy crack chicken pasta, perfect for beginners looking to master pasta dishes, topped with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This indulgent pasta is loaded with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning for an irresistibly rich and flavorful bite. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners.

GET THIS RECIPE: Crack Chicken Pasta

Creamy Bacon Pasta

Close-up of a beginner-friendly pasta dish featuring spaghetti with bacon, tomato, herbs, and a creamy sauce—a perfect way to master the art of simple yet delicious cooking.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A twist on the classic sandwich, this pasta features crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce tossed in a light yet creamy sauce. Plus, it all comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.

GET THIS RECIPE: Creamy Bacon Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A must-try for pasta dishes enthusiasts: a close-up of creamy pasta adorned with sliced cheesesteak and garnished with chopped parsley, perfect for beginners.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This recipe transforms the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with beef, peppers, and onions. It’s an easy way to enjoy the iconic sandwich in pasta form.

GET THIS RECIPE: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Lentils and Pasta

A masterful bowl of spaghetti topped with lentil tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated cheese, perfect for beginners looking to explore delightful pasta dishes, with a fork beside it.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A simple yet satisfying vegetarian dish, this spaghetti features hearty lentils and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a nutritious and budget-friendly meal that still delivers on taste.

GET THIS RECIPE: Lentils and Pasta

Slow Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta

A perfect dish for beginners, this plate of rigatoni pasta is adorned with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Slow-roasted tomatoes bring a deep, rich flavor to this simple pasta dish, complemented by fresh basil and a touch of garlic. It’s a must-try for lovers of fresh and vibrant flavors.

GET THIS RECIPE: Slow Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

A delightful plate of creamy tuscan pasta, perfect for beginners, features succulent shrimp and fresh spinach enveloped in a rich, savory sauce.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This elegant yet simple dish features tender shrimp and wilted spinach in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for seafood lovers who want a quick and impressive meal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Masterfully crafted shrimp pasta with penne, garnished with parsley and grated cheese, showcases a symphony of flavors perfect for both beginners and seasoned pasta dish enthusiasts.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this shrimp pasta is a go-to for a satisfying seafood dish that comes together in no time.

GET THIS RECIPE: Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

A masterful plate of penne pasta topped with shredded chicken, mushrooms, and fresh green herbs—perfect for beginners looking to elevate their pasta dishes.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Let your slow cooker do the work with this rich and creamy chicken pasta. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days.

GET THIS RECIPE: Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta

Caramelized Shallot Pasta

Close-up of a masterful pasta dish featuring creamy spaghetti topped with chopped parsley and caramelized shallots.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Sweet, caramelized onions bring a depth of flavor to this simple yet comforting pasta dish. It’s a great way to elevate a basic penne dish.

GET THIS RECIPE: Caramelized Shallot Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Close-up of a beginner-friendly buffalo chicken pasta dish featuring spiral noodles, masterfully topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

If you love the flavors of buffalo wings, this pasta is for you! It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with bold buffalo chicken flavor.

GET THIS RECIPE: Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Pasta Bolognese Bake

A perfect dish for beginners, this plate of rigatoni pasta features ground meat, sliced carrots, sprinkled cheese, and a garnish of chopped herbs.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A comforting baked pasta dish with a rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pasta Bolognese Bake

Lemony Ricotta Pasta

Close-up of delicious pasta shells, perfect for beginners, topped with ricotta cheese on a plate.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Bright and refreshing, this dish features creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying meal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Lemony Ricotta Pasta

Vodka Cream Penne Pasta

Close-up of rigatoni pasta in a creamy vokda sauce, topped with grated cheese. This delightful pasta dish is perfect for beginners seeking to master the art of Italian cooking.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A rich and creamy vodka sauce made with roasted tomatoes takes this penne dish to the next level. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made easy.

GET THIS RECIPE: Vodka Cream Sauce over Penne Pasta

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Perfect for beginners, this masterful pasta dish combines tender diced chicken, juicy tomatoes, mushrooms, and vibrant red peppers, all elegantly garnished with chopped parsley.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

A rustic Italian classic, this dish features slow-cooked chicken in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, served over pasta for a comforting meal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Green Pea Pasta

A must-try bowl of pasta with green pea pasta sauce, topped with grated cheese and black pepper, offers a beginner-friendly delight for any pasta enthusiast.
Image Credit: Zardy Plants

A simple and healthy vegan dish, this pasta is made with green peas and a flavorful sauce for a fresh and wholesome meal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Green Pea Pasta

Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

A perfect dish for beginners, this bowl of cavatappi pasta features a cream cheese sauce and is garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.
Image Credit: Ask Chef Dennis

This ultra-creamy pasta features a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and butter for a rich yet simple dish.

GET THIS RECIPE: Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

Cilantro Lime Pasta

A masterful plate of spaghetti garnished with cilantro and a lime slice, perfect for beginners exploring pasta dishes. Served on a gray plate with a fork, it's an inviting meal.
Image Credit: Entirely Elizabeth

Zesty and refreshing, this pasta combines bright lime juice and fresh cilantro for a unique and flavorful dish with a Tex-Mex twist.

GET THIS RECIPE: Cilantro Lime Pasta

Healthy Garlic Veggie Pasta

A white plate features a beginner-friendly pasta dish: spaghetti masterfully topped with broccoli, zucchini, red bell peppers, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Image Credit: The Picky Eater

A light and nutritious option, this pasta is packed with fresh vegetables and a flavorful garlic sauce for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

GET THIS RECIPE: Healthy Garlic Veggie Pasta

Want More Easy Recipes Like This?  

  • VISIT MY WEBSITE: Visit www.itisakeeper.com for more easy recipes like this. Every recipe has been tested and approved as a “keeper”!  
  • FREE DINNER IDEAS CHEAT SHEET:  Get 200 dinner ideas and a free meal planning cheat sheet delivered to your inbox! 
  • COOK ALONG WITH ME: Check out my YouTube channel for all of our best cooking videos. 

Meet Christina

Woman in red blouse slicing lemons in a kitchen setting.

Hi there, it’s nice to meet you!  I’m a recipe developer, author, TV contributor and recipe hoarder that shares tried and true recipes anyone can make.  It Is a Keeper started in 2010 as a hobby that quickly grew.  Spending time in the kitchen has always made me happy – whether I’m making an old favorite that I know by heart or trying a new recipe. You can learn more about me here. 

Leave a Comment