16 Easy Pastas That Complement Any Protein Beautifully

Discover 16 easy pasta recipes that pair perfectly with any protein, making your meals both delicious and versatile. These pastas are quick to prepare and can enhance the flavors of chicken, beef, seafood, or even plant-based proteins. From classic spaghetti and creamy fettuccine to zesty penne and hearty macaroni, there's a dish for every taste.

With these easy pasta options, you'll always have a go-to side that complements your main course beautifully, turning any meal into a delightful feast.

So next time you're planning a meal, consider adding one of these delicious pasta sides to the menu.

Creamy Miso Pesto Pasta

This 30-minute Creamy Miso Pesto Pasta with Pecans is simply the best. Packed with a savory white Miso paste, garlic and crunchy Pecans, this easy pasta makes a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Get the recipe.

Casarecce Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

This Casarecce Pasta recipe will give you an incredibly delicious pasta recipe that’s family-friendly and ready in just a little over 20 minutes! This pasta variety, with its twisted and rolled shape, resembles a small scroll and is known for its ability to hold sauces and ingredients exceptionally well. And my recipe features a plant-based sun-dried tomato pesto topped with fresh basil that you’ll absolutely love. Get the recipe.

Lemon Pasta

This lemon pasta is incredibly easy to make, and you only need 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to get the most delicious pasta. It features tender pasta tossed in a tasty lemon sauce with hints of garlic and garnished with fresh parsley. What’s best is that you can have it ready in under 25 minutes! Get the recipe.

Penne Pomodoro

This Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a delicious, flavor-packed red tomato sauce with hints of basil and garlic. This easy pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can have it ready at the dinner table in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Pasta Alla Foriana

Had a busy day and no time for a complicated dinner recipe? Not a problem. This Pasta Alla Foriana is a healthy and delicious Italian pasta recipe. The best part - it can be pulled together in under 20 minutes. Get the recipe.

Easy Garlic Butter Pasta

Make this easy Garlic Butter Pasta with Parmesan Cheese in just 15 minutes, with just a few common ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky with a touch of peppery heat. Get the recipe.

Avocado Pasta Recipe

This is a nice light lunch that can be whipped up quickly. It is a crazy cross between an omelet and pasta. It includes avocados, which are good for cholesterol, and different herbs and spices, which are good for your health. Get the recipe.

Olive Pasta Recipe

A simple, flavorful pasta that comes together in under 5 minutes once the pasta is cooked! Get the recipe.

Lemon Pepper Pasta with Asparagus

One of the easiest pasta you can make is this lemon pepper pasta. It is laughingly simple and quick to make. You only need 5 ingredients and 15 minutes. We love to enjoy this refreshing pasta recipe with some green veggies, like asparagus. Get the recipe.

Mascarpone Pasta

Mascarpone pasta is a sumptuous dish that's sure to tickle your taste buds with its creamy richness. At its heart lies the delightful duo of pasta and mascarpone, a soft, sweet Italian cream cheese that works wonders in sweet and savory dishes alike. Get the recipe.

Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Indulge in a deliciously creamy pasta dish, packed with Asian umami flavors. Picture this: perfectly cooked pasta, a kick of spice, a hint of sweetness, and that creamy Gochujang sauce. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes. Say hello to your new favorite pasta meal! Get the recipe.

Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta

Try this recipe for vegan pesto pasta, made with homemade basil pesto. It can be ready in just 15 minutes, even if you prepare all the ingredients from scratch. Serve it with cherry tomatoes and garnish it with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Get the recipe.

Gorgonzola Pasta with Pine Nuts

A deliciously simple pasta dish with lots of flavour, gorgonzola pasta is a wonderful option for a midweek lunch or a quick and tasty evening meal. Incredibly easy to make and hard not to fall head over heels in love with, this is one creamy pasta recipe that you'll want to master. Get the recipe.

One Pot French Onion Pasta

French onion pasta will satisfy your cravings for French onion soup and creamy pasta. This recipe also proves you can make an incredible dish in just one pot! Get the recipe.

Cherry Tomato Pasta

Cherry Tomato Pasta! A simple, homemade sauce using fresh cherry tomatoes, pasta and plenty of basil. Get the recipe.

Creamy Pasta with Spinach

This creamy pasta is satisfying, delicious, and incredibly easy to make! The creamy, rich coconut sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, while the roasted chickpeas provide a pleasant crunch. The garlic and spinach add a layer of freshness, making every bite absolutely delicious! Get the recipe.