15 Easy Pasta & Rice Dishes That Are Weeknight Friendly

Gone are the days of settling for bland weeknight meals. With these simple pasta and rice dishes, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time with no fuss required. These recipes are designed with busy schedules in mind, so you can spend less time cooking and more time relaxing. With these dishes, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own kitchen.

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal? Try out Brisket Fried Rice, a delicious combination of tender brisket and fluffy rice. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy on busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its savory flavors and hearty texture, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Two large bowls of tortellini with meatballs on a counter.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in comforting flavors of Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs, featuring cheesy tortellini and juicy meatballs. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Whip up a batch and enjoy a cozy dinner at home!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a light and refreshing side dish? Pesto Orzo Salad is a perfect choice, with its tender orzo pasta and flavorful pesto dressing. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or packing a picnic, this salad is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Smoked Mac & Cheese

A skillet filled with Smoked Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving comfort food? Look no further than Smoked Mac & Cheese, a creamy dish with a hint of smoky flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will warm your soul on chilly evenings. Treat yourself to a cozy night with a bowl of delicious mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your rice game with Arroz Verde. It’s a delicious accompaniment to any meal, adding a touch of excitement to your plate. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as part of a taco night spread, it’s sure to be hit.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transport yourself to the shores of the Mediterranean with Mediterranean Rice. It’s a flavorful dish featuring aromatic herbs and briny olives. It’s also a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a quick and easy dinner option? Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect solution, featuring tender chicken, pasta, and crisp vegetables. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s ready in no time. Give it a try and enjoy a hassle-free meal tonight.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Sloppy-Joe-Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy-Joe-Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Put a twist on the classic favorite with Sloppy-Joe-Casserole, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines all flavors of sloppy joe sandwich in convenient casserole form. With its hearty texture and savory taste, it’s sure to be hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy-Joe-Casserole

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a refreshing and nutritious meal? Look no further than Salmon Pasta Salad! This dish combines flaky salmon, al dente pasta, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Imagine enjoying a satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want something hearty and comforting? Try Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe! Picture yourself enjoying a flavorful and comforting meal after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your loved ones, this skillet meal is sure to bring smiles.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something indulgent yet easy to make? Million Dollar Spaghetti is the answer! Think about serving up a hearty and satisfying meal that tastes like a million bucks. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for classic comfort food with a twist? Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are the way to go! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are sure to please. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite cheese blend.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Spaetzle

A plate of Authentic German Spaetzle garnished with parsley.
Spaetzle. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to experience a taste of traditional German cuisine? Try Spaetzle! Imagine enjoying a warm bowl of homemade spaetzle tossed in butter or creamy sauce. Whether served as a side dish or main course, spaetzle is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a light and flavorful dinner? Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is the way to go! It’s quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to savor the delicious combination of ricotta cheese and ripe tomatoes in this effortless pasta dish!
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a tasty twist on a classic Italian dish? Try Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto! Visualize serving up a delicious and nutritious meal packed with flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

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