13 Pasta & Rice Dishes That Couldn’t Be Easier to Make

Photo of author

| Published:

13 Pasta & Rice Dishes That Couldn’t Be Easier to Make

Cooking doesn’t always have to be a complex affair with hours spent by the stove, especially on those nights when you’re looking for something uncomplicated yet fulfilling. Pasta and rice dishes are the perfect answer to this dilemma. They offer a comforting meal without demanding much time or effort, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long day.

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

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

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

Who says you can’t whip up something comforting and delicious in no time? Well, Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs is just that. You’ve got the hearty meatballs and tortellini that feel like a hug in a bowl, and honestly, it’s a cinch to put together. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, it proves that a great pasta dish doesn’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Salmon Pasta Salad

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

When the weather gets warmer, you’ll want something on the lighter side, like Salmon Pasta Salad. It’s not just easy to throw together, but it’s also a great way to keep things healthy without sacrificing taste. This pasta salad is a hit for picnics or just a simple, light dinner that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever have those days when you just need to get dinner on the table without a fuss? Chicken Fried Rice is a lifesaver. It’s a fantastic way to turn leftover rice into a whole new delicious meal, and it’s seriously simple to make. With a few common ingredients, you can have a hearty and fulfilling dish that’s perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels a bit indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is the answer. This dish is all about bringing together simple ingredients for a meal that’s both easy to make and totally comforting. It’s ideal for those evenings when you want something special without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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

Looking for a quick and easy meal that still feels like you’ve put some effort into it? Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad has got your back. This dish is not only quick to make but also versatile, so you can throw in whatever veggies you like, making it a great choice for a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Arroz Verde

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

If you’re bored with plain rice, Arroz Verde is a game-changer. This dish adds a pop of color and flavor to your meal, making it anything but ordinary. It’s surprisingly simple to make, which means you can easily add a touch of excitement to your dinner without any extra effort. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight meal or bring something unique to a potluck, this rice dish is a straightforward winner.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

For those times when you’re craving something rich and creamy but don’t want to deal with a complicated recipe, Million Dollar Spaghetti is your go-to. Despite its fancy name, it’s incredibly easy to put together, making it perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself without the fuss. It’s a pasta dish that’s sure to impress, with minimal effort required on your part.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Who said leftovers have to be boring? Certainly not when you have Brisket Fried Rice on the menu. It’s the perfect quick-fix meal that’s both fulfilling and a breeze to throw together, especially on those nights when time isn’t on your side. With its hearty chunks of brisket and simple rice base, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

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.

If you’re looking for a twist on pasta night, Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto might just be your next big hit. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish is a testament to how easy it is to bring a bit of creativity to the table without a lot of hassle. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of stuffed pasta shells on a weeknight?
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever find yourself with a fridge full of bits and pieces that need using up? Ham Fried Rice is the answer to that dilemma. It’s not only quick to whip up but also incredibly flexible, letting you mix in whatever you have on hand. This dish is all about making something utterly delicious from the simplest of ingredients, proving that a straightforward rice dish can be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

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.

Turning a classic favorite into a casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole, is as easy as it is delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a bite. With minimal prep and the oven doing most of the work, it shows just how effortless making a hearty meal for the family can be. Plus, it’s a fun way to shake up traditional Sloppy Joes into something new and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Mediterranean Rice

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

Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, Mediterranean Rice is a simple side that complements any main dish beautifully. It’s your go-to recipe when you need something quick and effortlessly delicious to round off your meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ease with which it comes together, making it perfect for those days when you’re looking for something uncomplicated yet thoroughly enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Spaetzle

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

When you’re in the mood for something a little different but still want the comfort of a pasta dish, Spaetzle is a fantastic choice. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch and offers a pleasing change from the usual pasta or rice. This dish is a nod to the simplicity and comfort found in traditional cooking, showing that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for a meal that’s comforting and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.