Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes every weeknight? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 quick and easy pasta recipes that are perfect for busy evenings. From classic combinations like cream sauce and garlic parmesan to innovative twists like one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. And the best part? They’re all quick, easy, and delicious, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that can be ready in no time.
So go ahead and get cooking! Which of these 20 pasta recipes will you try first?
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the garlic mixture and whisk together to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta, creamy sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella
This classic Italian recipe combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes, sweet basil, and creamy mozzarella to create a deliciously simple pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices and start to soften.
3. Stir in chopped basil leaves and cook for an additional minute.
4. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with tomato-basil mixture. Toss to combine.
5. Top pasta with grated mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this quick and easy one-pot pasta dish, featuring succulent shrimp, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour in lemon juice, white wine (if using), and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add cooked pasta back into the pot, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
A classic Italian dish gets a boost with this simplified recipe that requires only five ingredients and minimal effort. Get ready to satisfy your pasta cravings!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
3. In a large skillet, combine pesto sauce and reserved pasta water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and well combined.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they release their juices.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti with the pesto-tomato mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Alfredo Fettuccine
A creamy and rich Italian-inspired dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until slightly golden.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the saucepan, tossing to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A classic Italian recipe that combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the bold flavors of garlic, chili peppers, and olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 2-3 dried red chili flakes
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.
4. Add the dried red chili flakes and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
20-Minute Pasta Primavera
Get ready for a flavorful and healthy pasta dish that’s perfect for a busy day! This 20-minute recipe combines the freshness of spring vegetables with the comfort of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne, or fusilli)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed spring vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. If using wine and broth, add to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Drain cooked pasta and add to the skillet with vegetable mixture. Toss to combine.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
This classic Italian-inspired pasta salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional Caprese salad, featuring tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bowtie, penne, or rotini)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
– 2 tsp. chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
3. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to break up the pasta or tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner with this creamy, flavorful One-Pan Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta recipe.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning (about 5 minutes).
4. Pour in white wine and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Stir in cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lazy Carbonara with Bacon and Peas
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe is a twist on the classic Italian carbonara, adding sweet peas and crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the frozen peas to the same skillet and cook until thawed and tender.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti, bacon, and peas to the egg mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A classic Italian dish gets a delicious twist with the addition of spinach and ricotta cheese. This creamy, savory recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the shells and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Quick Tuna Pasta with Lemon and Capers
Quick Tuna Pasta with Lemon and Capers
A flavorful and refreshing pasta dish that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines the simplicity of canned tuna with the brightness of lemon, garlic, and capers for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or spaghetti work well)
– 1 can (5 oz.) tuna in water, drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add tuna, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
4. Combine cooked pasta with the tuna mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious pasta dish that combines the flavors of tacos with a comforting bowl of noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, macaroni)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add diced tomatoes, peas and carrots, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in cooked pasta, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly (about 5-7 minutes).
7. Serve hot, with optional toppings of your choice.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Impress your family with this quick and flavorful seafood dish, packed with succulent shrimp smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to reduce the sauce slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Simple Tomato and Basil Spaghetti
A classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, this spaghetti recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in chopped basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti and tomato-basil mixture. Toss well to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
White Wine Garlic Pasta with Spinach
Elevate your pasta game with this light and flavorful dish that combines the richness of white wine, garlic, and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine and stir to combine with garlic. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until reduced slightly.
4. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta, garlic-spinach mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
A creamy and satisfying casserole that combines cooked chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
Quickly elevate your pasta game with this creamy and nutritious recipe, featuring ripe avocados and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add diced avocado to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
5. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the creamy avocado mixture. Toss until well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this one-pot spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup spaghetti
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, spaghetti, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
4. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta
A creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed pasta dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Pour heavy cream into the cheese mixture and stir until combined.
5. Drain cooked pasta and add to the cheesy sauce. Toss until coated.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Get a weeknight dinner on the table quickly with these easy pasta recipes! From creamy garlic parmesan to one-pot lemon garlic shrimp, there’s something for everyone. Try 5-ingredient pesto pasta or lazy carbonara with bacon and peas. Or go all out with stuffed shells or cheesy taco pasta. With prep times under 20 minutes, you’ll have more time to relax after a long day. Get the recipes now!