When it comes to weeknight meals, there’s no denying that pasta is a staple. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – what more could you ask for? But let’s be real, not all pasta dishes are created equal. Some can take hours to prepare, while others require a level of expertise that may leave even the most experienced home cooks feeling overwhelmed.
That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite 20 quick and easy pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, we’ve got you covered with a range of options that cater to all tastes and skill levels.
In the following pages, we’ll be exploring a variety of pasta recipes that can be prepared in no time at all. From creamy garlic parmesan pasta to one-pot tomato basil pasta, there’s something for everyone.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and satisfying recipe that combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan, and cream.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (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 butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in dried basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. When pasta is cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Toss with tomato-basil mixture until well combined.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this bright and citrusy dish that combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich butter.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 4 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet; set aside.
5. Pour in lemon juice, white wine (if using), and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon butter sauce.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with pasta.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or dill.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Quickly transform a weeknight into a flavorful evening with this easy and delicious pasta recipe.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine the pesto and reserved pasta water. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they release their juices and start to soften.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the tomato-pesto mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta
Get ready for a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, earthy mushrooms, and tender pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, linguine)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook until the liquid is almost completely reduced.
5. Combine cooked pasta, mushroom mixture, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Experience the comforting combination of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and tender pasta shells.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Cover the shells with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A classic Italian recipe that’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a staple of Italian cuisine. This spicy and savory dish combines garlic, chili peppers, and olive oil to create a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 4-6 dried red chili flakes
– 1/3 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 the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Add the dried red chili flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and chili flake mixture.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic and chili oil sauce. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caprese Pasta Salad
A classic Italian-inspired pasta salad, Caprese Pasta Salad combines the simplicity of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes with the comfort of al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bow-tie or penne)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the top and toss gently to combine.
4. Add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Avocado Pesto Pasta
Transform your pasta game with this vibrant and nutritious recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the brightness of basil pesto.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for serving
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil leaves, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese to the blender and blend until well combined.
4. When pasta is cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Add the avocado pesto and toss until coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra EVOO for added richness.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
A hearty, flavorful one-pot dish that combines the best of both worlds – pasta and tacos! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, rotini)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
4. Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Stir in cooked pasta, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
6. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Noodles with Broccoli
A classic comfort food dish that combines the richness of garlic butter noodles with the crunch and nutritional benefits of steamed broccoli.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic butter. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with garlic butter and broccoli. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthiness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 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 pasta 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 chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re well coated with the garlic oil.
4. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta, tomato-spinach mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken
This classic comfort food dish is a cinch to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this flavorful and aromatic pasta dish. Lemon, garlic, and butter combine to create a rich and tangy sauce that coats perfectly cooked orzo.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine with the butter mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lemon-garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking liquid.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasta Primavera with Veggies
Experience the flavors of spring with this colorful and delicious pasta dish, featuring a medley of sautéed vegetables and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, snap peas)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 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 directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add mixed veggies and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with vegetable mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring pasta is well coated.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
In just a few minutes, you can enjoy succulent shrimp smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and just cooked through.
4. If using white wine and lemon juice, add them to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato and Basil Penne
This classic Italian dish is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, this recipe yields a deliciously flavorful penne pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
– 2 cups (400ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup (30g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in the chopped basil and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato-basil mixture. Toss to coat, adding grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Mac and Cheese with Bacon
A comforting classic gets a smoky boost from crispy bacon. This simple recipe yields a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy.
4. Add diced bacon to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
5. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Mix well.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown and macaroni is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasta with Garlic Butter Mushrooms and Spinach
This comforting pasta dish is a perfect combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and garlic butter sauce, all tossed together with al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in butter until melted.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with mushroom mixture.
6. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Olive Oil and Herb Spaghetti
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of olive oil with the freshness of herbs, this simple spaghetti recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 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, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti and herb-infused olive oil mixture. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these quick and easy pasta recipes! From creamy garlic parmesan to sun-dried tomato and spinach, there’s something for everyone. Try one-pot wonders like tomato basil pasta or cheesy taco pasta, or go for a lighter option like lemon butter shrimp pasta or caprese pasta salad. With options ranging from classic spaghetti aglio e olio to easy mac and cheese with bacon, you’ll never be stuck in a cooking rut again. These 20 recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in no time!
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