10+ Easy Pasta Dish Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Pasta dishes are a favorite in many homes because they are quick to prepare and delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a simple dinner idea, easy pasta recipes can save you time while still pleasing your taste buds.

From creamy sauces to light, fresh toppings, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or even gatherings with friends. You’ll find that a delightful pasta dish can be made without a lot of fuss, making it a go-to option for any occasion.

1) Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple and delicious meal. It combines fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil with a rich cream sauce. You can make it quickly, perfect for busy nights.

Start with some pasta of your choice. Cook it according to the package directions. In a separate pan, make the creamy sauce with tomatoes and basil.

This dish is tasty any time of the year but shines with summer’s fresh ingredients. You can serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 225 grams) pasta
• 2 cups (about 300 grams) fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (about 50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (about 10 grams) fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook pasta until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat heavy cream over medium heat.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
5. Mix in cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Lemon Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is a quick and delicious meal. With fresh shrimp and a tangy lemon sauce, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. You can have it ready in just 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions. While it cooks, prepare the shrimp in a pan with butter, garlic, and lemon juice.

Once the shrimp turn pink, add the cooked spaghetti and some parsley for flavor. Toss everything together, and you’ll enjoy a bright and tasty dish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
6. Toss in spaghetti and parsley.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

3) One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious meal you can make in just one pot. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and cheese with tender pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

You start by cooking pasta in a creamy sauce made from butter, garlic, and chicken broth. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about washing multiple pans. In about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a warm bowl of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces fettuccine (or pasta of your choice)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and milk, then bring to a boil.
4. Add fettuccine and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and salt until creamy.

4) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and tasty Italian dish. It features just a few ingredients you probably already have at home. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes!

The main ingredients are pasta, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. This dish is quick and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeling a bit lazy.

You can add Parmesan cheese if you like cheese on your pasta. It enhances the flavor and makes it even more delicious!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti (12 ounces)
• Garlic (4 cloves, sliced)
• Olive oil (½ cup)
• Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
5. Drain spaghetti and add to the pan, mixing well.
6. Season with salt and garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

5) Peanut Butter Noodles

Peanut butter noodles are a tasty and quick meal. They are creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. You can have them ready in about 15 to 20 minutes.

To make this dish, you’ll start with your favorite noodles. Udon noodles work well, but you can use any type you like. The peanut butter sauce gives them a rich flavor.

For a vegan option, you can find recipes that skip animal products. Just make sure to use vegetable broth or water. These noodles are not only easy to prepare but also pack a punch in taste!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of noodles (like Udon)
• ½ cup of vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons of minced fresh ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the broth, soy sauce, and peanut butter over medium heat.
3. Stir until smooth and add the cooked noodles.
4. Mix in the ginger and serve hot.

6) Classic Mac and Cheese

Classic mac and cheese is a comforting dish loved by many. It combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta. You can prepare it on the stovetop or bake it for a golden top.

For the stovetop version, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. In a separate pot, make the cheese sauce by melting butter and mixing in flour. Gradually add milk and cheese for a smooth blend.

If you prefer the baked version, stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Transfer everything to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes.
2. In another pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
5. Add cheese, stirring until melted.
6. Combine pasta with cheese sauce.
7. For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

7) Pasta with Pesto Sauce

Pasta with pesto sauce is a quick and delicious dish. It combines fresh flavors and only uses a few ingredients. You can enjoy this meal in about 20 minutes!

To make pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time.

Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and mix it with the pesto sauce.

Add extra cheese or cherry tomatoes for more flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add olive oil and blend until smooth.
4. Drain the pasta and mix it with the pesto sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

8) Carbonara with Bacon

Carbonara with bacon is a simple and delicious pasta dish. You will enjoy the creamy texture along with the salty taste of crispy bacon. It’s quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To make it, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, fry the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl to create a creamy sauce.

Once the pasta is done, combine it with the bacon. Then, add the egg and cheese mixture while the pasta is still hot. This will help create a smooth sauce.

Be sure to serve it right away for the best flavor!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or another long pasta
• Bacon or pancetta
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water.
2. Fry bacon until crispy.
3. Whisk eggs and mix in Parmesan.
4. Drain pasta and combine with bacon.
5. Stir in egg mixture and serve immediately.

9) Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious and easy pasta dish to make. The shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach. Topped with marinara sauce, they are baked until bubbly and golden.

You can find jumbo pasta shells at most grocery stores. This dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, egg, and seasonings.
4. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining marinara over the shells.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

10) Easy Alfredo Pasta

Easy Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and delicious dish you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests. The rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a favorite for many.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. You can use different types of pasta, but fettuccine or linguini works best.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguini)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente following the package instructions.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in milk and heavy cream. Cook until warm.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot.