10+ Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Pasta is a versatile dish that can fit any meal or occasion. There are countless easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in a hurry, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Whether you prefer a creamy sauce, a light vinaigrette, or a rich tomato base, you can find a simple recipe that suits your taste.

These easy pasta recipes not only save time, but they can also be made with ingredients you likely already have at home. Cooking pasta can be a fun and delicious way to express your creativity in the kitchen.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some comforting pasta dishes!

1) Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a delightful Sicilian dish. It combines tender eggplant, a rich tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. This pasta recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Start by roasting the eggplant until it’s golden brown. Then, mix it with a herby tomato sauce. Finally, top it with ricotta salata cheese for added flavor.

This dish is not only delicious but also vegetarian. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a hearty meal without meat.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or penne)
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta salata cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
4. Heat the marinara sauce in a pan.
5. Combine the pasta, roasted eggplant, and sauce.
6. Serve topped with ricotta salata and fresh basil.

2) Warm Caprese Pasta

Warm Caprese Pasta is a delightful and simple dish that combines fresh ingredients. You will love how quick it is to prepare. It’s perfect for busy evenings.

To make this dish, start with your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta cooks, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil. Add ripe tomatoes and let them burst in the pan. Toss in fresh mozzarella and basil to create a delicious sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together and enjoy a comforting meal that is both fresh and tasty.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 shallot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
5. Stir in mozzarella and fresh basil.
6. Combine with pasta and season with salt and pepper.

3) Creamy Garlic Spaghetti

Creamy garlic spaghetti is a simple dish that’s full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can have it ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great go-to recipe.

To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. The garlic brings a beautiful aroma, while the cream creates a rich sauce. This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Cooking is easy! Boil the spaghetti, sauté the garlic in butter, and mix it all together with the cream. The pasta absorbs the sauce, making each bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce.
7. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese if desired.

4) One-Pot Veggie Pasta

One-pot veggie pasta is a quick and simple meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it versatile and fun. Just toss everything in one pot, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time!

To make this dish, cook pasta along with chopped veggies like broccoli, zucchini, and peppers. You can add a flavorful sauce to tie it all together. This recipe is not only tasty but also budget-friendly.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in chopped veggies and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add pasta and broth, bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a tasty and quick meal. You can make it with simple ingredients that you might already have at home. This dish uses spaghetti, pancetta or bacon, eggs, and cheese for a creamy sauce.

Cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente. In another pan, cook the pancetta until it’s crispy. Mix the eggs and cheese together in a bowl. Once your pasta is ready, combine it with the pancetta.

Then, add your egg and cheese mixture while the pasta is still hot. This will create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Carbonara!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Pancetta or bacon
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti as per package instructions.
2. In a pan, cook pancetta until crispy.
3. In a bowl, mix eggs and cheese.
4. Combine hot pasta with pancetta.
5. Mix in the egg and cheese mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Baked Ziti with Cheese

Baked ziti with cheese is a comforting and simple dish you can whip up on a busy weeknight. It combines pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese.

To make this meal, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. Drain it and mix it with your sauce of choice. Then, layer the mixture in a baking dish with mozzarella, Parmesan, and maybe some ricotta if you like.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden on top. It usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ziti with marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture.
5. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. If using, add ricotta cheese.
7. Layer the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7) Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with fresh flavors. You will love how the creamy ricotta mixes with the bright taste of lemon.

To make this dish, you only need a few ingredients. The combination of spinach adds a nice touch, making it a bit healthier and colorful. This recipe is ready in about 15 to 30 minutes, so you won’t be waiting long for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Add the ricotta mixture and spinach to the pasta, stirring to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

8) Pesto Genovese Fusilli

Pesto Genovese Fusilli is a simple and delicious pasta dish. The key ingredient is fresh basil pesto, which adds rich flavor. You can make your pesto at home or buy it at the store.

Start by cooking your fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, warm your pesto in a pan over low heat.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the warm pesto. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli pasta
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fusilli pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, warm the pesto over low heat.
3. Drain the pasta and mix it with the pesto.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired.
5. Serve immediately.

9) Buttered Parmesan Noodles

Buttered Parmesan noodles are a quick and delicious meal. They are perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish. You can make this recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta while keeping a bit of the water.

In the same pot, melt butter and add the cooked noodles. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add a bit of pasta water to help the cheese melt smoothly.

These noodles are creamy and full of flavor. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic or herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain pasta and reserve some cooking water.
3. Melt butter in the pot over medium heat.
4. Add cooked noodles to the pot.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a little pasta water.
6. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.
7. Serve hot.

10) Pasta with Winter Greens

Pasta with winter greens is a simple and tasty dish. You can use greens like kale or Swiss chard to add flavor and nutrition. This recipe can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente.

While it cooks, sauté garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant.

Then, add your chopped winter greens and cook until they’re wilted.

Mix the cooked pasta with the greens, adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

For a creamy touch, stir in some cheese or a splash of cream.

Serve it warm for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (like orecchiette or penne)
• 2 cups winter greens (kale, Swiss chard)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in chopped winter greens and cook until wilted.
5. Drain pasta and mix with greens in the pan.
6. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve with grated cheese if desired.