10+ Pasta Recipes Easy: Quick and Delicious Meals for Everyone

Pasta is a favorite dish for many, and the good news is that making delicious pasta recipes can be surprisingly simple. You can create a range of tasty meals with just a few key ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, easy pasta recipes can fit any occasion.

These recipes are not only quick to prepare, but they also allow for plenty of creativity in the kitchen. With options from classic spaghetti to innovative pasta dishes, you can satisfy any craving with minimal effort.

Enjoy exploring these easy pasta recipes that can make your mealtime both delicious and convenient.

1) Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a flavorful Sicilian dish that combines pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and basil. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. You can enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option.

To make this dish, start by roasting your eggplant until it becomes soft and golden. This step enhances the flavor and adds a nice texture.

Next, cook the pasta of your choice until it’s al dente. Then, toss it with the eggplant and a rich tomato sauce. Finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of ricotta salata for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta
• 1 large eggplant
• 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Ricotta salata cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplant into cubes and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
5. In a large pan, combine the cooked pasta, roasted eggplant, and marinara sauce.
6. Stir in fresh basil and serve topped with ricotta salata.

2) Warm Caprese Pasta

Warm Caprese Pasta is a simple and delicious dish. It combines fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. You can make it quickly, making it perfect for busy days.

To start, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil. Then, add tomatoes and let them heat until they soften.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it into the skillet with the tomatoes. Then, stir in mozzarella and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Pasta (your choice)
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella, cubed
• Fresh basil, to taste
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
4. Mix in the cooked pasta.
5. Stir in mozzarella and basil, then season.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

3) Easy Winter Greens Pasta

This winter greens pasta is a simple dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. The recipe features a mix of winter greens like kale or Swiss chard.

Start by cooking your pasta in salted water. As it cooks, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add the greens and cook until they are wilted.

Combine everything with a splash of vegetable broth and lemon juice for flavor. Finish with your favorite cheese, such as Parmesan or goat cheese. This pasta is creamy, delicious, and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (like penne or orecchiette)
• 2 cups winter greens (kale or Swiss chard)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or goat cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add winter greens and cook until wilted.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and lemon juice, stirring well.
6. Combine pasta with the greens mixture and cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

4) Creamy Garlic Pasta

Creamy garlic pasta is a simple dish that you can whip up in no time. It combines garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy meal at home.

To start, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The sauce is quick to make while the pasta cooks, so everything is ready together. You’ll love how easy and satisfying this dish is.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

5) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and delicious. It can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

You’ll need spaghetti, which is mixed with a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese. The dish gets its flavor from crispy pancetta or bacon.

This meal is comfort food at its best. You can prepare it with just a few ingredients you may already have at home.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 8 pieces thick-cut bacon or pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and cheese together.
4. Drain spaghetti, then quickly mix with bacon and the egg mixture.
5. Add salt and pepper. Serve hot. Enjoy!

6) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic pasta dish that’s easy to make and always fills hungry bellies. It combines pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce for a comforting meal. You can use different types of cheese to make it just how you like.

For a tasty variation, add ground beef or Italian sausage. You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, cook the ground beef until browned, if using.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

7) Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic pasta dish that is simple and satisfying. You can layer pasta with meat, cheese, and sauce for a hearty meal.

You can use different types of meat, like ground beef or sausage. Even a vegetable lasagna works well if you prefer.

For the cheese, ricotta and mozzarella are popular choices. Topping it all with some Parmesan adds a nice touch.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and some salt.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat, and mozzarella.
7. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

8) One-Pot Veggie Pasta

One-Pot Veggie Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it flexible and friendly for your pantry.

Start by heating some oil in a large pot. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they’re soft. Then, toss in your choice of veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.

Next, add pasta, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked. Stir in some cheese for extra flavor if you like.

Remember, this dish can be ready in about 20 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 8 ounces pasta
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add pasta and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Stir in cheese if desired and serve.

9) Homemade Fresh Pasta

Making your own fresh pasta is simple and fun. You only need a few ingredients, and the results are delicious.

Start with flour, eggs, and a little olive oil.

To make the dough, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Mix until it forms a rough dough.

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface. Let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is important for the gluten to develop.

After resting, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. You can cut it into different shapes like fettuccine or tagliatelle.

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine flour, eggs, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
4. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to your liking.
6. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes.

10) Butter-Parsley Noodles

Butter-parsley noodles are a quick and tasty dish that takes just minutes to prepare. You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe.

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente.

While it cooks, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the melted butter. Toss in freshly chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.

This simple dish is perfect as a side or a light meal. Enjoy your buttery, flavorful noodles!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (your choice)
• 4 Tbsp (55 g) butter
• 1/4 cup (15 g) finely chopped parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the butter.
4. Toss in parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!