10+ Simple Pasta Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Pasta is a versatile and beloved dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to impress guests, there are plenty of simple recipes to explore.

These easy pasta recipes will help you whip up delightful meals that suit any occasion or mood.

From classic dishes to fresh takes, you can create something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll find that making pasta can be both fun and satisfying.

Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of pasta made your way!

1) Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that’s both simple and delicious. This recipe features roasted eggplant, marinara sauce, and fresh basil. It’s a great choice for a comforting meal.

To make it, start by roasting the eggplant until it’s tender. Then, cook your pasta according to the package directions.

Combine the roasted eggplant with the marinara sauce in a pan. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, and top it off with fresh basil and ricotta salata cheese for a tasty finish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 12 ounces pasta (preferably rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup ricotta salata cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the eggplant into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the eggplant for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
5. In a pan, combine roasted eggplant and marinara sauce.
6. Toss in cooked pasta and mix well.
7. Serve topped with fresh basil and ricotta salata cheese.

2) Warm Caprese Pasta

Warm Caprese Pasta is a tasty and easy dish to prepare. It combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil for a delightful Italian flavor. You can make this meal in about 15 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.

In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Let the cheese melt slightly. Finish by adding fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (280 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, diced
• Fresh basil leaves, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Drain the pasta and combine it with the tomato mixture.
6. Add diced mozzarella and stir until melted.
7. Mix in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve warm.

3) Easy Pasta with Winter Greens

This dish is quick and simple, perfect for a busy day. You’ll enjoy a fresh, tasty meal featuring winter greens like kale and Swiss chard. Add garlic, lemon, and Parmesan for extra flavor.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need pasta, olive oil, garlic, vegetable stock, and your choice of greens.

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente.

In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil and add the greens until they wilt.

Next, combine the pasta with the greens and pour in the vegetable stock. Squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan. Stir everything together and let it heat through.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups winter greens (kale, Swiss chard)
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add winter greens and cook until wilted.
4. Mix in cooked pasta and vegetable stock.
5. Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Stir well and serve hot.

4) Buttered Noodles with Parmesan

Buttered noodles with Parmesan are a super easy and quick dish to make. You can whip this up as a main meal or a tasty side.

Start with your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s tender.

While the noodles are cooking, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat.

Once the noodles are ready, drain them and toss them in the pan with the melted butter. Add grated Parmesan cheese, and mix until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a little extra flavor, you can add garlic or fresh herbs. Enjoy your comforting bowl of buttered noodles!

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta as directed on the package.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Drain the pasta, then add it to the pan.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Lemon-Infused Garlic Penne

Lemon-Infused Garlic Penne is a bright and simple dish that you can whip up in no time. The fresh lemon juice paired with garlic creates a light yet flavorful sauce.

Start by cooking penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the cooked pasta.

Next, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to mix. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if you like.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain pasta and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pan.
6. Squeeze in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss well and serve with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

6) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and tasty Italian dish. You can make this recipe using just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

For this dish, you will need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. These ingredients combine to create a delicious flavor.

Start by cooking the spaghetti until it is al dente. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan and add sliced garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden, then add the chili flakes.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it in the garlic oil. Make sure the spaghetti is well-coated for the best taste. You can add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor if you like.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Chili flakes
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in chili flakes.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti in the garlic oil.
6. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

7) Creamy Garlic Pasta

Creamy garlic pasta is a delicious and simple dish you can make in just a few minutes. It combines pasta with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce that will please everyone at the table.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While it’s boiling, melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant.

Next, add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce. Stir in some seasoning to enhance the flavors.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce until everything is well coated.

You can also top it with herbs or extra cheese for additional taste. Enjoy this quick and comforting meal anytime!

Ingredients

• 200g pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, chili flakes, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and seasonings.
6. Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

8) Basil Almond Pesto Spaghetti

Basil almond pesto spaghetti is a quick and tasty meal. You can enjoy it any day of the week. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home.

To make the pesto, blend fresh basil, almonds, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. This combination gives your pasta a fresh and nutty flavor.

Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.

Mix the cooked pasta with the pesto. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Garnish with a few basil leaves and serve warm.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup raw almonds
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine basil, almonds, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Mix the pesto with cooked spaghetti.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve warm with basil leaves on top.

9) Peanut Butter Sriracha Noodles

Peanut Butter Sriracha Noodles are a fun and quick meal. They bring together creamy peanut butter and spicy Sriracha for a tasty twist.

You can make this dish in just 20 minutes. Start by cooking your favorite noodles according to the package instructions. Brown rice noodles work well for this recipe.

While the noodles cook, mix peanut butter, Sriracha, and a bit of soy sauce. This will create a smooth sauce.

Once the noodles are ready, toss them in the sauce until coated.

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch. Garnish with chopped green onions or peanuts if you like.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces noodles (like brown rice noodles)
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, Sriracha, and soy sauce.
3. Drain the noodles and toss with the sauce.
4. Add vegetables if desired and serve warm.

10) One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a quick and easy meal. You can make it all in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a family favorite.

Start by heating some oil in the pot and browning your chicken. Next, add garlic for flavor.

Then, pour in broth, cream, and pasta. Bring it to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender.

Finally, stir in parmesan cheese to make the sauce creamy and rich. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add heavy cream and pasta.
6. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.