15 Simple Pasta Recipes for Quick & Delicious Meals
If you’re looking for simple pasta recipes that are full of flavor but don’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a quick weeknight dinner, these easy pasta dishes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. From creamy classics to light, veggie-packed options, there’s a pasta recipe here for every taste.
Why Simple Pasta Recipes Are a Must-Have
Pasta is one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen. It’s affordable, quick to cook, and endlessly customizable. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious pasta dish in 30 minutes or less. That’s why these simple pasta recipes are perfect for beginners, busy parents, students, or anyone who wants comforting, home-cooked meals without the fuss.
1. Classic Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Garlic (thinly sliced)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
Boil spaghetti until al dente. In a skillet, sauté garlic in butter and olive oil until golden. Toss in the drained pasta and mix with grated Parmesan. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finish.
✅ Ready in 15 minutes. Simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
2. Creamy Tomato Basil Penne
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Cook penne until al dente. In a saucepan, simmer garlic and tomatoes in olive oil. Add cream and stir until smooth. Mix in chopped basil and toss with pasta.
💡 This is a go-to weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet.
3. Lemon Garlic Angel Hair Pasta
Ingredients:
- Angel hair pasta
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Cook pasta and set aside. In a pan, heat olive oil and lightly sauté garlic. Add lemon zest and juice. Toss with the pasta and finish with Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
🍋 Fresh, zesty, and super light – perfect for summer nights.
4. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- Pasta of choice
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
Instructions:
Sauté chopped vegetables in olive oil. Add dry pasta and enough water to cover. Cook uncovered until pasta is done and water is absorbed. Top with Parmesan.
🌱 A colorful, healthy pasta recipe that requires just one pot!
5. Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- Ziti or penne
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Mix cooked pasta with marinara and ricotta. Layer in a baking dish with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
🧀 Comfort food classic that’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
6. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or fusilli
- Basil pesto
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
Instructions:
Boil pasta, drain, and toss with pesto. Sauté halved cherry tomatoes briefly and add to the pasta. Garnish with Parmesan.
🌿 Bright and herbaceous – a crowd-pleaser in under 20 minutes.
7. Tuna Pasta with Capers and Olives
Ingredients:
- Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- Canned tuna
- Garlic
- Capers
- Kalamata olives
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Cook pasta. In a pan, sauté garlic, then stir in tuna, capers, and olives. Toss with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil.
🐟 A pantry-friendly Mediterranean pasta that’s both salty and satisfying.
8. Mushroom Alfredo Linguine
Ingredients:
- Linguine
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
Instructions:
Sauté mushrooms in butter with garlic. Add cream and Parmesan to make a creamy sauce. Toss with linguine.
🍄 Rich, earthy flavors with just a handful of ingredients.
9. Chili Oil Noodles with Soy Sauce
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or ramen noodles
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Red chili flakes or chili oil
- Green onions
Instructions:
Cook noodles. Heat oil with garlic and chili flakes. Pour over noodles and toss with soy sauce and chopped green onions.
🔥 Spicy, salty, and addictive – this recipe has TikTok trending written all over it.
10. Simple Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Flour (for roux)
Instructions:
Make a roux with butter and flour, add milk, then stir in cheese until melted. Combine with cooked macaroni.
🧡 A timeless favorite that kids and adults both love.
11. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Parsley
Instructions:
Sauté shrimp and garlic in olive oil until pink. Toss with cooked pasta, a splash of lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
🦐 Light yet elegant – great for dinner parties or date night.
12. Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Ingredients:
- Rotini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Italian dressing
- Feta cheese
Instructions:
Boil pasta and cool. Toss with chopped veggies, feta, and dressing.
🥗 Perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.
13. Creamy Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine
- Fresh spinach
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Parmesan
Instructions:
Sauté garlic and spinach. Add cream cheese and milk to make a sauce. Stir in fettuccine and Parmesan.
🥬 A creamy and comforting way to sneak in greens.
14. Carbonara with Bacon
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Eggs
- Parmesan
- Bacon or pancetta
- Black pepper
Instructions:
Fry bacon until crisp. Mix eggs and Parmesan in a bowl. Toss hot pasta with bacon and egg mixture quickly off heat to create a creamy sauce.
🥓 No cream needed – traditional and flavorful.
15. Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Ingredients:
- Penne
- Jarred roasted red peppers
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Almond milk or coconut milk
- Nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions:
Blend roasted peppers with garlic and almond milk. Simmer in a pan and toss with cooked pasta. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
🌶️ Creamy, dairy-free, and packed with flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Simple Pasta Recipes
- Salt your pasta water. It’s the key to flavor from the start.
- Reserve pasta water. Add a splash to sauces for perfect consistency.
- Cook al dente. Pasta continues to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for freshness.
Final Thoughts on Simple Pasta Recipes
These simple pasta recipes prove that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or prepping for the week, these dishes offer something for everyone. Keep a few of these recipes in your weekly rotation, and you’ll always have a satisfying solution when dinner time rolls around.
