On This Page Show
I love sharing easy pasta dinner recipes that can be whipped up quickly on busy weeknights. Pasta is such a versatile ingredient that lends itself to countless delicious combinations. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create satisfying meals the whole family will enjoy.
These 17 yummy pasta dinner recipes are perfect for those nights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. I’ve gathered some of my favorite quick and easy pasta dishes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. From creamy sauces to zesty flavors, there’s a pasta recipe here to please every palate.
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish I love. It’s creamy and rich, with crispy bits of pancetta. The sauce is made from eggs and cheese, coating the pasta perfectly.
I can whip this up in just 25 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s simple but so tasty!
Get the Spaghetti Carbonara recipe.
2. Pesto Genovese with Linguine
I love making Pesto Genovese with linguine for a quick and tasty dinner. I blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create the pesto sauce.
I cook the linguine until al dente, then toss it with the pesto. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Pesto Genovese with Linguine recipe.
3. Tuscan Chicken Pasta
I love making Tuscan chicken pasta for a quick and tasty dinner. It combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce with Italian flavors.
The dish gets its name from the Tuscan-inspired ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s easy to make in about 30 minutes.
Get the Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.
4. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
I love making shrimp alfredo pasta for a quick and tasty dinner. It’s creamy, indulgent, and satisfying.
To make it, I cook fettuccine and prepare a butter and garlic sauce. Then I add heavy cream and simmer it.
I toss in cooked shrimp and the pasta, coating everything in the rich alfredo sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and parsley finishes it off perfectly.
Get the Shrimp Alfredo Pasta recipe.
5. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
I love making this tasty pasta dish. It’s quick and easy. I start by cooking chicken breast with Cajun seasoning. Then I add peppers, mushrooms, and green onions to the pan.
I mix in cooked pasta and heavy cream. The result is a creamy, spicy meal that’s ready fast. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something flavorful.
Get the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
6. Baked Ziti with Sausage
I love making baked ziti with sausage for a hearty pasta dinner. It’s easy to put together and always satisfies.
I start by cooking ziti pasta and browning Italian sausage. Then I mix the pasta with a tomato sauce and layer it with ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
After baking until bubbly, it comes out of the oven cheesy and delicious. The sausage adds great flavor to this comforting pasta dish.
Get the Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe.
7. Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff is a tasty pasta dish I love to make. It’s creamy and satisfying without meat. I sauté mushrooms and onions in butter, then add garlic and thyme for flavor.
A sauce of sour cream and broth coats the pasta perfectly. It’s quick to prepare and very comforting.
Get the Mushroom Stroganoff recipe.
8. Four Cheese Ravioli
Four cheese ravioli is one of my favorite pasta dishes. I love how the rich, creamy filling combines four delicious cheeses.
The typical cheeses used are ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mascarpone. This mix creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
I find four cheese ravioli tastes great with a simple sauce like garlic and olive oil or sage butter. It’s an easy yet impressive meal for pasta night.
Get the Four Cheese Ravioli recipe.
9. Beef Ragu Pappardelle
I love making beef ragu pappardelle for a hearty dinner. I start by browning chuck roast pieces in a Dutch oven. Then I add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
I pour in some red wine and let it simmer low and slow. The meat gets tender and falls apart. I shred it and mix it back into the rich sauce.
I serve the ragu over wide pappardelle noodles. A sprinkle of parmesan finishes it off perfectly.
Get the Beef Ragu Pappardelle recipe.
10. Lemon Garlic Pasta with Asparagus
I love this bright and zesty pasta dish. It’s quick to make on busy weeknights. I start by cooking spaghetti until al dente.
While the pasta boils, I sauté chopped asparagus in olive oil with minced garlic. I add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy kick.
I toss the cooked pasta with the asparagus mixture and some reserved pasta water. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes it off perfectly.
Get the Lemon Garlic Pasta with Asparagus recipe.
11. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
I love making spinach and ricotta stuffed shells for a comforting pasta dinner. To prepare this dish, I cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, I mix ricotta cheese with cooked spinach, garlic, and seasonings. I stuff each shell with the creamy filling.
I arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Then I bake until hot and bubbly.
Get the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe.
12. Pumpkin Sage Penne
I love making this comforting pasta dish in the fall. I start by cooking penne until al dente. While it boils, I prepare a creamy sauce with pumpkin, sage, and a touch of cream.
I toss the cooked pasta with the velvety pumpkin sauce. The sage adds a wonderful earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet pumpkin.
Get the Pumpkin Sage Penne recipe.
13. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish I love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting. The sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
I cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente. Then I toss it with the rich Alfredo sauce. It’s simple but delicious.
Get the Fettuccine Alfredo recipe.
14. Pasta Primavera
I love making pasta primavera for a quick and tasty dinner. It’s a colorful dish with penne pasta and fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. I toss everything in a light cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and always hits the spot.
Get the Pasta Primavera recipe.
15. Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta
I love this tasty pasta dish. It combines tangy sundried tomatoes with creamy pesto sauce. The mix of flavors is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I recommend using penne pasta for this recipe. It holds the sauce well and has a nice bite.
Get the Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta recipe.
16. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
I love this quick and tasty pasta dish. It combines juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce.
The pasta soaks up all the flavors. I like to use fettuccine, but any long pasta works well.
It’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The garlic and butter create a mouthwatering aroma as it cooks.
Get the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe.
17. Chicken Pesto Penne
I love making chicken pesto penne for a quick and tasty dinner. I start by cooking penne pasta until it’s al dente. Then I mix in cooked chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and some grated Parmesan cheese. It’s simple but so delicious.
