You don’t need to spend a long time making a sauce or have a sink full of pans to have a pasta night. Using some trusted pantry staples, you can create meals that feel complete without consuming your entire evening. The following recipes use smart shortcuts, including one-pan techniques, fast sauces, and ingredients that serve multiple purposes. Choose a few to keep on rotation, and you’re set for busy evenings.
Contents
- 1) Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
- 2) Marinara Spaghetti
- 3) Creamy Tomato Pasta
- 4) Lemon Butter Linguine
- 5) Cacio E Pepe
- 6) Pasta Al Limone
- 7) Pesto Penne
- 8) Pesto Chicken Pasta
- 9) Sage Ravioli
- 10) Sausage And Peppers Pasta
- 11) Bolognese Meat Sauce
- 12) Tuna Pasta
- 13) Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- 14) Pasta Primavera
- 15) Broccoli Orecchiette
- 16) Spinach Ricotta Pasta
- 17) Carbonara
- 18) Baked Feta Pasta
- 19) Pasta With Vodka Sauce
- 20) Mushroom Pasta
- 21) Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- 22) Arrabbiata Pasta
- 23) Mac And Cheese
- 24) Chicken Alfredo
- 25) Garlic Butter Noodles
- 26) Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
- 27) Greek Orzo
- 28) Lasagna Soup
- 29) Pasta With Meatballs
- 30) Taco Pasta
1) Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
This classic contains only a few ingredients, but it can really taste like a genuine dinner instead of being just a fallback option. As the pasta cooks, lightly heat some sliced garlic in olive oil until it becomes a light golden color, and then stir in a small amount of red pepper flakes. Mix everything up with a little bit of the pasta water to help the sauce stick. If desired, garnish with a touch of grated Parmesan and parsley.
2) Marinara Spaghetti
A quick marinara sauce is friendly for weeknight cooking while still tasting fresh. Sauté some onions and garlic, add crushed tomatoes, and let it bubble while the pasta cooks. If necessary, a little bit of sugar (about one small spoon) and a little bit of salt can help to sort of balance the acidity. For a clean, herby finish, add the basil last.
3) Creamy Tomato Pasta
Because you only have to wash one pot, you can keep the sauce nice and creamy. Cook pasta right in the mixture of broth (or water) and crushed tomatoes, and stir often until the pasta is tender. For that rosy, comforting texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end. It is great with spinach added in to wilt right before serving.
4) Lemon Butter Linguine
This item is light and bright, and even more surprisingly, filling. Melt the butter and combine it with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the mixture with the hot pasta and add a bit of the pasta water to give it a glossy appearance. Parmesan gives the sauce a richer texture than it actually is. If you’d like some greens without the hassle, consider adding peas or arugula.
5) Cacio E Pepe
Cacio e pepe may be simple, but it rewards those who pay a bit of attention. The finely grated Pecorino Romano forms a creamy cheese sauce without cream when it melts into the hot pasta and pasta water. The key is to keep the heat low when mixing so that the cheese doesn’t clump. The point is to use plenty of black pepper, so be generous.
6) Pasta Al Limone
Although it seems fancy enough for a dinner party, it comes together quickly. Sauté shrimp just until cooked through with olive oil or butter and garlic, then set aside. Combine the pasta with lemon, butter and a little pasta water, then fold the shrimp back in. It will stay fresher if you add a bit of chopped parsley.
7) Pesto Penne
On nights when you are not up to dealing with a sauce pan, pesto pasta is a blessing. Instead of hard cooking it, warm the pesto by tossing it with hot pasta and a little bit of pasta water. For additional sweetness and color, incorporate halved cherry tomatoes or steamed green beans. It’s easy to add if you have rotisserie chicken.
8) Pesto Chicken Pasta
This is great for using leftover cooked chicken. Add pesto to your cream sauce (or half-and-half) and let it thicken for a minute. Toss until everything is coated and heated through. Top with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to add freshness.
9) Sage Ravioli
Combine store-bought ravioli with brown butter for a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant, but takes almost no work. While browning the butter in the skillet until it smells nutty, cook the ravioli and crisp some sage leaves. Carefully toss the ravioli in the sauce so that they do not tear. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
10) Sausage And Peppers Pasta
Italian sausage brings big flavor without a long ingredient list. After browning the sausage, sauté sliced peppers and onions in the sausage drippings until the onions are soft. While the pasta is cooking, add a jar of marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and let it simmer for a bit. Combine them and let sit for one minute for the sauce to really cling to the noodles.
11) Bolognese Meat Sauce
While this is not a ragù that has been cooking for hours, it does provide a similar satisfaction for a weeknight meal. Brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the onion and garlic, then add tomato paste for more depth of flavor. Pour in crushed tomatoes and let them bubble while the pasta finishes cooking. Adding a bit of milk will soften the sauce and create a more rounded flavor.
12) Tuna Pasta
With just a few extra ingredients, canned tuna can be made into a delicious meal in no time. Heat olive oil along with the garlic, then add the tuna and capers and heat through. Combine with pasta, lemon zest, and a little bit of pasta water to bring it together. It is salty, bright, and great with any side salad.
13) Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This is like a warm hug in a bowl, and it takes no time at all to make. To create a simple sauce, first simmer garlic with butter, then add in cream (or half-and-half) along with some Parmesan. Add a bit of pasta water to the sauce so that it stays smooth and coats every strand of pasta evenly. To maintain the glossiness, serve right away.
14) Pasta Primavera
Primavera’s flexibility make it perfect for cleaning out the crips drawer. Since veggies can vary in cooking times, start with the quick-cooking ones and add the more tender vegetables towards the end so that they don’t turn squishy. Add in a little butter or olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Parmesan integrates everything without adding weight.
15) Broccoli Orecchiette
Broccoli and pasta time well together as cooking partners. During the last few minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli to the same pot. After that, drain the broccoli and pasta, but reserve some of the water. Mix everything with garlicky olive oil and enough pasta water to make it saucy. A little bit of Pecorino or Parmesan is a nice touch.
16) Spinach Ricotta Pasta
This is creamy without requiring an entire cream sauce. For a quick, tangy coating, stir ricotta with a bit of pasta water, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add the spinach to the hot pasta so that it wilts, and then mix in the ricotta. It’s particularly great with shells and penne that capture the sauce.
17) Carbonara
The creaminess in traditional carbonara comes from eggs and cheese, never cream. Crisp up some pancetta or guanciale (bacon will work in a pinch), then combine with hot pasta, the egg mixture, and cheese (off the heat). If you keep everything in motion, the residual warmth creates a silky sauce. Add a lot of black pepper since it is one of the points.
18) Baked Feta Pasta
This is the lazy pasta that practically prepares its own sauce. Until everything is soft and jammy, roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil and a block of feta. Mix to create a creamy and tangy sauce, then combine with hot pasta. If you want more of a kick, add garlic or red pepper flakes.
19) Pasta With Vodka Sauce
Although vodka sauce may seem fancy, it’s actually an easy recipe to make. Sauté tomato paste and garlic in olive oil or butter, then add a splash of vodka and simmer for a bit. Add the cream so that it becomes a smooth coral color and toss with the pasta. The sauce fits perfectly inside the tubes of rigatoni which makes it ideal.
20) Mushroom Pasta
Mushrooms add a rich and complex taste that elevates a basic pasta dish to another level. Sear them thoroughly in the skillet so they gain color and reduce their moisture content. Add garlic toward the end so it doesn’t burn. After that, combine it with the pasta and a little bit of the pasta water. Here, a bit of thyme or Parmesan cheese works well.
21) Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomatoes carry a lot of both flavor and color. Sauté the garlic, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and then add cream (or half-and-half) to create a quick sauce. If you want something green, toss in a handful of spinach. This is great with chicken but can stand on its own too.
22) Arrabbiata Pasta
Arrabbiata is for nights when you want your dinner to have a bit of an attitude. Heat olive oil and cook garlic, then stir in crushed red pepper flakes and pour in tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly. Add the chopped parsley at the end for a touch of freshness. Some people may choose not to include cheese, so please keep it as an option.
23) Mac And Cheese
Stovetop mac and cheese is fast, comforting, and easy to customize. Create a basic roux using butter and flour, then whisk in milk, adding shredded cheese and stirring until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and season with salt and a bit of mustard powder if you want. For an easy upgrade, consider adding peas or broccoli.
24) Chicken Alfredo
While still hitting all the right notes, this is a streamlined version of the Alfredo. For a quicker option, you could sauté chicken cutlets or use leftover cooked chicken. Start by simmering the butter and cream together, then incorporate parmesan cheese to thicken, and add pepper to season. For the smoothest sauce, toss with fettuccine and serve right away.
25) Garlic Butter Noodles
There are moments when you want something simple, but done right. Combine hot noodles with butter, some minced garlic, and a sufficient amount of pasta water to achieve a glossy finish. Sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese and let it melt for a light and savory coating. It’s a great base to add peas, shrimp, or a fried egg.
26) Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This sauce is quick and easy for weeknight meals thanks to jarred roasted red peppers. For a silkier texture, blend the peppers with garlic, olive oil, and a bit of cream or yogurt. Warm it gently and toss it with the pasta and parmesan. Being naturally sweet, it pairs excellently with spicy sausage, too.
27) Greek Orzo
Orzo has the texture of both pasta and rice and cooks quickly. At the end, add the wilted spinach, then for a creamy texture and flavor, include crumbled feta. Freshness and brightness comes from a lemon squeeze. You can have this as a main meal, or with grilled chicken.
28) Lasagna Soup
You can enjoy the taste of lasagna with all the layers of ingredients in the soup. Brown the ground meat with the onions and garlic, then simmer with the tomatoes and broth. Include broken lasagna noodles (or any pasta) and cook until soft. Serve with a dollop of ricotta and a dusting of mozzarella or Parmesan.
29) Pasta With Meatballs
This is an intelligent method of converting store bought meatballs into a dependable dinner. Gently cook the meatballs in marinara until they’re fully heated so they absorb the flavor. Lightly mix the sauce with the pasta and then add meatballs. To balance it out you might want to consider adding a simple salad along with some extra parmesan.
30) Taco Pasta
Taco pasta is easy and comforting, as well as kid friendly. Brown ground beef with taco seasoning, then simmer with pasta and broth until the noodles are tender. Mix in the cheese for a thick and cheesy sauce. You can top it with crushed tortilla chips, chopped tomatoes or a spoon of sour cream.
