5 Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick Dinners

Are you in a rush but still want to cook up a storm in the kitchen? Nothing spells convenience and comfort like a quick pasta dish. Pasta meals are not only easy to whip up, but they're also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create something delicious with minimal ingredients. Here are five straightforward pasta recipes perfect for those weeknight dinners when time is at a premium.

1. Classic Aglio e Olio

This timeless Italian dish, which translates to “garlic and oil,” is the epitome of simplicity.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Red chili flakes, to taste
• Parsley, finely chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
• Salt, to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic slices, being careful not to burn them.
3. Once the garlic is golden, sprinkle in the chili flakes.
4. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
5. Add the pasta directly into the pan with garlic and oil, tossing to coat.
6. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
7. Season with salt, sprinkle with parsley, and if you like, a touch of Parmesan.

🔔 Note: Be careful not to overcook the pasta to preserve its texture.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Rigatoni

This dish combines the richness of cream with the freshness of basil, creating a delightful dinner that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g rigatoni
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken.
4. Add in torn basil leaves, season with salt and pepper, and combine with the cooked pasta.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Pesto Penne with Spinach

Pesto delivers a burst of herbaceous flavor, and with the addition of spinach, you get a quick, green, and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g penne
• 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought or homemade pesto
• 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Boil penne pasta until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, heat the pesto in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Combine the pasta with the pesto mixture, add a splash of pasta water if needed, and season to taste.
5. Top with Parmesan before serving.

4. Sausage and Pepper Fusilli

Looking for a heartier dish? Try this flavorful combination of sausage, peppers, and fusilli.

Ingredients:

• 200g fusilli
• 2 sausages (spicy Italian or chorizo), sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup of tomato passata or marinara sauce
• Basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned, then set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
4. Add the tomato passata, combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Return the sausage to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add some basil for freshness.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a dusting of Parmesan.

5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine

A light, zesty pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick gourmet meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g linguine
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Cook linguine to al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add shrimp, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking until shrimp turns pink.
4. Add the pasta to the skillet, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss everything to coat.
5. Finish with fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

In this collection of pasta recipes, we've explored five simple yet delectable dishes that promise to bring comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. From the straightforward elegance of Aglio e Olio to the zesty delight of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine, these recipes utilize basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge, making them accessible for a spontaneous dinner. Not only do they save you time in the kitchen, but they also provide a range of flavors and textures, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're a novice cook or just looking for a quick fix after a long day, these pasta dishes will not disappoint. Enjoy the journey of flavors with these straightforward yet flavorful meals!