5 Quick Pasta Recipes for Busy Cooks

In today's fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, the challenge of preparing quick yet delicious meals can often loom large for busy cooks. Pasta, a staple in many households for its versatility and ease of cooking, comes to the rescue with its ability to transform into a myriad of quick and scrumptious dishes. Here, we explore five quick pasta recipes designed for those who are short on time but unwilling to compromise on flavor or quality.

Recipe 1: One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

This one-pot wonder not only saves you cleaning time but also packs a punch with its vibrant flavors:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the spaghetti, tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, oregano, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
3. Remove from heat, stir in the fresh basil, and let it sit for a couple of minutes for flavors to meld. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

🔔 Note: Using dried herbs can save prep time and still give a delicious result.

Recipe 2: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both quick and elegant, this lemon garlic shrimp pasta is the answer:

• 8 oz linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp, cooking until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture, serve with a dusting of Parmesan.

Recipe 3: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepped in advance for an even quicker meal:

• 12-14 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded (divided)
• 1 egg
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta shells to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. Mix ricotta, ¹⁄₂ cup mozzarella, egg, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recipe 4: Creamy Pesto Pasta

With just a few ingredients, this creamy pesto pasta is a fast track to gourmet dining:

• 8 oz fusilli or similar pasta
• ¹⁄₄ cup basil pesto
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
2. In the same pot or a large skillet, warm pesto and cream over low heat. Add in Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce, adjust consistency with pasta water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan before serving.

Recipe 5: Tuna and Capers Spaghetti

For a taste of the sea without much fuss, this tuna and capers spaghetti is delightful:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained
• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as per instructions, reserving ¹⁄₂ cup of pasta water.
2. In a skillet, sauté shallot and garlic in some olive oil from the tuna can. Add capers and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tuna, lemon zest, and juice. Add red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Toss pasta with tuna mixture, using reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

These five pasta recipes showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create quick, delicious, and surprisingly sophisticated meals. By embracing these recipes, you not only save time but also indulge in a variety of flavors without the need for elaborate cooking techniques or extensive ingredient lists. Let these dishes become your go-to when time is short, but the desire for a homemade meal is strong.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for these recipes?

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Yes, you can easily substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to cook it according to the package instructions as cooking times can vary.

How can I make these recipes vegetarian?

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Most of these recipes are already adaptable for vegetarians. Substitute the shrimp with tofu or plant-based shrimp alternatives in the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, and skip or replace tuna with marinated chickpeas or grilled vegetables in the Tuna and Capers Spaghetti.

What can I do with leftover pasta?

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Don’t throw away leftover pasta. You can use it in a stir-fry, reheat with a bit of broth or cream to refresh its texture, or even mix with a quick salad dressing for a cold pasta salad.