23 Easy Pasta Recipes to Try in 2024 for a Quick Meal

There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a delicious pasta dish after a long day. Whether you're looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or impress your guests with a flavorful feast, pasta offers endless possibilities. I’ve compiled a list of 23 Easy Pasta Recipes that will not only save you time but also satisfy your taste buds. From classic Italian favorites to unique, creative spins, these recipes are perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. So, grab your apron and let's dive into this mouthwatering world of pasta!

Also Read: Best Back-to-School Dinner Ideas

1. Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Roman pasta that’s simple yet utterly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan until combined.
3. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy, then add garlic.
4. Drain pasta, reserving some pasta water.
5. Quickly toss pasta with pancetta and garlic, then pour in egg mixture.
6. Mix thoroughly, adding pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

2. Pesto Pasta

This vibrant and herby dish is quick and bursting with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook penne as per package directions.
2. In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic.
3. Pour in olive oil gradually while blending, until smooth.
4. Toss cooked penne with pesto sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

3. Alfredo Fettucine

Rich, creamy, and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to the package instructions.
2. Heat butter in a skillet until melted.
3. Add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
4. Gradually add Parmesan, letting it melt into the sauce.
5. Toss in cooked fettuccine until well-coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

4. Tomato Basil Pasta

A healthy, simple dish that relies on fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Toss warm pasta with tomato mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

5. Shrimp Scampi

A seafood delight that’s both quick and elegant.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil, then add garlic.
3. Add shrimp, cooking until pink.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmering for a couple of minutes.
5. Toss shrimp mixture with cooked linguine.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.

6. Baked Ziti

A hearty and satisfying baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a family meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet, adding garlic towards the end.
4. Mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce, beef, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve hot straight from the oven.

7. Classic Mac and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy dish is an American classic loved by all ages.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
6. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm.

Also Read: 20 Friday Night Dinner Ideas

8. Lemon Garlic Pasta

Bright and zesty, this pasta dish is perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine as per package directions.
2. In a heated skillet, combine olive oil and garlic.
3. Add lemon juice, cooking briefly.
4. Toss cooked linguine in the skillet.
5. Mix in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

9. Veggie Pasta Primavera

A colorful dish loaded with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz farfalle
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook farfalle according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, then add garlic.
3. Sauté vegetables until tender.
4. Toss cooked pasta with vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A simple, flavorful pasta with garlic and olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic.
3. Cook until garlic is golden brown.
4. Add red pepper flakes and cooked spaghetti.
5. Toss until well-coated, then add parsley.
6. Season with salt and serve immediately.

11. Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and garlic.
4. Stuff cooked shells with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, place stuffed shells on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

12. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A creamy and delicious chicken pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1¼ cups grated Parmesan
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
4. Gradually add Parmesan, letting it melt.
5. Add sliced chicken and toss with cooked fettuccine.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

13. Garlic Mushroom Pasta

A rich and earthy option loaded with mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic.
3. Add mushrooms, cooking until tender.
4. Toss cooked spaghetti with mushrooms and garlic.
5. Mix in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm.

14. Cajun Chicken Pasta

A spicy kick makes this pasta dish stand out.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook penne as per package instructions.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until done.
4. Add garlic and diced tomatoes, cooking briefly.
5. Pour in heavy cream, simmer until thickened.
6. Toss chicken mixture with cooked penne.
7. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

15. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

A cheesy, comforting pasta perfect for any night.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz elbow pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Steam broccoli until tender.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour, cooking for a minute.
5. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
6. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Combine cheese sauce with pasta and broccoli.
8. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm.

16. Sausage Pepper Pasta

A hearty dish with a meaty bite.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rigatoni according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage.
3. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Toss cooked rigatoni with sausage and vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

17. Greek Pasta Salad

A refreshing and zesty cold pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ cup kalamata olives
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rotini, then rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
3. Toss in pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve chilled.

18. Clam Linguine

A seafood lover’s delight with a garlicky sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 dozen littleneck clams, cleaned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and add garlic.
3. Add clams and white wine, cover until clams open.
4. Toss cooked linguine with clams and sauce.
5. Mix in parsley, season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

19. Beef Stroganoff Pasta

A creamy, savory dish that’s incredibly comforting.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles as per package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, cooking beef slices until browned.
3. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking until tender.
4. Stir in beef broth and sour cream, simmering until thickened.
5. Toss with cooked egg noodles.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

20. Avocado Pasta

A creamy, healthy option bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a food processor, blend avocados, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Toss cooked spaghetti with avocado sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

21. Caprese Pasta

Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta is fresh and light.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rotini according to package directions.
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Toss in pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm or cold.

22. Tuna Pasta Salad

A versatile and protein-packed pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook elbow macaroni and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
3. Add in tuna, peas, and celery.
4. Toss with cooked macaroni.
5. Season with salt and pepper, serve chilled.

23. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

A bold, flavorful dish with olives and capers.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pitted olives, halved
• 2 tbsp capers
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add garlic.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Toss sauce with cooked spaghetti.
6. Season with salt, serve hot.

Also Read: 25 Tasty Tuesday Night Dinners

In no time, you’ll have a variety of new favorite dishes to enjoy. From the comfort of traditional macaroni and cheese to the zestiness of lemon garlic pasta, these Easy Pasta Recipes will make weeknight dinners more enjoyable and lunchtime leftovers a thing to look forward to. Happy cooking!