When it comes to quick and easy meals, pasta is often top of the list for many of us. It’s an incredibly versatile food that can be blended with herbs, spices and a huge variety of sauces. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next mid-week meal or weekend feast, these 10 easy pasta recipes are sure to get your taste-buds tingling! From creamy carbonaras and simple spaghetti dishes to hearty lasagnas – there’s something in this selection for everyone. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or laid-back evening with family and friends – let’s get cooking!
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Nothing beats the comforting flavor of classic spaghetti and meatballs. The aroma of slow-simmered tomato sauce with hints of garlic and basil envelops perfectly cooked al dente noodles, while tender, juicy meatballs add a savory twist to every bite. This iconic Italian dish harkens back to homemade Sunday dinners and family gatherings, providing a warm sense of nostalgia for many. Whether enjoyed with a glass of red wine or a simple side salad, classic spaghetti and meatballs remains a timeless crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the most discerning of palates. Here’s the recipe I used:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of spaghetti
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain.
- Serve the cooked spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Baked Ziti with Gooey Ricotta Cheese
Nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty dish of baked ziti, complete with a gooey, melted layer of ricotta cheese. This mouth-watering comfort food is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. The tender pasta, seasoned tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta blend together seamlessly, creating a dish that is as flavorful as it is satisfying. And with its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, baked ziti with gooey ricotta cheese is a go-to recipe for any occasion. So kick back, enjoy a steaming plate of this delicious dish, and savor every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of ziti
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, then top with the cheese mixture, another layer of marinara sauce, and the remaining ziti. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
30-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
If you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta dish to make for dinner tonight, look no further than this delicious recipe for 30-minute creamy tomato basil pasta. With just a handful of ingredients and a short amount of time, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. The combination of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory Parmesan cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Best of all, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your meal and relax afterwards, thanks to the speedy preparation of this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, including the juice. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a delectable dish that can transport your taste buds to the ocean with every bite. The combination of succulent, juicy shrimp and creamy Parmesan cheese sauce is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The garlic adds a zing of flavor that brings the dish together beautifully. The al dente pasta complements the shrimps and sauce perfectly making each bite full of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is definitely the dish for you. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress and always leaves you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of your preferred pasta
- 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent pasta dish, Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms is a must-try. The rich and creamy sauce coats the perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles, while the savory mushrooms add a satisfying chewiness and depth of flavor. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, perfect for a date night at home or a cozy family meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. So pull up a chair and grab a fork – this Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Penne with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Sauce
Looking for a healthy and flavorful pasta dish? Look no further than penne with roasted vegetables and pesto sauce. This dish is a delicious medley of tender penne pasta tossed with roasted veggies such as zucchini, peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all coated in a savory pesto sauce. Not only is it a colorful feast for the eyes, but it’s packed with veggies and loaded with flavor. Added bonus? It’s also a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
- While the vegetables are roasting, cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, roasted vegetables, and pesto sauce. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Who says weeknight dinners have to be humdrum? From classic spaghetti and meatballs to penne with roasted vegetables and pesto sauce, these easy pasta recipes are great for anyone looking to whip up tasty dishes in no time. Forget take-out, these recipes make the perfect meal. Plus, they’re affordable and easily scale with additional ingredients or by doubling the recipes – you can create a beautiful Italian feast on any budget! So get your apron ready and start making some of these delicious pasta dishes today! Buon Appetito!