After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where quick and easy pasta recipes come in! Pasta is the perfect go-to meal—it’s versatile, filling, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving something creamy, fresh, or packed with protein, these three recipes will help you get dinner on the table fast.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This rich and comforting pasta dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This dish requires minimal ingredients and is ready in no time. The creamy texture and bold garlic flavor make it an instant family favorite!
2. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple, fresh, and delicious pasta recipe that requires just one pot—less mess, more flavor!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and olive oil.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together and serve hot.
Cooking everything in one pot saves time on prep and cleanup. Plus, the combination of fresh basil and tomatoes gives this dish a bright, refreshing taste.
3. Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
For those who love a little heat, this quick shrimp pasta is packed with bold flavors and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink.
- Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Shrimp cooks quickly, making this a fast yet flavorful dinner. The combination of garlic, spice, and lemon creates a restaurant-quality dish at home.
