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Pasta is one of those versatile ingredients that can turn any meal into a comforting delight. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to impress your guests, pasta offers endless possibilities.
Its ability to pair with a myriad of sauces, vegetables, and proteins makes it a staple in kitchens worldwide.


For those with busy schedules, pasta recipes are a lifesaver, offering delicious meals that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. With just a few ingredients, you can create dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful.
Think of a simple pesto pasta that bursts with the freshness of basil and the richness of pine nuts.
Dive into this collection of easy pasta recipes and discover how you can transform humble ingredients into extraordinary meals. Each recipe has been selected for its simplicity and taste, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
So, grab your apron and get ready to explore the wonderful world of pasta, where every bite is a journey of flavors and textures.
Embrace the Art of SimplicityPasta recipes don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Focus on using a few high-quality ingredients rather than a long list of mediocre ones.
Fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and ripe tomatoes can transform a simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience. By keeping it simple, you allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, creating a more satisfying and authentic meal.
Master the Balance of TextureThe texture is crucial in pasta dishes. Achieving the perfect al dente bite means cooking your pasta just until it’s tender with a slight firmness in the center.
This texture contrasts beautifully with creamy sauces or crunchy toppings, adding a layer of complexity to your dish. Be mindful of the textures of other ingredients as well, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable eating experience.
Season Your Pasta Water GenerouslySalting your pasta water is a critical step overlooked. The water should be as salty as the sea, infusing the pasta with subtle seasoning as it cooks.
This simple act can significantly enhance the flavor of your final dish, as the pasta absorbs the salt and carries it through each bite. Don’t worry about over-salting; most of it will stay in the water.
Pasta Recipes
21. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and spinach. The sauce combines garlic, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon juice to create a balanced and flavorful base that coats the pasta beautifully.
The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or an elegant dinner. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, while optional substitutions like dry white wine can elevate the dish’s depth and complexity.
20. Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish combines tender chicken breast pieces with a creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched by parmesan cheese and a touch of half and half for smoothness without heaviness.
The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in the flavorful sauce, which includes garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick.
The recipe emphasizes quick preparation and simple ingredients, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It can be customized by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or transformed into a baked version topped with mozzarella for a crispy finish.
19. Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta Sauce

This lemon butter garlic pasta sauce combines bright lemon zest and juice with rich butter and fragrant garlic to create a creamy, flavorful coating for pasta.
The sauce relies on the natural starch from the pasta water to achieve its smooth texture without any cream, making it light yet indulgent.
The recipe is quick to prepare, taking about 15 minutes, and uses simple ingredients like olive oil, butter, garlic, chili flakes, and Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with various types of pasta and can be enhanced by adding proteins such as prawns, chicken, or salmon for a more substantial meal.
18. Creamy Tortellini with Peas Asparagus and Bacon

This dish combines tender three-cheese tortellini with fresh peas, asparagus, and crispy bacon, all coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. The blend of creamy textures and savory flavors creates a comforting meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
The recipe offers flexibility with vegetable choices and cheese substitutions to suit different tastes or dietary needs. It is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without requiring extensive preparation.
17. Creamy Ham and Peas Pasta

This creamy ham and peas pasta combines tender cubes of ham, sweet peas, and sautéed onions in a rich sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
The dish cooks in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb flavorful chicken or vegetable stock, resulting in a comforting and easy meal ready in about 20 minutes.
The recipe uses simple ingredients and a quick cooking method that keeps the pasta perfectly al dente while blending the savory components into a smooth sauce.
It offers a satisfying dinner option that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
16. Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

This creamy sausage rigatoni combines Italian sausage, rigatoni pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce cooked all in one pot on the stovetop. The ridged rigatoni holds the thick sauce well, creating a flavorful and hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like garlic, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream, making it accessible for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Adding fresh spinach at the end provides a touch of color and nutrition, while the option to adjust spice levels allows for a personalized taste experience.
15. Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas

This creamy pasta dish combines tender shiitake mushrooms, fresh peas, and homemade ricotta cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The sauce is enriched with butter, white wine, vegetable broth, and heavy cream, creating a smooth texture that coats the pasta evenly.
The recipe offers flexibility with pasta types and ingredient swaps, such as using asparagus instead of peas or adding chicken for extra protein. Leftovers can be stored and reheated with a splash of water to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
14. Creamy Pasta Primavera

This dish features linguine pasta tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers, all coated in a creamy parmesan basil sauce.
The sauce combines garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and basil paste to create a rich yet light flavor that complements the crisp vegetables.
The recipe offers flexibility to use any preferred vegetables or gluten-free pasta, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. It comes together quickly, making it suitable for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels fresh and vibrant.
13. Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon

This dish combines penne pasta with sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and sautéed onions, all brought together by a rich heavy cream sauce. The result is a creamy, savory meal that cooks quickly, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
The recipe encourages using fresh or frozen peas and suggests cooking the pasta al dente to maintain texture when mixed with the sauce. Adding cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino enhances the flavor, and reserving some pasta water helps achieve a creamier consistency.
12. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

This dish features a creamy lemon ricotta pasta combined with tender broccoli florets, all prepared in one pot for a quick and easy meal. The sauce blends ricotta cheese, Parmesan, fresh lemon zest and juice, and a touch of chili flakes for balanced creaminess and subtle heat.
The recipe allows for added protein options like sautéed chicken or shrimp, making it customizable for different tastes. It’s designed to come together in about 20 minutes, using simple ingredients that require minimal prep, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
11. Italian Sausage Pasta

This creamy sausage pasta combines tender pasta with savory Italian sausage and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy white cream sauce. The dish balances bold Italian flavors with a silky texture, making it a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
The recipe is versatile, allowing for customization with additions like mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit personal tastes. It offers a straightforward way to create a restaurant-quality dinner that works well for family meals or cozy nights at home.
10. Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

This dish combines tender pasta with savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce. The flavors blend to create a hearty, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare.
The recipe uses basic ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to build a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. It’s designed for quick cooking in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
9. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This dish combines tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts with creamy basil pesto sauce and perfectly cooked short pasta like penne or fusilli. Roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall richness of the meal.
The recipe allows for easy customization by adding ingredients such as pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for extra texture and spice. It’s a straightforward, satisfying dinner option that balances fresh, savory, and creamy elements in every bite.
8. Lemony Spring Pea Pasta

This recipe creates a light and creamy pasta dish featuring bright lemon and tender spring peas. The sauce combines sautéed onion and garlic with frozen peas, lemon zest, cream, and Parmesan, coating the pasta in a glossy, flavorful finish.
The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for a simple weeknight dinner. Using reserved pasta water helps achieve a smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, enhancing every bite.
7. One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

This creamy broccoli pasta features tender pasta shells cooked in a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce with herbs and fresh broccoli florets. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, creating a rich and flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken broth, half and half, and a blend of seasonings to build a smooth, velvety sauce. Cooking everything in a single pan minimizes cleanup while ensuring the pasta absorbs all the savory flavors evenly.
6. Pasta with Peas

This dish features tender pasta combined with sweet peas, creating a simple yet flavorful meal that comes together quickly using common pantry staples. The recipe highlights the use of small shell pasta to hold the peas, enhancing each bite with a satisfying texture and balanced taste.
The preparation involves sautéing onions and garlic in butter and olive oil before adding frozen peas and seasoning. Finishing touches like lemon juice, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese brighten and enrich the flavors, making it a versatile and approachable Italian-inspired dinner option.
5. Chicken and Bacon Pasta

This dish combines tender chicken breast and crispy bacon with fresh spinach and tomatoes, all tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce. The creamy Alfredo-style sauce is made with shredded Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth texture that coats the penne pasta perfectly.
The recipe offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing the use of fresh, frozen, or cooked spinach and options for gluten-free pasta. Cooking tips ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce stays creamy when reheated, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
4. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

This dish combines crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms in a rich garlic herb cream sauce, creating a comforting pasta meal. The sauce is made with simple ingredients like garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, which add depth without overpowering the flavors.
The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and leftovers can be gently reheated to maintain the creamy texture.
3. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish combines tender pasta with juicy, pan-seared chicken pieces in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce enhanced by tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce is rich and flavorful, bringing a restaurant-quality taste to a simple, home-cooked meal.
Preparation is quick and straightforward, with the entire meal ready in under 30 minutes. While the pasta boils, the chicken and aromatics are sautéed, then combined with cream, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
2. Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta combines just five simple ingredients to create a fresh, creamy dish that feels light yet satisfying. The sauce blends ricotta cheese with bright lemon juice and zest, enhanced by peppery arugula and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
The recipe uses reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. It works well on its own or as a versatile base to add proteins like chicken or salmon, making it an easy, flavorful meal for any season.
1. Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta

What are some common types of pasta used in recipes?
Common types of pasta include spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, fusilli, and lasagna. Each type has a unique shape and texture that pairs well with different sauces and ingredients, enhancing the overall dish.
What is the best way to cook pasta al dente?
To cook pasta al dente, follow the cooking time indicated on the package but start checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.
The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard or undercooked. Drain it immediately to stop the cooking process.
What is the secret to a creamy pasta sauce without using cream?
To achieve a creamy pasta sauce without cream, use ingredients like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or blended silken tofu. Adding starchy pasta water to sauces made with olive oil or butter can also create a creamy consistency without additional dairy.
How can I make gluten-free pasta taste better?
To improve the taste of gluten-free pasta, cook it according to the package directions but check for doneness early to avoid overcooking. Rinse it briefly under cold water to remove any starchy residue.
Pair it with flavorful sauces, fresh herbs, and high-quality olive oil to enhance its taste.
How do I store leftover pasta and how long does it keep?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or sauce to the pasta and microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through.