15 Fast And Delicious Pasta Dishes You Need To Try

Craving something comforting and quick that still tastes like a win. These pasta dishes come together fast with big flavor, perfect for busy nights or last minute cravings. You will find creamy classics, bright and zesty favorites, and a few bold twists that make weeknight cooking feel exciting. Grab a pot and let’s get something delicious on your table in minutes.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Juicy shrimp, silky butter, and plenty of garlic turn simple linguine into a weeknight hero. The sauce comes together in the time it takes the pasta to cook, so you can eat fast without sacrificing flavor. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley keep everything bright and fresh.

Use good butter and do not skimp on the garlic for maximum aroma. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes while the garlic sizzles. Toss it all together with a splash of pasta water to make it glossy and clingy.

2. Creamy Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti

This bright and comforting pasta hits all the right notes, with zesty lemon cutting through a lush Parmesan cream. It feels restaurant worthy but you can make it in under 20 minutes. The sauce coats every strand and wakes up your palate without feeling heavy.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best aroma. Reserve pasta water to adjust the texture until it is silky and light. Finish with cracked black pepper and extra cheese for a simple, satisfying bowl.

3. Spicy Arrabbiata Penne

Penne arrabbiata delivers bold tomato flavor with a fiery kick from chili flakes and garlic. It is fast, affordable, and wildly satisfying when you want something punchy. The sauce simmers quickly yet tastes deep thanks to olive oil and a touch of tomato paste.

Adjust the heat to your comfort level and finish with fresh basil. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end makes it glossy. Serve with a simple salad to keep the heat in balance.

4. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Creamy, cozy, and wonderfully simple, this one pot Alfredo uses tender chicken and pantry staples. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce for fewer dishes and extra flavor absorption. It is the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy after a long day.

Use broth and a splash of milk or cream for a lighter texture. Stir in Parmesan off the heat to keep it smooth and silky. Finish with parsley and black pepper for a classic touch.

5. Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes

Store bought tortellini and jarred pesto make this a lightning fast meal that still tastes fresh. Sweet cherry tomatoes burst in a skillet, creating a juicy counterpoint to the herby sauce. It is colorful, aromatic, and perfect when time is tight.

Toss with a splash of pasta water to loosen the pesto and help it cling. Add toasted pine nuts for crunch if you have them. Finish with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.

6. Cacio e Pepe

Deceptively simple and endlessly satisfying, cacio e pepe is all about technique. Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and starchy pasta water create a creamy emulsion that hugs every strand. It is minimal, comforting, and fast enough for any weeknight.

Toast the pepper in butter or olive oil to bloom its aroma. Whisk cheese off heat to avoid clumping, adding hot pasta water gradually. Serve immediately with extra pepper for a gentle bite.

7. Sun Dried Tomato Cream Rigatoni

Sun dried tomatoes bring sweet tang and concentrated flavor to a quick cream sauce. Rigatoni catches every bit, making each bite rich and satisfying. A hint of garlic and basil ties it together in minutes.

Blend a few tomatoes into the cream for a rosy hue and deeper taste. Use reserved pasta water to achieve a light, velvety consistency. Finish with Parmesan and a drizzle of the tomato oil for extra depth.

8. Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta

Canned tuna transforms into a bright, protein packed pasta with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It is pantry friendly and ready before your hunger grows impatient. Capers and parsley add briny freshness that keeps every bite lively.

Use high quality tuna packed in olive oil for the best texture. Add chili flakes if you like a little heat. Finish with extra lemon zest to keep it zingy and clean.

9. Sausage and Broccoli Orecchiette

Hearty sausage and tender broccoli rabe or florets team up for a savory, balanced dish. Orecchiette cups hold crumbles of sausage and little bits of garlic and chile. It tastes robust and comforting without feeling heavy.

Blanch the broccoli in the pasta water to save time. Brown the sausage well for deeper flavor, then toss with pasta and a splash of starchy water. Finish with Pecorino and lemon for brightness.

10. Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle

Earthy mushrooms and silky cream make this tagliatelle luxuriously simple. A quick sauté with garlic and thyme builds deep flavor fast. The sauce clings beautifully, turning a handful of ingredients into comfort in a bowl.

Use a mix of mushrooms for texture and taste. Deglaze with a splash of white wine or stock, then finish with cream and Parmesan. Top with parsley and cracked pepper to lift the richness.

11. Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet

Pillow soft gnocchi crisp on the edges in a quick skillet sauce of tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It is fast, comforting, and perfect for when you want something saucy and cozy. A shower of mozzarella or Parmesan melts into gooey bliss.

Pan fry the gnocchi in olive oil first for golden edges. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer briefly, then fold in basil. Broil for a minute to get bubbly cheese on top.

12. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

All the flavors of the classic dip meet twirly pasta for a craveable, creamy meal. Spinach, artichokes, garlic, and Parmesan create a comforting sauce that comes together quickly. It feels indulgent yet surprisingly balanced.

Use cream cheese or Greek yogurt for tang and body. Stir in spinach until just wilted to keep it vibrant. Finish with lemon and pepper to cut through the richness.

13. Brown Butter Sage Ravioli

Nutty brown butter and crispy sage make store bought ravioli taste like a special treat. The sauce takes minutes and smells incredible as it sizzles. A sprinkle of lemon zest and Parmesan brings the whole dish into balance.

Watch the butter closely so it turns golden, not burnt. Fry sage leaves until crisp, then toss with hot ravioli. Finish with toasted walnuts for crunch if you want extra texture.

14. Cheesy Baked Ziti Skillet

This skillet shortcut delivers all the cozy vibes of baked ziti in record time. Zesty tomato sauce, ricotta dollops, and stretchy mozzarella create layers of comfort. It is hearty, family friendly, and perfect for leftovers.

Par cook the ziti so it finishes in the sauce without overcooking. Broil briefly for a bubbling, browned top. Serve with a green salad to keep things balanced and fresh.

15. Caprese Pasta with Balsamic Glaze

All the flavors of a caprese salad meet warm pasta for a fresh, fast dinner. Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil get lifted by a tangy balsamic drizzle. It is light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick bite.

Toss gently so the mozzarella stays soft but not melted. Reduce balsamic until syrupy for a shiny finish. Season well with salt and pepper to make the simple ingredients sing.