18 Tasty Pasta Recipes Anyone Can Prepare

Craving pasta but short on time and energy? You are in the right place because these easy, flavor-packed recipes turn simple pantry staples into craveable meals. From creamy classics to zesty, veggie-forward bowls, every dish is approachable and totally doable on a weeknight. Grab a pot, salt that water, and let’s make something delicious together.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Boil spaghetti in aggressively salted water until al dente. Meanwhile, gently sizzle thinly sliced garlic in good olive oil until just golden, then pull from heat and bloom red pepper flakes. Toss the pasta with the garlicky oil, splash in starchy water, and swirl until glossy.

Finish with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan if you like. It is simple, aromatic, and weeknight friendly. You will taste how a few great ingredients make magic.

2. Pasta Carbonara

Whisk eggs with grated Pecorino and a touch of Parmesan until smooth. Render pancetta in a skillet until crisp and salty. Cook spaghetti al dente, then toss quickly off heat with the pancetta and hot pasta water, streaming in the egg mixture to create a silky, creamy sauce.

Shower with extra cheese and lots of cracked black pepper. Work fast to avoid scrambling. It is rich, comforting, and astonishingly quick for nights when you need serious satisfaction.

3. Penne Arrabbiata

Heat olive oil gently with sliced garlic until fragrant, then stir in crushed tomatoes and a generous pinch of chili flakes. Simmer until thick and punchy. Boil penne in salted water, then marry the sauce with the pasta, adding a splash of starchy water for cling.

Taste and adjust heat to your comfort. Finish with torn basil and a thread of olive oil. It is bright, spicy, and unbelievably satisfying for minimal effort.

4. Pesto Pasta

Blend fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil until vibrant and creamy. Season generously. Cook your favorite pasta al dente, then toss with pesto and a splash of hot pasta water for an ultra silky coating.

Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten and a few torn basil leaves for aroma. You can stir in halved cherry tomatoes or peas for freshness. It is fragrant, fast, and perfect for warm evenings.

5. Mac and Cheese

Whisk butter and flour into a roux, then stream in warm milk until smooth. Melt in sharp cheddar and a bit of Gruyere for depth. Season with mustard powder and a pinch of cayenne to wake things up.

Toss with al dente macaroni and bake until bubbly with a buttery breadcrumb cap. Add bacon if you want extra richness. This cozy classic is creamy, nostalgic, and exactly what you crave on chilly nights.

6. Fettuccine Alfredo

Melt butter in a wide pan and splash in cream. Simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in plenty of finely grated Parmesan until the sauce turns velvety.

Cook fettuccine until just al dente, then toss with the sauce and a little pasta water to help it cling. Season with salt and pepper. Every bite is rich, comforting, and restaurant special without leaving your kitchen.

7. Baked Ziti

Boil ziti until barely al dente. Stir together ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and seasoning. Layer pasta with marinara, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella in a casserole.

Bake until molten and browned on top with irresistible edges. Let it rest a few minutes before scooping so layers hold. It is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer for future comfort.

8. Spaghetti Bolognese

Sweat onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft. Brown ground beef and pork patiently for deep flavor. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, a splash of milk, and a glug of wine, then simmer low and slow until thick and savory.

Toss with spaghetti and finish with butter and Parmesan for gloss. It is soulful, meaty, and perfect for long afternoons. Leftovers only get better, so cook a big pot.

9. Linguine with Clam Sauce

Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil until fragrant. Add clams and a splash of white wine, cover, and steam until they open. Stir in butter, lemon zest, and parsley.

Toss with al dente linguine and enough pasta water to make it silky. Season lightly since clams are naturally briny. You get a light, ocean kissed sauce that tastes like a seaside evening without fuss.

10. Cacio e Pepe

Toast coarsely ground black pepper in butter or a touch of oil to bloom aroma. Whisk in hot pasta water and finely grated Pecorino off heat to create an emulsified, creamy sauce. Add al dente tonnarelli or spaghetti and toss vigorously.

Adjust with more water for silkiness. The key is finely grated cheese and steady stirring. It is proof that two ingredients plus technique can deliver luxurious results.

11. Pasta Primavera

Blanch or sauté seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, zucchini, and bell peppers until crisp tender. Toss with garlic warmed in olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and al dente pasta. Add Parmesan and a splash of pasta water to coat lightly.

It feels bright and fresh, ideal for weeknights when you want something lighter. You can swap in whatever veggies you have. It is flexible and delicious every time.

12. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Grill or pan sear seasoned chicken until juicy, then slice. Toss hot pasta with basil pesto, adding pasta water for a creamy cling. Fold in the chicken with halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color.

Finish with Parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts. It is great warm or cold, perfect for meal prep and lunches. You will love how satisfying and fragrant it stays through the week.

13. Stuffed Shells

Mix ricotta with thawed, squeezed spinach, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and seasoning. Parboil jumbo shells until pliable, then stuff generously. Nestle into a baking dish with marinara and cover with mozzarella.

Bake until bubbling and golden at the edges. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so the filling sets. Comforting, cheesy, and perfect for make ahead dinners that make everyone happy around the table.

14. Shrimp Scampi

Quickly sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil with garlic until just pink. Splash in white wine and lemon juice, then reduce slightly to concentrate flavor. Toss with hot pasta, a pat of butter, and chopped parsley.

It is speedy and luxurious without being heavy. Add chili flakes if you like heat. Perfect for date night or any evening you want big flavor fast.

15. Pasta Salad

Cook short pasta until just tender, then rinse to cool and stop cooking. Toss with crunchy veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion. Add olives and feta for briny pop.

Whisk a zippy vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. Chill to let flavors mingle. It packs beautifully for lunches, picnics, and potlucks without losing its bite.

16. Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Cook store bought ravioli until they float. Meanwhile, brown butter in a skillet until it smells nutty and turns amber. Fry sage leaves until crisp, then pull off heat and splash in a little pasta water to tame.

Toss ravioli carefully in the sauce and finish with lemon and Parmesan. It is rich, elegant, and done in minutes. A perfect trick for elevating weeknight staples into something special.

17. Vegetable Lasagna

Roast zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers to drive off moisture. Stir ricotta with egg, herbs, and Parmesan. Layer no boil noodles with marinara, ricotta mixture, roasted vegetables, and mozzarella in a baking dish.

Bake covered, then uncover to brown the top. Rest before slicing so layers set cleanly. It is hearty, veggie packed, and tastes even better the next day for easy lunches.

18. Fusilli with Sausage and Peppers

Brown spicy Italian sausage until caramelized. Sauté sliced peppers and onions in the rendered fat until sweet and tender. Add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes, then simmer into a robust sauce.

Toss with al dente fusilli and a knob of butter for sheen. Finish with parsley and grated cheese. It is a one pan hero you can pull together fast when you want bold, satisfying comfort.