13 Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners 2025

Are you staring into the pantry again, wondering how to turn that lonely box of pasta into an exciting meal? If the thought of another boring spaghetti night makes you sigh, you’re not alone. The 5 PM scramble is real, and it often leads to the same uninspired, repetitive dinners that leave everyone, including you, feeling underwhelmed. It’s a frustrating cycle of wanting a delicious, home-cooked meal but lacking the time and energy to make it happen.

As a busy home cook myself, I know the challenge of getting a delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. These are my go-to, tested-and-approved recipes for exactly that. The best easy pasta recipes for quick weeknight dinners are ones that use minimal ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes. Look for one-pot dishes, simple garlic and oil sauces, or no-cook options to save time and effort. This list, updated for 2025, provides 13 delicious and reliable options to break you out of your dinner rut for good.

Stuck in a Dinner Rut? Discover Your New Favorite 30-Minute Meal

The daily question of “what’s for dinner?” can quickly become a source of stress. When you’re juggling work, family, and a never-ending to-do list, creativity in the kitchen is often the first thing to go. But what if you could have a restaurant-quality, family-friendly meal on the table in less time than it takes to decide on takeout? That’s the magic of a great pasta dish.

This curated list of 13 incredibly simple yet flavorful pasta recipes is your new secret weapon against weeknight dinner fatigue. Each one is designed to be made in 30 minutes or less, using accessible pantry staples and straightforward techniques. From creamy, comforting classics to fresh and vibrant modern twists, you’re about to transform your dinner routine from boring to brilliant.

13 Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This collection is curated from top-rated sources and family favorites, ensuring every recipe is reliable, easy to follow, and absolutely delicious. We’ve included a wide variety, from classic Italian staples and viral sensations to hearty one-pot meals and creamy comfort foods. You’ll find options with chicken, shrimp, sausage, and beef, as well as incredible vegetarian dishes. Get ready to find a new go-to meal that will make weeknight cooking something you actually look forward to.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Classic Garlic and Oil)

Save this 15-minute meal to your ‘Pantry Dinners’ board!

This classic dish proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most profound flavors. It’s the ultimate pantry-pull recipe for when you need dinner on the table in a flash.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to combine.
  5. Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously to create a light sauce that coats the noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: The key to perfect Aglio e Olio is to infuse the oil with garlic flavor without burning the garlic. If the garlic gets too brown, the dish will be bitter. Cook it low and slow.

2. Easy Feta Tomato Pasta (Viral Sensation)

Save this viral recipe to your ‘Easy Dinners’ board!

This hands-off recipe went viral for a reason: it’s incredibly easy and outrageously delicious. The oven does all the work, melting feta and bursting tomatoes into a creamy, savory sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz pasta of choice
  • Fresh basil for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the block of feta in the center of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around it.
  3. Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden.
  5. While it bakes, cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven. Immediately mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the dish. Stir until everything is well-coated. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Pro-Tip: Use a block of feta packed in brine for the creamiest, best-tasting result. Crumbled feta will not melt as smoothly into a sauce.

3. One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Save this comfort food classic to your ‘One-Pot Meals’ board!

This recipe delivers the ultimate creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with the major bonus of minimal cleanup. The pasta cooks directly in the milk, creating a starchy base for an extra-smooth sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the uncooked macaroni, milk, and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely.
  5. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.

4. Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage

Pin this flavorful 25-minute dinner for later!

This dish is the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor, combining savory Italian sausage with store-bought pesto and a touch of cream for a luxuriously simple meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook penne according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto until combined.
  4. Add the drained pasta and the Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
  5. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan.

Pro-Tip: Using store-bought pesto is a fantastic time-saver, but elevate the flavor by stirring in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten up the dish.

5. No-Cook Tomato Basil Pasta

Save this perfect summer pasta idea to your ‘No-Cook Recipes’ board!

Perfect for hot weather, this recipe features a vibrant, fresh sauce that requires absolutely no cooking. The heat from the freshly cooked pasta is all you need to warm the ingredients and release their incredible aromas.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped (heirloom or vine-ripened work best)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
• Instructions:
  1. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, torn basil, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse it.
  5. Immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture.
  6. Toss everything together thoroughly. The heat from the pasta will slightly warm the sauce and release the aromas. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the step of letting the tomato mixture marinate. This is where all the flavor develops. Using the best quality, in-season tomatoes you can find makes all the difference.

6. Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Pin this super simple side dish that’s ready in 15 minutes!

This is the elevated version of classic buttered noodles. It’s a quick and versatile dish that can be a simple main or a perfect side to chicken or steak.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb pasta of choice (angel hair or spaghetti work well)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
  4. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
  5. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Stir in the parsley and serve warm.

Pro-Tip: The starchy pasta water is essential here. It emulsifies with the butter and cheese to create a silky sauce instead of a greasy or clumpy one. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta

Save this light and refreshing pasta dinner to your ‘Healthy Recipes’ board!

This vibrant dish is light, healthy, and packed with fresh flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, plump shrimp, and crisp snow peas makes it a perfect weeknight meal for spring or summer.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add the snow peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest and juice.
  5. Return the pasta and snow peas to the skillet, along with the cooked shrimp. Toss to combine.
  6. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh dill.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcook the shrimp or the snow peas. The snow peas should be added at the end of the pasta’s cooking time so they remain crisp-tender, not mushy.

8. Chicken & Creamy Garlic Shells

Save this creamy chicken pasta recipe for your next weeknight dinner!

This is pure comfort food. Tender chicken and pasta shells are coated in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that the whole family will love.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  3. To the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro-Tip: For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are more forgiving and won’t dry out as easily.

9. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pin this classic Roman pasta recipe for an elegant, simple dinner!

A classic Roman dish, “Cacio e Pepe” means “cheese and pepper.” This recipe is a masterclass in creating a silky, flavorful sauce from just three main ingredients: pasta, Pecorino cheese, and black pepper.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb bucatini or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Salt for pasta water
• Instructions:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions).
  2. While the pasta cooks, toast the coarsely ground black pepper in a large, dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Just before draining the pasta, reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta water.
  4. Add 1.5 cups of the hot pasta water to the skillet with the toasted pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the skillet.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Pecorino cheese and toss vigorously, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time as needed, until a creamy, glossy sauce forms and coats the pasta.
  7. Serve immediately with another sprinkle of cheese and pepper.

Lesson Learned: The key to a non-clumpy sauce is to take the pan off the heat before adding the cheese and to use finely grated, room-temperature cheese. The starchy water and vigorous tossing are non-negotiable!

10. Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta

Save this unique umami bomb recipe to your ‘Vegetarian Dinners’ board!

This vegetarian dish is an absolute flavor bomb. White miso paste adds an incredible depth of savory, umami flavor to a classic creamy mushroom pasta, creating something truly special and unique.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chives, for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and their liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and miso paste until smooth.
  5. Reduce heat to low and pour the miso cream into the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives.

Pro-Tip: Don’t crowd the mushrooms in the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get nicely browned and develop a deep, meaty flavor instead of just steaming.

11. Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta

Pin this creamy and spicy shrimp pasta for a dinner with a kick!

This recipe is for those who like a little heat. It features a creamy tomato sauce with a spicy kick from red pepper flakes, perfectly complementing the sweet flavor of the shrimp.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
  3. To the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp and penne to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper flavor, season the shrimp with a pinch of cajun seasoning before cooking them. It complements the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly.

12. One-Pan Beef Stroganoff

Save this easy, one-pan comfort food recipe for a chilly night!

This is a weeknight-friendly take on a classic comfort food. By cooking the egg noodles directly in the pan with the beef and broth, you get a flavorful, creamy dish with only one pan to wash.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 12 oz wide egg noodles, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Do not let it boil after adding the sour cream.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Lesson Learned: It’s crucial to stir the sour cream in off the heat. If you try to boil it, it can curdle and ruin the texture of your creamy sauce.

13. Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Pin this simple but elegant chicken dinner for your next date night in!

This recipe feels fancy but is secretly simple. The combination of tender chicken, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes in a light garlic and white wine sauce makes for an elegant meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  3. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Stir in the artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors combine.
  5. Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat.
  6. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, you can use a tablespoon of that flavorful oil instead of olive oil to cook the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Pasta Recipes

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide what to make tonight.

• Pantry Powerhouses: For lightning-fast meals using what you have, go for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. They rely on staples like oil, garlic, cheese, and pepper.
• One-Pan Wonders: To minimize cleanup, choose One-Pot Mac and Cheese or One-Pan Beef Stroganoff. Everything, including the pasta, cooks in a single skillet.
• Creamy & Comforting: When you need a cozy meal, recipes like Chicken & Creamy Garlic Shells or Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage deliver rich, satisfying flavor.
• Fresh & Fast: For a lighter option, the No-Cook Tomato Basil Pasta and Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta use fresh ingredients for a bright and vibrant dinner.
• Set-It-and-Forget-It (Almost): The viral Easy Feta Tomato Pasta does most of the work for you in the oven, creating a delicious sauce with minimal effort.

People Also Ask About Pasta Recipes

Have more questions? We’ve got answers to some of the most common queries about making pasta at home.

What are the top 10 pasta dishes?

While tastes vary, some of the most universally popular pasta dishes include Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Carbonara, Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Macaroni and Cheese. Simpler classics like Cacio e Pepe and Aglio e Olio, both featured on our list, are also beloved for their incredible flavor from minimal ingredients. The viral Baked Feta Pasta has also recently become a modern favorite.

What pasta dish should I make tonight?

To decide what pasta dish to make, consider your time and ingredients. If you have 20 minutes and pantry staples, make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. If you have chicken and crave comfort food, try the Creamy Garlic Chicken Shells. For something light and fresh with seafood, the Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta is perfect. If you want a hands-off meal, the Easy Feta Tomato Pasta is your best bet.

What can I make with pasta that is quick and easy?

The quickest and easiest things to make with pasta involve simple sauces and minimal ingredients. A basic garlic and oil sauce (Aglio e Olio) is ready in minutes. Tossing hot pasta with pesto and a protein like sausage is another fast option. One-pot recipes where pasta cooks directly in the sauce with broth and other ingredients are also excellent for saving time and cleanup.

Final Thoughts

With these 13 easy pasta recipes, the question of “what’s for dinner?” is no longer a source of stress but an opportunity for a delicious and quick meal. You have the power to transform a simple box of pasta into a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love, all in about 30 minutes.

Which of these easy pasta recipes are you most excited to try first? Let us know your pick in the comments below