25 Easy Pasta Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

There’s nothing better than a comforting, delicious pasta dish after a long day. Pasta is versatile, pairing beautifully with meats, seafood, vegetables, and creamy sauces. This collection of 25 easy pasta recipes will inspire your weeknight dinners with a mix of rich, creamy sauces, fresh veggies, and savory proteins. Each recipe is straightforward, quick to make, and full of flavor. Dive in and find your new favorite pasta dish!

1. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on each side.
3. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream.
4. Stir in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

2. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper and sauté until tender.
5. Pour in the cream, add the Parmesan, and stir. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the pasta before serving.

3. Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened and slightly burst.
4. Stir in ricotta and reserved pasta water until smooth.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, coat well, and garnish with basil.

4. French Onion Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (pappardelle or fettuccine)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions over low heat until deeply caramelized.
3. Add beef broth, stirring to deglaze the pan, then simmer until slightly reduced.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta and add Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

5. Garlic Mushroom Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add mushrooms, cooking until browned and tender.
4. Pour in the cream and add Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss in the pasta, season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

6. Fettuccine Alfredo

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook fettuccine until al dente and drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add heavy cream.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.
5. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

7. Rigatoni Bolognese

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then remove any excess grease.
3. Add onion, carrot, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Toss the pasta in the sauce, season, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

8. Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook salmon fillets until golden and cooked through. Remove and flake.
3. Add garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
5. Add pasta and flaked salmon to the skillet, toss to coat, and garnish with parsley.

9. Classic Carbonara

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese together.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and drain excess fat.
4. Combine the pasta, bacon, and reserved pasta water in the skillet.
5. Remove from heat, then quickly stir in the egg mixture until creamy. Season and serve warm.

10. Pasta Primavera

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened but still crisp.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables and add Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

11. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.
3. Add the pesto and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

12. Penne Arrabbiata

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmering for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm for a spicy kick.

13. Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the egg noodles until tender and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender.
4. Stir in the vegetable broth, bringing it to a simmer, then add sour cream.
5. Toss the noodles in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

14. Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, breaded and fried
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Fry breaded chicken breasts until golden brown, then slice.
3. In a baking dish, combine pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken slices.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm for a hearty meal.

15. Creamy Penne alla Vodka

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add the crushed tomatoes, simmering for 10 minutes.
3. Add the vodka and cook until slightly reduced.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, then toss in the pasta until fully coated.
5. Season, garnish with basil, and serve for a classic Italian-inspired dish.

16. Creamy Miso Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the spaghetti until al dente and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add miso paste and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then toss in the pasta.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve for a unique, creamy twist.

17. Sausage and Tomato Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
• 2 Italian sausages, sliced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook the sliced sausages until browned, then add onions and garlic.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce, season, and garnish with basil.
5. Serve warm for a hearty, flavorful meal.

18. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook diced chicken until golden and fully cooked.
4. Add ranch dressing and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
5. Toss in the pasta and bacon, season, and garnish with parsley.

19. Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the spaghetti until al dente and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and toss in the cooked spaghetti.
4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and serve warm for a light, zesty meal.

20. Pesto Shrimp Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque.
3. Add the pesto and stir to combine, then toss in the pasta.
4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil and serve.

21. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the fettuccine until al dente and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the butter.
4. Gradually stir in Parmesan until smooth, then return shrimp to the skillet.
5. Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

22. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach is wilted.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss in the pasta, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

23. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook spaghetti and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
4. Transfer meatballs to a skillet with marinara sauce, topping with mozzarella.
5. Serve over spaghetti, garnish with basil, and enjoy.

24. Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli until bright green and tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss in pasta, broccoli, and bacon, stirring until evenly coated.
5. Garnish with chives and serve chilled for a refreshing salad.

25. Homemade Mac and Cheese

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat and add milk, stirring until warm.
3. Gradually add cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
4. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until fully coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.

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Conclusion

These 25 easy pasta recipes bring bold flavors and comforting textures perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy sauces, fresh veggies, or a savory meat dish, these recipes offer something for everyone. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, each pasta dish is designed to make your evenings easy and enjoyable. Bon appétit!