Pasta nights don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this collection of 20 easy pasta recipes, we’ll show you how to create mouthwatering dishes like Garlic Butter Noodles, Tomato Basil Spaghetti, and Creamy Avocado Pasta using nothing more than a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, these quick and effortless recipes are the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Read on to discover your new favorite pasta dishes, all of which can be prepared in 30 minutes or less!
Garlic Butter Noodles
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful garlic butter noodles recipe. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and smooth.
4. Drain cooked pasta and add to the garlic butter mixture. Toss until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Basil Spaghetti
This classic Italian dish combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of basil, all wrapped up in a delicious and easy-to-make spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, tomato-basil mixture, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of this creamy avocado pasta dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large skillet, add the blended avocado mixture over medium heat. Stir constantly until heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the avocado sauce.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and toss again to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Parmesan Linguine
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this refreshing and flavorful Lemon Parmesan Linguine recipe. A zesty lemon sauce, crispy parmesan crisps, and al dente linguine come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and basil. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Combine cooked linguine, lemon sauce, and reserved pasta water in a large skillet. Toss until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Penne
This classic Italian dish combines the flavors of basil pesto with al dente penne pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pesto and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
3. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
4. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Olive Oil and Garlic Spaghetti
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the richness of olive oil and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. When the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil.
5. Toss the spaghetti in the garlic mixture until well coated.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Mushroom Pasta
Get ready to savor a rich and satisfying pasta dish loaded with sautéed mushrooms, gooey cheese, and al dente noodles. This comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
– 2 cups (250g) mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
– 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (5-6 minutes).
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta, mushroom sauce, and chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Butter Sage Fettuccine
A rich and savory pasta dish featuring the perfect balance of nutty brown butter, fragrant sage, and al dente fettuccine.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fettuccine
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add chopped sage leaves to the browned butter. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Combine cooked fettuccine with brown butter sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 20-25 minutes
Spinach Walnut Linguine
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the crunch of walnuts and the creaminess of parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a flavorful linguine dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts and cook for an additional minute.
5. Toss cooked linguine pasta with spinach-walnut mixture, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Noodles
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this comforting and flavorful dish! This recipe combines the richness of peanut butter with the simplicity of noodles, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (such as soba or rice noodles)
– 2 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp. honey
– 1 tsp. grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions or peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
5. Add cooked noodles to the saucepan and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions or peanuts (if using).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Egg Spaghetti
A twist on traditional spaghetti, this recipe combines the rich flavors of bacon and eggs with the simplicity of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Crack the eggs into the same skillet and scramble them with the reserved pasta water until the eggs are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the eggs and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– 15-20 minutes
Tuna Lemon Pasta
This quick and easy recipe combines the flavors of tuna, lemon, and pasta for a light and refreshing meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 can (5 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the flaked tuna and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the tuna mixture until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ricotta and Pea Shells
This recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the sweet flavor of fresh peas, all wrapped up in a delicious pasta shell. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Elevate your noodle game with this simple recipe that combines the flavors of garlic, chili oil, and savory noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to accompany your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (such as soba or udon)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chili oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small pan, heat the chili oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add soy sauce and vegetable oil to the pan, stirring to combine.
5. Toss cooked noodles with the garlic-chili mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Anchovy Spaghetti
This classic Italian dish combines the bold flavors of tomatoes and anchovies with the comfort of spaghetti, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3-4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped anchovies and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until they dissolve into the oil.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they release their juices and start to break down.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti with tomato mixture, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Milk Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet indulgent recipe that combines the richness of coconut milk with the comfort of homemade pasta. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add coconut milk and stir until smooth.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the saucepan with the coconut milk mixture. Toss until coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Broccoli Garlic Penne
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of penne pasta with the bright flavors of broccoli, garlic, and a hint of cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Combine cooked penne pasta, broccoli mixture, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Eggplant Tomato Rigatoni
This hearty vegetarian pasta dish combines the rich flavors of roasted eggplant and tomatoes with the comforting warmth of rigatoni. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 12 oz rigatoni
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss eggplant slices with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add diced tomatoes, roasted eggplant, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Combine cooked rigatoni with tomato-eggplant sauce. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Blue Cheese Walnut Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this decadent Blue Cheese Walnut Pasta recipe, featuring the bold flavors of pungent blue cheese and toasted walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add blue cheese crumbles and stir until melted and creamy.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with blue cheese sauce.
5. Stir in chopped parsley and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, topped with additional blue cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Fusilli
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and aromatic Sun-Dried Tomato Fusilli recipe! This dish is a perfect blend of creamy sauce, chewy fusilli, and savory sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fusilli pasta
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in dried basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine cooked fusilli pasta and sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a quick and delicious pasta night with these 20 easy recipes that require only 3 ingredients! From classic garlic butter noodles to creamy avocado pasta and cheesy mushroom pasta, there’s something for everyone. Other highlights include pesto penne, lemon parmesan linguine, and brown butter sage fettuccine. These simple yet satisfying dishes are perfect for busy nights when you need a meal in no time. Try one out tonight and enjoy the taste of Italy without the fuss!
