20 Easy Pasta Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Kitchen Genius

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Pasta is a go-to meal for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and always tasty. You can whip up a delicious pasta dish in 30 minutes or less with just a few ingredients. From classic spaghetti to creamy fettuccine, there’s a pasta recipe for every taste.

Want to try something new? Mix it up with different sauces and add-ins. Garlic and olive oil make a simple yet flavorful combo. Or try a zesty tomato sauce with herbs. You can even toss in some veggies or protein for a complete meal. The options are endless, and you’ll never get bored with pasta.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound spaghetti
4 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Now, let’s make this tasty dish!

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, whisk the eggs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Set this mixture aside.
In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Once the pasta is ready, add it to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss everything together.
Remove the skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture. The residual heat will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your spaghetti carbonara is ready to serve! Enjoy this quick and delicious meal.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Ready to make a classic Italian-American dish? Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy, rich, and oh-so-delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 pound fettuccine pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked fettuccine to the pot and toss until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Fettuccine Alfredo!

This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving some comfort food.

Penne Arrabbiata

Ready for a tasty pasta dish with a spicy kick? Try this easy penne arrabbiata recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your spicy penne arrabbiata! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving some Italian flavor.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

8 oz elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Now let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Add salt and pepper.
Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Add a dash of paprika if you like.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!

Pasta Primavera

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz penne pasta
2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ready to make a tasty pasta dish? Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is quick and easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti
1/3 cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti until almost al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook until the garlic turns golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well.
Pour in some reserved pasta water and keep tossing for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente.
Taste and add salt if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is ready to serve! Enjoy this simple yet flavorful pasta dish.

Pesto Pasta

Let’s make a tasty pesto pasta! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

16 oz pasta (spaghetti or your favorite shape)
1 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup pasta water
Salt to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Before draining, save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Add 1 cup of pesto and 1/4 cup of pasta water to the pasta. Toss well to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and add salt if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.

This easy pesto pasta is ready in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple lunch.

Cacio e Pepe

Want to make a tasty pasta dish with just a few ingredients? Try cacio e pepe! This classic Roman recipe is super easy and quick.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound spaghetti or bucatini
4 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Salt

Now, let’s get cooking:

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese and grind the pepper.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Return the pasta to the pot and add half the cheese, pepper, and 1/2 cup pasta water.
Toss everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
Add more pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and pepper on top.

That’s it! You’ve made a delicious cacio e pepe. Enjoy your simple yet flavorful pasta dish.

Tomato Basil Pasta

You’ll love this quick and easy tomato basil pasta! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.
Add pasta to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding pasta water if needed.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

This tasty dish comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and homemade.

One-Pot Pasta

Want an easy pasta dish? Try this one-pot wonder! Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz pasta (any shape)
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
1/2 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp each: salt, pepper, red pepper flakes
3 cups boiling water

Now let’s cook:

Toss everything into a large pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then.
Your pasta is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Garlic Butter Pasta

Ready to make a quick and tasty pasta dish? Garlic butter pasta is just what you need! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta of your choice
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
When pasta is done, save 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic butter. Toss to coat.
If needed, add some reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like.

Your garlic butter pasta is ready to enjoy! It’s that simple and quick.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

You’ll love this quick and easy lemon ricotta pasta! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (any shape)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh spinach or basil

Directions:

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the hot pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss well, adding pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted from the heat of the pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.

This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy ricotta and bright lemon flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Tuna Pasta Salad

You’ll love this easy tuna pasta salad! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (shells or rotini work great)
2 cans tuna, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/4 red onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, mix the mayo and Greek yogurt.
Add the cooked pasta, tuna, peas, celery, onion, and bell pepper to the bowl.
Gently stir everything together until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Your tuna pasta salad is ready to enjoy! It’s great on its own or served over a bed of lettuce. You can also add some crumbled potato chips on top for extra crunch if you’d like.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 box jumbo pasta shells
15 oz ricotta cheese
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Now, let’s get cooking!

Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
Mix the ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil if you’d like.

Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed shells!

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

You’ll love this quick and easy pasta dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (any shape)
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy mushroom pasta!

Broccoli Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
While pasta cooks, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
Return chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
Drain pasta and broccoli, then add to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Toss everything together until well coated. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Broccoli Chicken Alfredo!

Linguine with Clam Sauce

You’ll love this quick and tasty pasta dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 pound linguine
2 cans minced clams with juice
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the clams with their juice to the skillet. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Toss the cooked linguine with the clam sauce in the skillet. Add chopped parsley and stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade linguine with clam sauce!

Baked Ziti

You’ll love this easy baked ziti recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 pound ziti pasta
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil and half the marinara sauce.
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture.
Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta. Top with remaining pasta and sauce.
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melty and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked ziti!

Pasta Puttanesca

Ready for a quick and tasty pasta dish? Pasta puttanesca is perfect for you! This Italian favorite uses simple pantry ingredients for big flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound spaghetti
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Now, let’s make it!

Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the tomatoes, olives, and capers. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade pasta puttanesca! It’s a simple yet flavorful meal you can whip up any night of the week.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package wonton wrappers
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Fresh sage leaves

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss the squash, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast for 30 minutes until the squash is tender and golden.
Let the veggies cool, then blend them in a food processor until smooth.
Mix in mascarpone, egg yolk, Parmesan, and nutmeg.
Place a spoonful of filling on each wonton wrapper.
Wet the edges with water and fold to seal, making ravioli shapes.
Boil the ravioli in batches for 2-3 minutes until they float.
Serve with melted butter and sage leaves.

You’ll love how easy it is to make these tasty ravioli! The sweet squash filling pairs perfectly with the crispy wonton wrapper. It’s a fun twist on traditional pasta that’s sure to impress your family and friends.