10 Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes for Dinner Tonight

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Pasta is one of the most versatile and beloved foods around the globe. From classic spaghetti to innovative ravioli, it can be prepared in countless ways. Whether you have a hectic schedule or just want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, these quick and easy pasta dishes are perfect for dinner. Here are 10 recipes that are both delicious and simple to make, ensuring you can enjoy a fantastic meal without the fuss.

1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This dish is incredibly simple and requires minimal cleanup. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is quick to prepare and can be completed in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

• • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, combine pasta, broth, minced garlic, and olive oil.

1. 1. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

1. 1. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.

2. Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad is refreshing and perfect for a quick dinner or lunch option. It requires no cooking other than boiling the pasta.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1 cup mozzarella balls

• • 1/2 cup basil pesto

• • 1/4 cup olive oil

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, and olive oil. Toss until well coated.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

3. Tomato Basil Spaghetti

A classic dish that can be made in less than 20 minutes. The fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil come together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz spaghetti

• • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • 3 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

1. 1. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).

1. 1. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

4. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This creamy pasta dish elevates your dinner with the addition of succulent shrimp cooked in a rich Alfredo sauce.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz fettuccine

• • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• • 1 cup heavy cream

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 2 tbsp butter

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

1. 1. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes). Remove shrimp and set aside.

1. 1. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

1. 1. Toss in the cooked fettuccine and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.

5. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting dish that is easily prepared with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta. The stuffed shells can be made ahead and baked when ready.

Ingredients:

• • 12 jumbo pasta shells

• • 1 cup ricotta cheese

• • 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed

• • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

1. 1. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place it in the baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

1. 1. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

6. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

This colorful dish is a feast for the eyes and palate. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta, spinach, and tomatoes perfectly.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz penne pasta

• • 1 cup heavy cream

• • 2 cups fresh spinach

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

1. 1. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.

1. 1. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until melted.

1. 1. Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Asparagus

This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for springtime. The lemon and garlic add a flavorful punch that elevates simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz spaghetti

• • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces

• • 4 tbsp butter

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Juice of 1 lemon

• • Zest of 1 lemon

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes, add the asparagus to the boiling water.

1. 1. Drain pasta and asparagus, then return to the pot.

1. 1. Add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest to the pasta. Toss until everything is well mixed and the butter is melted.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Beef Stroganoff Pasta

Rich and creamy, beef stroganoff is a hearty dinner option that is easy to prepare. Serve over egg noodles or your favorite pasta.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz egg noodles or wide pasta

• • 1 lb beef, sliced thinly

• • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• • 1 cup beef broth

• • 1 cup sour cream

• • 2 tbsp flour

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté beef until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

1. 1. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.

1. 1. Return the beef to the skillet, sprinkle flour over the mixture, and stir well.

1. 1. Gradually add beef broth, stirring continuously. Allow mixture to simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

1. 1. Stir in sour cream and combine well. Serve over the cooked egg noodles.

9. Thai Peanut Pasta

Add some international flair to your pasta night with this Thai-inspired dish. The creamy peanut sauce brings in fantastic flavor in no time.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti

• • 1/2 cup peanut butter

• • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• • 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup

• • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• • 1 cup shredded carrots

• • 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded carrots, and green onions. Pour the peanut sauce over and mix until well combined.

1. 1. Garnish with chopped peanuts before serving.

10. Caprese Pasta

This fresh and vibrant pasta dish features the classic flavors of a Caprese salad. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz spaghetti or penne

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1 cup mozzarella balls

• • 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti or penne according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.

1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

1. 1. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to mix well.

1. 1. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.