Pasta is a go-to dish for many people, thanks to its versatility, comfort, and ability to satisfy a variety of tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, pasta can be transformed into countless delicious dishes in no time. And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create a flavorful meal. In this post, we’ll share five easy pasta recipes you can make in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something quick and satisfying.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. The combination of juicy shrimp, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti works well)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
2. Creamy Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s both fresh and creamy. This simple recipe combines the earthy flavor of pesto with the richness of cream for a deliciously indulgent meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the pesto and cook for 1-2 minutes to warm it through.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
3. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a light and fresh dish filled with colorful vegetables and a simple garlic sauce. This one-pot recipe makes cleanup a breeze, and it’s full of vibrant, nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: In a large skillet, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add garlic and broth: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the vegetable and broth mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve topped with fresh basil and enjoy!
4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Aglio e olio is an Italian classic that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. This pasta recipe features garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, making it the perfect option when you’re short on time but craving something delicious.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is golden but not burned.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic-infused oil. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finish and serve: Season with salt to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
5. Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Roman pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. This quick version comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for a creamy and savory dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the pancetta: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, Pecorino, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to coat it in the rendered fat. Remove from heat and pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Season with additional black pepper and a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Conclusion
These five pasta recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to make a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy shrimp pasta to classic carbonara, each recipe offers a unique flavor profile that will satisfy any craving. With a little creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty pasta dinner in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date, or a family dinner, these recipes are sure to impress. Enjoy your pasta night!
