Quick & Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes: Delicious Meals in Under 30 Minutes

Weeknights can be hectic, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, home-cooked meals! Pasta is the perfect solution: quick, versatile, and endlessly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. This article is packed with weeknight pasta recipes that are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, ready in under 30 minutes, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace these simple yet satisfying pasta dishes.

Why Pasta is Perfect for Weeknights

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why pasta is such a weeknight champion:

• Quick Cooking Time: Pasta cooks in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Versatile: Pair it with virtually any sauce, vegetable, protein, or cheese you can think of.
• Budget-Friendly: Pasta is an inexpensive staple, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
• Kid-Friendly: Most kids love pasta, making it a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Pantry Staple: Most people already have pasta in their pantry, meaning fewer trips to the grocery store.

Essential Pantry Staples for Quick Pasta Dinners

Having a well-stocked pantry can make weeknight cooking a breeze. Here are some essentials to keep on hand:

• Pasta: Various shapes like spaghetti, penne, rotini, and farfalle. Whole wheat and gluten-free options are great to have as well.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced, crushed, or whole peeled tomatoes form the base of many quick pasta sauces.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor to any dish.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a must-have for cooking and finishing pasta dishes.
• Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes are great for adding flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevates any pasta dish.
• Canned Beans: Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or black beans add protein and fiber.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be used to create flavorful sauces.
• Frozen Vegetables: Peas, spinach, broccoli, and corn are great for adding nutrients and color.

Weeknight Pasta Recipes: Ready in Under 30 Minutes

Here are some delicious and easy weeknight pasta recipes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes:

1. Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This classic pasta dish is simple yet satisfying, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Add a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Sauté some shrimp or chicken and add it to the pasta for extra protein.
• Use different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
• Add some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added nutrients.

2. Creamy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a great option for using up leftover tomato sauce or canned tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Tips and Variations:

• Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for extra protein.
• Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This vibrant and flavorful pasta dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The lemon and garlic complement the shrimp beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to coat. Add a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Add some cherry tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Use different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or angel hair.
• Grill the shrimp instead of sautéing it for a smoky flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added flavor.

4. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

This simple and vibrant pasta dish is bursting with fresh flavors. The pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella create a delicious combination that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss gently until everything is well combined and the mozzarella is slightly melted.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Tips and Variations:

• Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use different types of cheese, such as feta or Parmesan.
• Add some toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

5. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

This one-pot pasta dish is not only easy to make but also minimizes cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the spaghetti, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• Add some vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in some cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a creamier sauce.

6. Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

This hearty and flavorful pasta dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The sausage and broccoli complement each other perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Toss to coat.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage or spicy Italian sausage.
• Add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
• Use different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added flavor.

7. Tuna Pasta Salad

While technically a “salad”, this dish provides a complete meal with protein, carbs, and flavor, perfect for a warm weeknight. Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, packed in water or oil, drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional additions: chopped hard-boiled eggs, peas, corn, pickles

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
4. Add any optional ingredients, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs, peas, corn, or pickles.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use a different type of mustard, such as whole grain or honey mustard.
• Add some chopped fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.

8. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells (Cheater Version)

Traditionally, stuffed shells are time-consuming. This version streamlines the process for a weeknight-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooked pasta shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam-side up.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
7. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture.
• Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.
• Add some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the ricotta mixture.
• Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving.

Tips for Making Weeknight Pasta Dinners Even Easier

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop vegetables, mince garlic, and grate cheese ahead of time to save time during the week.
• Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients: Purchase pre-cooked chicken or sausage to further reduce cooking time.
• Double the Recipe: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal.
• Embrace Leftovers: Pasta dishes are often even better the next day!
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Use these recipes as a starting point and customize them to your own tastes and preferences.

Conclusion

With these quick and easy weeknight pasta recipes, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals even on the busiest of nights. So, ditch the takeout menu and get cooking! Your family will thank you for it.