If you’re on the lookout for easy dinner ideas, pasta is a go-to choice! Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, pasta dishes are quick, delicious, and versatile. Here are five pasta dinner recipes that are perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and mix until the pasta is well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Why It’s Great: This dish is comfort food at its finest—simple, creamy, and loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor. It’s an easy dinner idea that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced garlic. Sauté until golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
- Add red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti, adding some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why It’s Great: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a minimalist, budget-friendly recipe packed with bold flavors, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something light but satisfying.
3. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and zest, bringing it to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss until well combined.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Why It’s Great: This one-pot recipe combines the brightness of lemon and the richness of garlic with succulent shrimp, making it a delightful and quick dinner option. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup!
4. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and sausage mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Why It’s Great: Baked Ziti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s cheesy, meaty, and full of flavor, making it one of the best easy dinner ideas when you want a baked pasta dish.
5. Penne alla Vodka
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the vodka and cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the cream.
- Toss in the cooked penne and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Why It’s Great: Penne alla Vodka is creamy, slightly tangy, and has a depth of flavor thanks to the vodka. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Pasta dinner recipes are ideal for quick, satisfying meals, especially on busy weeknights when time is limited. From the simplicity of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio to the indulgence of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, there’s something for everyone in these easy dinner ideas. Plus, most of these dishes require minimal ingredients and effort, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cooking!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, bookmark these recipes and give them a try the next time you need a fast and flavorful dinner!