Description
Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? These pasta dishes are perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy pasta with garlic and spinach to tangy pasta with lemon and pesto, these recipes are quick to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a simple meal for yourself, these easy pasta dishes are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic and Spinach Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon Pesto Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato and Basil Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Garlic and Spinach Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Lemon Pesto Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tomato and Basil Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to swap pasta types depending on your preference or what you have on hand (e.g., fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini).
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to any of these pasta dishes.
- You can use store-bought pesto for a faster option or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course