14 Easy Pasta Dishes That Will Impress Your Family and Friends

Looking for pasta dishes that will impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen? These simple and flavorful recipes are the perfect solution. Whether you’re craving a creamy, cheesy meal or something light and fresh, these pasta dishes are easy to make and packed with taste.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is rich, savory, and easy to make. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package directions. In a large skillet, melt butter and saute minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring in freshly grated parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Toss the pasta in the sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti aglio e olio is a simple, yet flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Cook spaghetti in salted water, then set aside a cup of pasta water before draining. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden brown. Add red pepper flakes, cooked pasta, and a little of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Toss well, season with salt, and finish with fresh parsley. This dish is perfect for a light, quick meal.

Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s packed with flavor. To make the pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Cook your pasta and toss it with the pesto sauce. You can add a splash of pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly. This dish is great for a summer dinner or when you want a burst of fresh, herbal flavors.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s always a hit. Boil ziti pasta and combine it with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Layer the ingredients, and bake until the top is golden and bubbling. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Carbonara

Carbonara is an Italian classic that’s creamy, rich, and flavorful. Start by cooking spaghetti and reserving some pasta water. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan, and black pepper. Toss the pasta in the egg mixture while adding a little pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Add crispy pancetta or bacon, and season with more pepper for a delicious, savory meal.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a beloved dish full of layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Start by layering cooked lasagna noodles with a rich meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Repeat the layers and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve it hot for a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a simple yet elegant pasta dish full of flavor. Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then add lemon juice and white wine to create a rich sauce. Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine and sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan. This dish is light but packed with savory goodness and makes for a great weeknight meal.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistible. Cook elbow macaroni and make a simple cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, and bake for a crispy top. You can add extras like bacon or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy. Cook ground beef or pork with onions, garlic, and carrots, then simmer in tomato sauce and red wine until the sauce is thick and rich. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This dish is perfect for a family meal and can be made ahead for convenience.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish. Boil fettuccine pasta and make the sauce by melting butter and cream in a pan. Stir in parmesan cheese and garlic, and let the sauce thicken. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve with more parmesan on top. This classic Italian dish is comforting and always a crowd-pleaser.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a fresh and vibrant dish, perfect for summer gatherings. Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. This dish is easy to make and makes for a refreshing, light meal or side dish.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture. After boiling the shells, stuff them with the filling and place them in a baking dish with marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly. These stuffed shells are hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress any guest.

Pappardelle with Mushrooms

Pappardelle with mushrooms is a rich and earthy dish that’s perfect for mushroom lovers. Cook pappardelle pasta and sauté a variety of mushrooms in olive oil and garlic. Add cream, white wine, and fresh thyme to create a rich sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce and garnish with parmesan for a savory, satisfying meal.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a fresh and colorful dish loaded with seasonal vegetables. Cook your favorite pasta, then sauté a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil and garlic. Toss the vegetables with the pasta, add some parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. This dish is light, healthy, and full of flavor.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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