14 Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes for a Stress-Free Dinner

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you are juggling a busy schedule or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, these easy pasta dishes have you covered. From creamy sauces to fresh and tangy flavors, these recipes are perfect for stress-free dinners that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they use everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making them budget-friendly and convenient.

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta

This creamy garlic Alfredo pasta comes together in just 20 minutes and is rich with flavor. Start by boiling fettuccine or your preferred pasta until al dente, then prepare the sauce by melting butter in a pan, adding minced garlic, and cooking until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until the sauce thickens. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly, and top with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve it hot for a comforting dinner that pairs well with a side of garlic bread.

Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Lemon butter shrimp pasta is light, zesty, and perfect for a quick dinner. Cook spaghetti until al dente and set aside, reserving some pasta water. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic, then add peeled shrimp, cooking until pink. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, tossing everything together with the cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water for extra moisture. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for a flavorful, stress-free meal that feels fancy but is easy to make.

Classic Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

A classic spaghetti with marinara sauce is always a crowd-pleaser and takes just 25 minutes to make. Boil spaghetti until al dente, then heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced onions and garlic until softened. Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, simmering for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Toss the spaghetti in the marinara sauce and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. This dish is simple, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.

Pesto Penne Pasta

Pesto penne pasta is a vibrant dish bursting with fresh basil flavor. Cook penne until al dente and drain, reserving some pasta water. In a large bowl, mix prepared basil pesto with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it, then toss in the hot penne until evenly coated. Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra indulgence. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a stress-free dinner that feels fresh and wholesome.

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This one-pot cheesy taco pasta combines bold flavors in a single pan for ultimate convenience. Brown ground beef in a large pot with diced onions, then stir in taco seasoning, uncooked pasta, canned diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer everything together until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, cheesy finish. Serve this hearty dish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful twist on a taco-inspired dinner.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a comforting and satisfying dinner that is surprisingly simple to make. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente and set them aside to cool slightly. Prepare the filling by mixing ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into the shells, arrange them in a baking dish, and cover with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden, and enjoy a dish that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

Spicy sausage rigatoni delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Start by cooking rigatoni until al dente, then sauté crumbled Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and canned diced tomatoes, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss the cooked rigatoni in the spicy sauce, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves. This hearty dish is perfect for a quick dinner that satisfies your craving for a little heat.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy tomato basil pasta is a dreamy combination of tangy and rich flavors. Cook your favorite pasta, like penne or farfalle, until al dente and set aside. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then stir in canned crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a handful of chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss the pasta in the creamy tomato sauce, and top with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is both elegant and comforting, making it ideal for a stress-free dinner.

Mushroom and Spinach Linguine

Mushroom and spinach linguine is earthy, fresh, and ready in under 30 minutes. Cook linguine until al dente, and in a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown. Add garlic, fresh spinach, and a splash of white wine, cooking until the spinach wilts and the wine reduces. Toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom and spinach mixture, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This quick recipe is perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo bake combines creamy goodness with a baked, golden finish. Cook pasta, like penne or ziti, until al dente and set aside. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl, then toss with the cooked pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This dish is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that is sure to become a family favorite.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan chicken pasta is a rich and flavorful dish inspired by Italian cuisine. Cook pasta, such as bowtie or penne, until al dente and set aside. In a skillet, sauté seasoned chicken breast slices in olive oil until golden, then remove and set aside. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream to the skillet, simmering to create a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, and garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil. This vibrant recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a stress-free gourmet meal.

Bacon Carbonara

Bacon carbonara is a classic pasta dish that is surprisingly easy to make. Cook spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente, and in a skillet, crisp up chopped bacon. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Toss the hot pasta with the bacon and egg mixture, letting the heat cook the sauce until creamy. Sprinkle with parsley and more Parmesan for a decadent, stress-free dinner that feels like a special treat.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing, no-cook dinner perfect for busy nights. Cook pasta, such as rotini or penne, until al dente and rinse with cold water. Toss with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This light yet satisfying dish is perfect as a main course or side and is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean pasta brings fresh and tangy flavors to your table in no time. Cook pasta, like fusilli or penne, until al dente, then toss with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper for a zesty dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. This vibrant recipe is great served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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