Pasta is a crowd-pleasing classic that is loved by people of all ages. It’s perfect for weeknight meals, last-minute dinners, and can be prepared in endless styles and flavors. While it’s tempting to resort to the box of quick-fix pasta meal, there’s no reason why you can’t make tasty pasta dishes at home that’s not only better for you but also takes less time than it takes to order takeout. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious pasta meal in under 30 minutes. Here are 10 easy pasta recipes that you can make in less than half an hour.
1. Spaghetti aglio e olio
If you are looking for a fuss-free pasta dish that’s easy to make and tastes delicious, then spaghetti aglio e olio is the perfect recipe for you. The dish originated in Naples and is simply classic. The recipe calls for just six ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. You start by cooking the spaghetti in salted water until it’s al dente. Then, you sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until the garlic is fragrant. Toss the spaghetti with the garlic sauce and top it off with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Spaghetti carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy. This recipe calls for spaghetti, egg yolks, grated Pecorino Romano, and Guanciale (cured pork cheek). First, cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté Guanciale until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and Pecorino Romano cheese. Drain spaghetti and toss it with Guanciale and egg yolk mixture. Serve hot, sprinkled with additional cheese and black pepper.
3. Pesto pasta
Pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s loved by all. You can either use store-bought pesto or make your own. Prepare pasta, and meanwhile blend basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor. Add olive oil until you reach a pesto-like consistency. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it in pesto sauce and serve it hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
4. Arrabiata pasta
Arrabiata pasta is a spicy tomato-based pasta sauce that’s quick and easy to make. Start by cooking pasta of your choice. In a pan, sauté garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil until soft. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and sugar, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Lemon pasta
This Lemon pasta is perfect for the summer months. The dish is light, citrusy, and full of flavor. First, cook pasta and reserve some of the pasta water. Then, in a separate pan, melt butter and add garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice and pasta water to create a sauce. Toss pasta in the sauce and top with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
6. Mushroom carbonara
This mushroom carbonara recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor. Cook pasta and reserve some of the cooking water. In a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms until browned. Then, mix together egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese. Thinly slice garlic and cook in a pan with butter. Add cooked pasta and mushroom to the pan with garlic butter. Mix the egg and cheese mixture into the pasta and add reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Serve hot, topped with black pepper and additional cheese.
7. Spaghetti alla puttanesca
Spaghetti alla puttanesca is a classic, tangy sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and chili flakes. First, cook the pasta, then make the sauce in another pan with garlic, canned tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovy paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook the sauce for 10 minutes. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve hot, topped with chopped parsley.
8. Tomato and basil pasta
Tomato and basil pasta is yet another simple Italian classic recipe. It’s one of the easiest and most flavorful pasta recipes to make when you’re short on time. All the recipe calls for is tomatoes, basil, and pasta. Cook pasta while you make the tomato sauce in a separate pan with canned tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Cook the sauce until it has thickened a bit, and toss the pasta in the sauce. If you want, you can top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Shrimp scampi pasta
This shrimp scampi pasta recipe is perfect for seafood lovers who want a taste of Italy. Start by cooking pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté shrimp in butter and minced garlic until cooked. Add lemon juice, white wine, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and garnish it with chopped parsley.
10. Chicken alfredo pasta
Chicken alfredo pasta recipe combines sautéed chicken breast with a creamy alfredo sauce. First, cook pasta according to package instructions, and reserve some pasta water. In another pan, cook chicken breast cubes in olive oil until golden brown. In a separate pan, melt butter with garlic and cream. Add parmesan cheese, and mix until the cheese has melted. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to the mix. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta, and serve hot.
In conclusion, pasta is one of the most versatile and easy-to-make meals that you can enjoy in under 30 minutes. With these 10 easy pasta recipes, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!