In the mood for easy pasta recipes? Us too. Contrary to previous wisdom, pasta eaten in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Pasta is seriously versatile, and one of the most delicious ways to eat your veggies. Here we’ve got a collection of our best easy pasta dinner ideas! From simple pasta marinara to a veggie-filled spring roll noodle bowl to cozy mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone.
Tip: Recipes are shown in order of cook time!
Now, a pasta recipe can be easy but take 1 hour, or a recipe can be easy and take 20 minutes! Time is not really of the essence when it comes to pasta. However, we know that most people assume that easy means quick. Below, the recipe are listed in order of cook time from shortest to longest. That way, you’ll know that fast and easy pasta recipes are first, and the total time gradually climbs as you scroll down the list. Ready to cook?
And now, our top pasta dinner ideas!
Is pasta healthy?
Have you been avoiding eating pasta recipes because it’s not typically considered healthy? Good news: a new study found pasta can actually help you lose weight. The Italian researchers found that eaten in moderation, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. This is a full 180 of conventional wisdom, right? Alex and I have been enjoying pasta in moderation for years—so we’re glad it’s back in good graces. Take it from one of our readers, Erin, who said: “Oh my, I scraped the bowl clean on this one! The flavor was awesome.” Also try: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce or Instant Pot Spaghetti. Total time: 20 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Try it with a fancy pasta noodle to mix it up. Or for a more gourmet spin, try our Best Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe. Total time: 20 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Also try: Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan Total time: 25 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Total time: 25 minutes And the flavor? Spot on delicious. The combination of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and garlic makes it taste both sophisticated and comforting. Total time: 25 minutes The silky smooth, savory basil pesto coats the tender pasta, punctuated by the pop of the cherry tomatoes. It’s one of our favorite easy pasta dinner ideas. Eat vegan? Try our Vegan Pesto Pasta. Total time: 25 minutes This easy orecchiette pasta recipe takes just 7 ingredients and about 20 minutes to make. It’s so quick and simple it works for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve for guests. Total time: 25 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Serve them with spaghetti and the best marinara sauce you can find. And then top with our vegan Parmesan — it’s got the texture of shaker can Parmesan cheese, but it’s fully-plant-based and super savory. Mama mia! Total time: 40 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Honestly, we’re a little speechless with this one. It’s a fantastic pasta dinner idea that works for weeknights or entertaining (and it saves well for lunches). Total time: 45 minutes Another nice feature to this easy pasta dinner recipe is that it doesn’t require baking time: simply make the mac and cheese, top with roasted tomatoes, and serve! Total time: 45 minutes Even more than fast and easy, we’re obsessed with flavor. This vodka sauce pasta is so seriously full of flavor, it’s worth every second of that simmer. And what says “you’re special” more than a 1 hour simmered pasta? Serve with our Favorite Chopped Salad. Total time: 1 hour Total time: 45 minutes The no-boil noodles to cut down on prep time, and cottage cheese is a twist on the classic ricotta filling. The earthy flavor of the kale is complemented by tangy tomato sauce and spicy red pepper flakes, making this dish impossible to resist. Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes A few make ahead tips: make the spinach and mushroom filling and vegan Parmesan in advance. The day of, simply layer with sauce and bake! Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
How to cook pasta to al dente
Before we get on to these easy pasta dinner recipes…you must promise us that you will cook your pasta to al dente. Say it with us: “I will cook my pasta to al dente.” What does al dente mean? In Italian it means “to the bite” and it refers to pasta that is still firm on the inside when cooked. You’ll find that al dente pasta tastes so much more satisfying: maybe because it’s a little more work to chew it? You may also find yourself eating less pasta because you have to bite through each piece. Here’s how to cook pasta to al dente:
Boil the pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Start taste testing the pasta a few minutes before the package instructions indicate. The pasta should be tender, but still firm on the inside so that it has a little bite. (You may see a tiny bit of white on the inside of the pasta, which is good!) Once it’s ready, immediately drain it! Pasta can go past al dente in a matter of seconds.
Looking for more pasta dinner recipes?
Those were just to get started! We have lots more pasta recipes where those came from: No reviews
Simple Vegetarian Ramen Tomato Basil Pasta Peanut Noodles with Napa Cabbage Recipe Best Gouda Mac and Cheese Grilled Vegetable Pasta Pumpkin Vegetarian Stuffed Shells Summer Pasta with Zucchini Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Mexican Lasagna Spicy Kale Lasagna 5 Minute Romesco Gnocchi Penne with Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake with Goat Cheese Italian Soup with Vegetables & Gnocchi Vegetarian Tortellini Soup Italian Vegan Pasta Salad Creamy Pasta Marinara
First up in our pasta dinner ideas: a fan favorite!
