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49 Best Easy Pasta Recipes

Pasta is a staple in many households due to its versatility and ease of preparation. Our collection of easy pasta recipes features a variety of flavors and ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave comfort food without the fuss. Whether you're in the mood for the creamy richness of a Carbonara or the fresh zest of a tomato-based sauce, these recipes provide delicious, satisfying meals with minimal effort.

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1. Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a fundamental Roman pasta, which true to its origins is surprisingly delicious given its simplicity.

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2. Pasta Alla Gricia

Alla Gricia is another fundamental pillar of Roman pasta.. Basically, this pasta is just Cacio e Pepe plus rendered guanciale, which unsurprisingly is really delicious.

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3. Pasta with Pesto Genovese

Embrace the traditional flavors of Italy with this vibrant Pasta with Pesto Genovese recipe. Delicate pieces of pasta are coated in a fresh, aromatic pesto, made from basil, pine nuts, and a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. This is a dish that truly sings of Italian summer, no matter the season.

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4. Pasta with Sweet Pea and Feta Pesto

The sweet peas give the pesto a light, refreshing sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy feta cheese. The addition of parsley brings an aromatic freshness that ties it all together.

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5. Penne with Edamame and Miso Pesto

This delightful Pasta with Edamame and Miso Pesto offers a unique twist on the traditional Italian pesto, introducing some East Asian flair. Sweet, nutty edamame beans are combined with umami-rich miso and a hint of garlic to create a vibrant, creamy pesto that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. It's a refreshing, easy-to-prepare dish that brings a splash of color and a whole lot of flavor to your table.

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6. Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Here's a lovely pasta dish that brings a burst of flavor to the table without too much fuss. This sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special evening with someone dear.

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7. Pasta with Walnut Pesto

This pasta with Walnut Pesto recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pesto pasta. Nutty, aromatic, and brimming with flavor, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

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8. Penne with Vodka Sauce

This indulgent pasta dish features a rich and creamy tomato sauce with a hint of Calabrian chili heat. Tomato, cream, and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious and velvety sauce that perfectly coats your pasta of choice.

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9. Pasta with Broccoli Pesto

Dive into the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Pasta with Broccoli Pesto. This dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, combines the comforting, chewy texture of al dente pasta with a bright, homemade broccoli pesto. With a finishing touch of lemon zest, it's a plate full of color, flavor, and joy. This recipe is also a great way to incorporate a hidden serving of vegetables into a meal for kids.

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10. Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Comfort food gets an elegant makeover in this recipe for Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. The robust, earthy flavors of mixed mushrooms are elevated by a rich cream sauce and delicate aromatics, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy evening at home.

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11. Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy, cheesy, rich, and oh-so comforting. Fettuccine Alfredo is a perfect meal for those cozy nights in, when you're in the mood for some serious pasta love.

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12. Pasta with Prosciutto, Peas, and Cream

This pasta recipe is an ace up your sleeve for those busy weeknights. With a rich cream sauce, salty prosciutto, and sweet peas, it's an all-in-one meal that's simple yet satisfying.

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13. Rigatoni alla Norma

Rigatoni alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish that incorporates rigatoni pasta, rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and a garnish of grated Ricotta Salata cheese. With its fresh flavors and hearty ingredients, it's a perfect dish for both weekday meals and special occasions.

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14. Sun-dried Tomato and Artichoke Pasta

Bursting with bright, Mediterranean flavors, this olive oil-based pasta marries tangy sun-dried tomatoes with tender artichokes, fragrant garlic, spicy Calabrian chili, and fresh basil.

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15. Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

This recipe features a refreshing pasta dish using fusilli and a vibrant sauce made from fresh tomatoes. The tomato sauce is prepared by blending raw tomatoes with olive oil and grated garlic, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a flavorful kick.

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16. Pasta alla Puttanesca

A classic dish, the combination of olives, anchovies, capers, and tomatoes creates a savory and robust sauce.

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17. Pasta Pomodoro

Spaghetti in a bright tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, basil, and cheese. Spaghetti Pomodoro stands as a classic example of Italy's love for uncomplicated yet flavorful pasta dishes.

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18. Spaghetti Bottarga

This spaghetti bottarga recipe allows the distinct flavors of bottarga, a prized delicacy made from salted and cured fish roe, often gray mullet, to shine. Paired with garlic, zesty lemon, and a hint of heat from Calabrian chili, this dish is a celebration of the Mediterranean. Simple yet indulgent, it's perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave an elevated taste of the sea.

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19. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Featuring a light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and Calabrian chilis, this pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night at home. The vibrant flavor of the parsley and the touch of saltiness from Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese really brings the dish together.

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20. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that pairs succulent shrimp with a tangy and flavorful garlic, white wine, and lemon sauce. Served with your favorite pasta, it's an easy, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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21. Pasta with Olives, Capers, and Tuna

This recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The brininess of the olives and capers paired with the rich, meaty tuna creates a pasta dish that is both easy and elegant. Add a splash of lemon and some fresh herbs for a touch of brightness, and you'll have a meal that's ready in no time!

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22. Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

A flavorful dish made with pasta, broccoli rabe, and sausage. This is a recipe that comes together without much fuss to create a satiating meal.

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23. Spaghetti Arrabiata for Two

Indulge in the fiery, savory delight of Spaghetti Arrabiata! This classic Italian dish combines al dente pasta with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, rounded off perfectly with a sprinkle of freshly microplaned pecorino and parmesan.

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24. Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter

A delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring crispy gnocchi and caramelized brussels sprouts with a touch of lemon.

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25. Classic Plum Delight Torte

A timeless treat combining buttery cake and luscious plums, perfect for any occasion.

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26. Lemon Ricotta Gemelli Delight

A creamy and tangy pasta dish featuring gemelli, ricotta, Parmesan, and a burst of lemon.

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27. Classic Sharp Cheddar Mac & Cheese

A rich and creamy mac and cheese made with sharp Cheddar, cottage cheese, and a hint of spices.

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28. Miso-Infused Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and umami-rich pasta dish infused with miso and Parmesan cheese, garnished with seaweed for an extra layer of flavor.

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29. Spicy Sesame Noodles With Chicken and Peanuts

A spicy and aromatic noodle dish with ground chicken, peanuts, and a flavorful chile oil.

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30. Lemon-Infused Orzo with Spinach, Feta, and Herbs

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring orzo infused with lemon, combined with spinach, feta, and fresh herbs.

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31. Zesty Zucchini and Ricotta Pasta Toss

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender zucchini, ricotta, and a hint of lemon zest.

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32. Creamy Corn Pasta

A delightful and comforting pasta dish with a creamy corn sauce, scallions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

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33. Garlic Parmesan Noodles with Asian Flair

A fusion dish combining rich, garlicky flavors with the umami of Asian sauces.

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34. Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff

A hearty and delicious Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff made with tender mushrooms, ground beef, and egg noodles in a creamy sauce.

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35. Tuscan-Style Tortellini & Sausage Skillet

A savory and quick skillet dish featuring cheese tortellini and sweet Italian sausage, enhanced with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

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36. Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette

A hearty, spicy blend of sausage, broccoli rabe, and perfectly cooked orecchiette, all brought together with the sharpness of Pecorino Romano.

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37. Creamy Tomato Vodka Penne

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring a tomato vodka sauce with penne, finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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38. 3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

A quick and easy mac and cheese recipe made with just three ingredients: elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, and cheddar cheese.

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39. Creamy Stovetop Cheddar Macaroni

A rich, creamy macaroni and cheese made with a combination of extra-sharp cheddar and American cheese for a luscious, smooth sauce.

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40. Aromatic Spaghetti Puttanesca

A robust and flavorful pasta dish featuring garlic, anchovies, capers, olives, and tomatoes. Optional tuna adds a protein boost.

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41. Sicilian-Style Square Pizza Dough

A classic Sicilian-style pizza dough recipe that results in a thick, airy crust perfect for topping with your favorite ingredients.

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42. Creamy Sausage and Ricotta Skillet Ziti

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, cooked in a savory tomato and cream sauce.

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43. Classic Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet luxurious Italian pasta dish highlighting the rich flavors of Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

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44. Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring fettuccine noodles tossed in a Parmesan cheese sauce with a hint of garlic and lemon zest.

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45. Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Clam Sauce

A delightful and flavorful meal featuring spaghetti with a rich clam sauce, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

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46. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Orzo

A delightful combination of lemony shrimp, crisp asparagus, and flavorful orzo, all brought together with fresh herbs and feta.

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47. Creamy Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese

A rich and comforting vegan mac 'n' cheese made with a creamy cashew and potato-based sauce.

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48. Southwestern Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese

A rich and spicy Southwestern twist on classic mac 'n' cheese, featuring shredded chicken, green chiles, and salsa verde.

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49. Lemon-Herb Orzo with Asparagus and Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs

A light and refreshing orzo dish with asparagus, lemon, fresh herbs, and crispy garlic breadcrumbs.

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Cooking Tips for Easy Pasta Recipes

How to prevent pasta from sticking together?

Stir your pasta within the first two minutes of cooking, and make sure the pot is large enough with plenty of water to allow the pasta to move freely.

Is it necessary to rinse pasta after cooking?

Rinsing pasta after cooking is not recommended as it washes away the starch that helps sauce adhere to the pasta.

How much water should you use to cook pasta?

Use about 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta to ensure it cooks evenly without sticking.

Can you cook pasta in sauce instead of water?

Cooking pasta directly in the sauce intensifies its flavor, but ensure there's enough liquid for the pasta to absorb and become tender.

What is the best way to check pasta for doneness?

The best way to check pasta for doneness is to taste it. It should be al dente, tender with a slight bite.