Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

Quick, easy, and delicious—you're welcome!

Spaghetti and Fresh Marinara with Basil
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Pasta is possibly the world's most perfect comfort food. It's also possibly one of the world's greatest convenience foods. Pasta is quick to cook and can serve as the base of a million and one quick and easy dinners. Just add a bit of protein (leftover chicken, diced ham, a can of chickpeas, or olive oil-packed tuna), some vegetables (frozen ones work great here), and a little bit of sauce, and dinner is done.

Without further ado, let's get a pot of water boiling and whip up something delicious for dinner! These quick and easy pasta recipes are guaranteed to inspire many incredible meals.

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Spaghetti With Spinach, Peas, and Herbed Ricotta

Spaghetti with Spinach, Peas, and Herbed Ricotta
Ryan Liebe

Here's a 30-minute vegetarian pasta dinner you'll want to make on the regular. It's packed with vegetables but tastes like comfort.

02 of 17

Penne With Garlicky Tomatoes and Salmon

Penne with Garlicky Tomatoes and Salmon
Ryan Liebe

While the penne cooks in its own pot, sauté juicy cherry tomatoes with garlic and then steam the salmon right in the same pan. The result is a fresh and flavorful seafood pasta dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

03 of 17

Brothy Orzo and Pork Meatballs

Brothy Orzo and Pork Meatballs
Ryan Liebe

A one-pot meatball and pasta dinner in just 35 minutes? Sign us up! These easy pork meatballs come together fast; once you've formed them, they'll cook in chicken broth along with the orzo.

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Baked Broccoli-and-Artichoke Shells

Baked Broccoli-and-Artichoke Shells
Ryan Liebe

Any night can be a pasta bake dinner night with this cozy recipe! There's cheese sauce, bacon, and vegetables in this crowd-pleasing recipe. Best of all, it takes just 45 minutes to prepare.

05 of 17

Prosciutto Carbonara With Spinach

Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach
Kate Sears

What's not to like about a dairy-free take on carbonara that creates a luscious sauce from egg yolk, eggs, Parmesan, and that magical ingredient, pasta water? This lighter take on a pasta classic is on the table in just 30 minutes.

06 of 17

Test Kitchen's Favorite Mac and Cheese

test kitchen mac and cheese
Armando Rafael

You can stop searching: You've finally found the ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe. A simple cream sauce blends with three kinds of cheese—sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and American cheese for unparalleled creaminess.

07 of 17

Ravioli With Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Capers

Ravioli with Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Capers
Kate Sears

Upgrade store-bought cheese ravioli with this tasty combination of roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, capers, and shallots, which make a luscious sauce for this easy vegetarian pasta dinner.

08 of 17

Pasta With Peppers, Squash, and Tomatoes

pasta-peppers-squash-tomatoes-med108372.jpg
Johnny Miller

This dish capitalizes on the flavors of cherry tomatoes and sausage for a hearty dinner. The best part? It comes together in a snap, and grown-ups and children alike will love how tasty it is.

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