8 Dinner Recipes Pasta: Quick and Delicious Meals for Every Night

8 Dinner Recipes Pasta

Pasta is a versatile ingredient that can easily be turned into a delicious dinner. Whether you are cooking for yourself or hosting friends, there are many simple and satisfying pasta recipes to choose from

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something hearty and comforting.

From quick one-pot dishes to classic favorites, each recipe can inspire creativity in the kitchen and bring joy to the dinner table.

1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

I find creamy garlic shrimp pasta to be a delightful dish that is both quick and satisfying. It combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with tender shrimp and pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.

To make this dish, I start by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente. I usually use spaghetti or fettuccine, but any type of pasta will work.

While the pasta cooks, I heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Next, I add shrimp to the skillet. They cook quickly, turning pink and tender in just a few minutes.

Once the shrimp are ready, I add minced garlic for that delicious aroma. The garlic enhances the flavor of the dish and adds depth.

After the shrimp and garlic are cooked, I mix in the cooked pasta. I like to add heavy cream for creaminess, along with grated Parmesan cheese.

This combination results in a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

To finish, I sprinkle fresh herbs on top for added freshness. I often choose parsley or basil. This dish not only tastes amazing, but it looks great on the plate too.

I love serving creamy garlic shrimp pasta with a side salad or garlic bread. It’s a meal that never disappoints! You can easily find various recipes like this one or this version that provide different twists and tips for making it your own.

2. Spicy Sausage Penne

I enjoy making Spicy Sausage Penne because it’s quick and flavorful. The combination of spicy Italian sausage and penne pasta creates a satisfying meal.

To start, I choose a good quality sausage. I often use chicken sausage for a lighter option, but pork sausage adds rich flavor.

I slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces to help it brown evenly.

Next, I add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I sauté the sausage until it is golden brown. This usually takes about four minutes. The aroma fills the kitchen and gets everyone excited for dinner.

After the sausage is cooked, I add some chopped onions and garlic to the pan. This adds depth to the dish. I let them cook until the onions are soft.

I then pour in a can of diced tomatoes and let everything simmer. The tomatoes create a delicious sauce that combines perfectly with the spices in the sausage.

I also like to add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.

Finally, I mix in my cooked penne pasta and toss everything together. This ensures the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

For the finishing touch, I sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top. It adds a nice color and flavor.

3. Lemon Basil Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Basil Ricotta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with creamy texture. I love how simple it is to prepare.

To start, I cook my favorite pasta, like penne or spaghetti, in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, I prepare the sauce.

In a bowl, I mix ricotta cheese, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Sometimes, I add freshly minced garlic for a bit of extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, I drain it and reserve some pasta water. I then stir the hot pasta into the ricotta mixture.

The heat helps the cheese become creamy. If needed, I add a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.

Next, I chop fresh basil and sprinkle it over the pasta. The basil adds a nice aroma and taste.

I also like to finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

This dish is not just quick to make, but it is also fresh and light. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I enjoy serving it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

4. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

I enjoy making Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad for dinner because it is quick and delicious. This dish combines pasta, chicken, and pesto for a satisfying meal.

I often use penne pasta, which has the right texture for pasta salads. It holds the sauce well and mixes easily with the other ingredients. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

For the chicken, I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and adds great flavor. I shred it and mix it with the pasta once it’s cooked.

I also add in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Diced red onions give a nice crunch. Mixing in pesto sauce ties it all together.

Sometimes, I add a dollop of yogurt or Italian dressing for creaminess. This makes the salad even more tasty.

I can serve this salad warm or cold, which makes it flexible for different occasions. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a comforting meal that I can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoying it is always a treat!

5. One-Pot Alfredo Pasta

I love making One-Pot Alfredo Pasta because it’s quick and easy. With everything cooked in one pot, I save time on both cooking and cleaning.

To start, I gather my ingredients. I use fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Adding garlic enhances the flavor.

I begin by melting the butter in the pot. Then, I add garlic and sauté it for a minute.

Next, I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.

Once the cream is warm, I add the fettuccine. I stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

When the pasta is cooked, I mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce becomes creamy and delicious.

I always finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for extra taste.

This dish is versatile. I can add veggies like broccoli or chicken for protein. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when I have guests.

The best part? I can have dinner on the table in around 15 minutes. If you want a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, I recommend trying this One-Pot Alfredo Pasta.

6. Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

I enjoy making Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles because they are quick and versatile. The dish is perfect for using up leftover vegetables in my fridge.

To start, I prepare my favorite noodles, like whole wheat or rice noodles. Cooking them according to package instructions gives the best texture.

While the noodles cook, I heat some vegetable or sesame oil in a large pan.

Next, I add chopped garlic and a mix of colorful vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work well.

I stir-fry these ingredients for a few minutes until they’re tender yet crisp.

Then, I pour in a simple sauce made from soy sauce or a stir-fry sauce. This step enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish.

I toss the noodles in with the veggies, ensuring everything is well-coated.

For a protein boost, I sometimes add scrambled eggs or tofu. This makes the dish more filling and nutritious.

To finish, I sprinkle green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

These Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles are not just easy to make; they are also healthy and satisfying. You get a colorful, flavorful meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without much hassle.

7. Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash ravioli is a delicious choice for dinner. The sweetness of the squash pairs well with savory fillings. I love making this dish from scratch to really capture its flavor.

To start, I prepare the pasta dough. I mix flour and eggs, then knead until it’s smooth.

It’s important to let the dough rest before rolling it out for the ravioli.

For the filling, I roast butternut squash until it’s tender. After cooling, I blend it with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg yolk, salt, and pepper.

This creates a creamy and flavorful mixture that I use for stuffing the ravioli.

Next, I roll out the pasta sheets and cut them into squares. I place the filling on half of the squares, then cover them with another square of dough.

I seal the edges to keep the filling inside while cooking.

Cooking the ravioli is simple. I boil them in salted water until they float, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

They are best served with a drizzle of brown butter and some fresh herbs.

8. Spinach and Feta Pasta

I enjoy making Spinach and Feta Pasta when I want a quick and tasty meal. This dish is simple and packed with flavor.

To start, I cook the pasta until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet. I sauté garlic for a minute, then add fresh spinach. This step adds a nice touch of color and nutrients to the dish.

Once the spinach wilts, I mix in crumbled feta cheese. The cheese adds creaminess and a salty flavor. I also like to add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

After draining the pasta, I combine it with the spinach and feta mixture. Tossing everything together ensures that the pasta is coated in delicious flavors.

Sometimes, I’ll add tomatoes or olives for some extra taste. It’s a flexible recipe, and I can easily adjust it to my liking.

This dish takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, no oven is required, making clean-up easy.

I often serve this pasta with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s a simple yet satisfying option that I go back to time and again.

Health Benefits of Pasta

Pasta can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when prepared thoughtfully. It offers various nutritional benefits and provides a good source of energy. By choosing the right types of pasta and balancing it with proteins, I can enhance its health benefits.

Nutritional Value

Pasta is primarily made from milled wheat and water, which gives it a solid base of carbohydrates. A standard serving of traditional pasta provides about 200 calories, making it a filling option.

Whole grain pasta contains more fiber and nutrients than its white counterpart. Meanwhile, fiber helps with digestion and keeps me feeling full longer.

Some gluten-free options, like chickpea or lentil pasta, are high in protein and offer additional nutrients.

Adding vegetables to my pasta not only boosts the nutrient content but also adds flavor and color to my meals. For instance, dishes with zucchini or spinach can increase vitamins and minerals, making my meal more balanced.

Balancing Carbs and Protein

To get the most out of pasta, I focus on balancing carbohydrates with protein. Protein helps in building and repairing tissues, while carbohydrates provide energy for my body.

Pairing pasta with lean proteins like chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sources like beans can create a complete meal. For example, adding grilled chicken to a pasta dish enhances the protein content significantly.

I also like incorporating healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, to promote better nutrient absorption. This balance helps me maintain stable energy levels and supports muscle function, making my dinners satisfying without being overly heavy.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Selecting the right pasta is an essential step for making a delicious dinner. Different types of pasta complement various sauces and dishes. Understanding the types of pasta and how to pair them will enhance my cooking experience.

Types of Pasta

There are several types of pasta, each designed for specific uses. Here are some common varieties:

• Spaghetti: Long, thin noodles that work well with lighter sauces.
• Fettuccine: Flat and wide, perfect for creamy sauce like Alfredo.
• Penne: Tube-shaped pasta that captures sauce well, ideal for baked dishes.
• Fusilli: Spiral-shaped, great for holding onto chunky sauces.

Fresh pasta, like ravioli or tagliatelle, provides a different texture and flavor compared to dried pasta. Choosing the right type is crucial based on the dish I plan to prepare.

Pairing Pasta with Sauces

Pairing the correct pasta with the right sauce enhances the flavors of the meal. Here are some simple guidelines:

• Tomato-based sauces: Best with long pasta like spaghetti or short shapes like penne.
• Creamy sauces: Pair with fettuccine or shells that can hold thicker sauces.
• Pesto: Works well with fusilli or trofie, which can catch the sauce easily.

I should also consider the weight of the sauce. Heavier sauces pair well with broader pasta shapes, while lighter sauces suit thinner noodles.