Quick Pasta Recipes. Top 15: Easy & Cheap. Pasta Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less. Easy Pasta Dishes on a Budget. Cheap Eats: Flavorful Pasta Recipes That Won’t Cost a Fortune. Budget-Friendly Pasta Meals. Quick and Simple Pasta Recipes.
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Having quick pasta recipes handy for dinner and lunch is incredibly helpful for busy individuals because they provide a convenient and time-saving solution for meal preparation.
With these recipes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dinner or pack a tasty lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, pasta is versatile and budget-friendly, making it a staple ingredient that can be easily customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand, ensuring you never have to sacrifice flavor or quality for convenience.
We’re serving up a delicious array of quick pasta recipes that are not only easy to make but also easy on the wallet. In this collection, we’ve curated the top 15 pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
From classic favorites to inventive twists, get ready to discover a world of flavor with these budget-friendly pasta dishes.
TIP: Purchase a roasted chicken and shred them to add protein to your pasta. Vegetarian? You can add fried tofu!
Before we dive deeper, discover how these essential pantry staple condiments can take your cooking to the next level! Elevate the taste of your dishes with flavorful ingredients that are versatile and easy to use. Transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with our curated selection of must-have condiments. Great to keep on hand for enhancing rice, pasta, noodles, salads, and much more:
- SOY SAUCE. Adds depth of flavor to stir-fries, rice dishes, and marinades.
- OLIVE OIL. Essential for cooking, dressing salads, and drizzling over pasta.
- SESAME OIL. Great for Asian dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dressings.
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR. Perfect for salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables.
- SRIRACHA. Adds heat and flavor to almost any dish, from noodles to sandwiches.
- FISH SAUCE. Commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking to add savory umami flavor.
- HONEY. Balances out flavors in dressings, marinades, and glazes.
- DIJON MUSTARD. Adds a tangy kick to dressings, marinades, and sandwiches.
- MAYONNAISE. Classic for sandwiches and as a base for creamy dressings.
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE. Enhances the savory profile of meats, stews, and marinades.
- HOT SAUCE. Perfect for adding heat to various dishes.
- KETCHUP. Classic condiment for burgers, fries, and meatloaf.
- PESTO. Versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and as a marinade.
- CURRY PASTE. Adds depth and spice to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
- RICE VINEGAR. Essential for making sushi rice, dressings, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- SALSA. Great for dipping chips, topping tacos, or mixing into rice dishes.
- TAHINI. Ideal for making hummus, dressings, and sauces for grain bowls.
- BBQ SAUCE. Adds sweet and smoky flavor to grilled meats and sandwiches.
- PONZU SAUCE. Citrusy and tangy, perfect for dipping or as a salad dressing.
- CHILI PASTE/OIL. Hot chili peppers in oil are typically used to add heat, crunch, and depth.
Quick Pasta Recipes
Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant blend of garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. This dish is quick to prepare and burst with bold garlic flavor, making it a favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a decadent and comforting dish that combines al dente fettuccine with a luxurious sauce made from garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick and easy to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a light and refreshing dish featuring linguine tossed in a creamy sauce made with ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. The bright and citrusy flavors of the lemon complement the richness of the ricotta, creating a deliciously satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes (Quick Pasta Recipes)
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with homemade basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes. The aromatic basil pesto adds a burst of freshness, while the sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes provide a delightful contrast, making this pasta recipe a favorite for any occasion.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a convenient and delicious dish that requires minimal cleanup, combining pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and basil all cooked together in one pot. Add some cream for extra fullness. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs as it cooks, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all tossed with creamy Alfredo sauce and served over linguine. The bold Cajun flavors combined with the creamy sauce create a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines cooked orzo pasta with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This salad is bursting with flavors and textures, making it the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring fettuccine noodles coated in a rich and creamy sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and a splash of white wine. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Carbonara (Quick Pasta Recipes)
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with crispy pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. The creamy sauce is created by tossing the hot pasta with the egg and cheese mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a delightful dish featuring rotini pasta coated in a creamy spinach artichoke sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream. The combination of tender spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and savory Parmesan creates a deliciously indulgent pasta dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss with sautéed shrimp in a fragrant garlic and lemon butter sauce. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a bright and flavorful meal.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring farfalle pasta tossed with fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and a tangy balsamic glaze. This colorful salad captures the classic flavors of a Caprese salad in pasta form, making it a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or summer gatherings.
Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta (Quick Pasta Recipes)
Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta is a fiery and flavorful dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a zesty tomato sauce made with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. The bold and spicy flavors of the sauce create a deliciously satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for those who love a little heat.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring rotini pasta coated in a flavorful pesto sauce made from roasted broccoli, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and almonds. The combination of earthy broccoli and aromatic pesto creates a deliciously satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring cheese tortellini in a rich and creamy tomato basil sauce. The tender pasta is enveloped in a velvety sauce made with garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
To make delicious mac and cheese, cook macaroni until al dente, then melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually pour in milk while stirring constantly until thickened, then add shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
We also found this Buffalo Mac & Cheese recipe from Hungry Blonde.
** This post has Amazon links and as an Amazon Associate, Peppermint & Co. Ltd. earns from qualifying purchases.
