10 Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipes You Can Make Tonight

Who doesn't love a good bowl of pasta? Here are 10 easy and delicious pasta recipes that will turn your weeknight dinners into something special. Each dish packs a punch of flavor and comes together quickly, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. From creamy sauces to fresh veggie tosses, you'll find the perfect recipe to satisfy any craving—no fancy cooking skills required!

 

Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad

Imagine tender cheese tortellini tossed in a vibrant basil pesto, mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy marinated mozzarella balls, and a hint of red onion for bite. This Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 15 minutes—no oven, no stress, just pure flavor. Whether you're prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or a lazy lunch on the patio, this salad delivers bold Mediterranean vibes with minimal effort. It’s endlessly customizable, equally delicious warm or chilled, and perfect for making ahead. The best part? It’s a blank canvas for your favorite proteins and veggies, making it a go-to for busy weeks or festive weekends alike.

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

There’s a kind of culinary magic that happens when you throw everything into one pot and let it simmer into something greater than the sum of its parts. That’s exactly what you get with One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta—a dish that’s as comforting as it is clever. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity: pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil all cook together in a single pot, creating a silky, starchy sauce that clings to every noodle. The tomatoes break down into a tangy, slightly sweet base, while the basil infuses the dish with a summery brightness. A touch of red pepper adds gentle heat, and a final sprinkle of Parmesan brings it all home. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want something cozy without the cleanup.

Lemon Basil Pesto Fettuccine

There’s something undeniably joyful about a dish that feels both luxurious and light, and Lemon Basil Pesto Fettuccine delivers exactly that. It’s a sun-drenched twist on the traditional Genovese pesto, where the brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice cuts through the richness of Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. Tossed with silky ribbons of fettuccine, this dish is a celebration of balance—creamy yet vibrant, comforting yet refreshing. The lemon doesn’t overpower; it lifts. It brings out the peppery notes of basil and enhances the nuttiness of the cheese, creating a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta with just the right amount of gloss. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a centerpiece for a summer gathering, this pasta is elegant in its simplicity and endlessly adaptable.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

There’s a reason creamy garlic Parmesan pasta has earned its place in the comfort food hall of fame. It’s rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying—yet surprisingly simple to make. This dish is all about balance: the sharp nuttiness of Parmesan, the mellow sweetness of sautéed garlic, and the silky texture of pasta cooked right in a garlicky broth. The result is a sauce that clings to every strand, coating it in a luscious, buttery sheen. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in one pot, with pantry staples and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or need a quick dinner that still feels special, this pasta delivers every time.

Easy Spicy Arrabbiata Penne

Few dishes capture the bold simplicity of Italian cooking quite like Spicy Arrabbiata Penne. Named after the Italian word arrabbiata, meaning “angry,” this pasta gets its fiery reputation from a generous dose of red chili flakes or fresh hot peppers. But don’t let the name scare you—this dish is more about passion than punishment. It’s a celebration of heat, garlic, and tomatoes, simmered into a sauce that clings lovingly to ridged penne. The result is a dish that’s bracing, bright, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of pasta that wakes up your palate and makes you reach for a second helping before you’ve finished the first. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, this Roman classic delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

There’s something timeless about baked ziti. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s beloved. Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is the epitome of Italian-American comfort food: tender pasta layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous blanket of gooey, golden mozzarella. It’s hearty, satisfying, and endlessly nostalgic. The mozzarella melts into pockets of stretchy, cheesy bliss, while the ricotta adds a creamy contrast that balances the acidity of the sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers warmth in every bite.

Easy Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Few dishes embody the elegance of Italian cooking like Classic Spaghetti Carbonara. With just five ingredients—spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale, and black pepper—this Roman staple proves that simplicity can be sublime. The magic lies in the technique: hot pasta is tossed with a mixture of eggs and cheese, creating a silky, creamy sauce without a drop of cream. The guanciale (cured pork cheek) adds a rich, savory depth, while freshly cracked black pepper cuts through with a gentle heat. The result is a dish that’s both rustic and refined, indulgent yet elemental. It’s the kind of pasta that doesn’t just satisfy—it seduces.

Easy Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli

Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—earthy, savory, and deeply satisfying. This Italian-inspired recipe brings together the meaty richness of mushrooms, the vibrant freshness of spinach, and the comforting bite of tender ravioli. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and wholesome, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. What makes it so easy is that it relies on just a few fresh ingredients and store-bought ravioli, cutting down prep time without sacrificing flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, no pasta machine required.

Seafood Linguine with White Wine Sauce

Seafood Linguine with White Wine Sauce is the kind of dish that transports you straight to a seaside trattoria—briny, buttery, and kissed with the brightness of white wine. It’s a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, featuring tender shrimp, scallops, and clams nestled in a bed of linguine, all swirled in a garlicky, wine-infused sauce. Despite its restaurant-worthy presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few fresh ingredients and a single pan, you can create a luxurious meal that’s both light and deeply satisfying. The white wine sauce is the star—delicate yet flavorful, it enhances the seafood without overpowering it, making every bite feel like a coastal escape.

Vegetable Primavera Spaghetti

Vegetable Primavera Spaghetti is the ultimate celebration of seasonal produce—vibrant, fresh, and bursting with color and flavor. This dish is a joyful tangle of spaghetti tossed with a medley of sautéed or roasted vegetables, kissed with garlic, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is actually light, wholesome, and incredibly easy to make. The beauty of primavera lies in its flexibility: it’s a canvas for whatever vegetables are in season or in your fridge. Whether you’re craving a meatless Monday meal or a bright, veggie-forward dinner, this pasta delivers comfort and nourishment in equal measure.