Simple, delicious, homemade! These easy pasta recipes use simple ingredients for big flavors — creamy, cheesy, fresh and spicy bowls perfect for any day. Choose your favorite and dinner is done!
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Easy Pasta Recipes1-12 • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Rich + Comforting
You need: fettuccine, butter, heavy cream, garlic, parmesan, parsley
Make it: Simmer butter, cream and garlic, toss with hot pasta and parmesan.
Baked Ziti
Cheesy + Hearty
You need: ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, basil
Make it: Layer ziti, marinara and cheeses in a dish, bake until bubbly.
Spaghetti Pomodoro
Fresh + Simple
You need: spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, parmesan, olive oil
Make it: Saute garlic and tomatoes in olive oil, toss with spaghetti and basil.
Tomato Basil Pasta
Light + Flavorful
You need: spaghetti, tomato sauce, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan
Make it: Simmer tomato sauce with garlic, toss with pasta and fresh basil.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy + Classic
You need: elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, butter, milk, flour, breadcrumbs
Make it: Make a cheesy sauce, fold in cooked pasta, top with breadcrumbs and bake.
Pesto Pasta
Herby + Fresh
You need: spaghetti, fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes
Make it: Blend basil, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil, toss with hot pasta.
Carbonara
Rich + Silky
You need: spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, parmesan, black pepper
Make it: Crisp the pancetta, toss hot pasta with eggs and parmesan off the heat.
Lasagna
Layered + Comforting
You need: lasagna noodles, ground beef, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, basil
Make it: Layer noodles, meat sauce and cheeses, bake until golden and bubbly.
Penne Arrabbiata
Spicy + Bold
You need: penne, crushed tomatoes, garlic, red chili flakes, fresh herbs
Make it: Simmer tomatoes with garlic and chili flakes, toss with penne.
Chicken Alfredo
Creamy + Satisfying
You need: fettuccine, chicken, butter, heavy cream, garlic, parmesan
Make it: Sear chicken, make a creamy alfredo sauce, toss with pasta.
Shrimp Scampi
Buttery + Bright
You need: linguine, shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley
Make it: Saute shrimp in garlic butter with lemon, toss with hot linguine.
Baked Penne
Cheesy + Easy
You need: penne, marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, herbs
Make it: Mix penne with marinara and cheeses, bake until melted and golden.
Pasta Tips
- Salt the pasta water generously. It is the only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Save a cup of pasta water. Its starch turns any sauce silky and clingy.
- Do not overcook. Pull pasta a minute early — it finishes in the sauce.
- Warm the sauce first. Hot sauce plus hot pasta means nothing cools on the plate.
- Finish with fresh flavor. Basil, parmesan, olive oil or lemon lift every bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop pasta from sticking together?
Boil in plenty of salted water, stir in the first minute, and toss with sauce right away.
Can I make pasta dishes ahead?
Yes — baked pastas like lasagna, ziti and penne reheat beautifully the next day.
How much pasta per person?
About 100g (3.5 oz) of dry pasta per person is a good dinner portion.
Can I freeze baked pasta dishes?
Yes — assemble, cool, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months before baking.
What sides go with pasta night?
Garlic bread and a crisp green salad are the classic partners.