Discover 5 easy pasta recipes that are perfect for any meal. From simple sauces to creative combinations, these quick recipes will satisfy your pasta cravings in no time.

Here are 5 easy pasta recipes that are quick to make and packed with delicious flavors:

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice to the skillet, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until fully coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately!

2. One-Pot Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in a large pot according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat and sauté the cherry tomatoes for 2 minutes.
3. Add pesto sauce and the reserved pasta water to the pot, then stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

3. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Stir in heavy cream, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil on top.

4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Olive Oil)

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, but not burnt.
3. Add red pepper flakes and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Stir well to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately!

5. Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 8 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot!

Conclusion:

These 5 easy pasta recipes are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're in the mood for something creamy, garlicky, or cheesy, these dishes are sure to hit the spot!