25 Delicious Pasta Recipes To Try Out Today

I love Italian food, especially pasta. However, initially, I used to shy away from cooking pasta as I felt the process was way too difficult and cumbersome. It was then that I came across these simple and easy pasta recipes and realized my mistake. Here are 25 hand picked and quick-to- make pasta recipes that you can try.

25 Quick Pasta Recipes For Every Occasion:

Let’s learn to make these mouthwatering pasta recipes: 

1. Classic Macaroni And Cheese:

I don’t think this recipe needs any introduction! This is the ultimate comfort food. Cooked macaroni is tossed with some melted cheese, salt, and pepper – cooking pasta can’t get simpler than this one. Garnish it as you like. Want some twist? Add a handful of nuts and use some low fat cheese!

2. Quick Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo:

Packed with the goodness of broccoli and low fat or skimmed milk, this one is a complete meal option. Make sure you have your favorite wine handy if you are serving it at a party. Pair it with some stir fried, spicy lean meats for added richness.

3. Quick Masala Macaroni:

A fusion recipe in all senses, this is a treat for spice lovers. Packed with the flavors of garlic, ginger, garam masala, and fresh aroma of coriander leaves makes it truly tempting. Add a pinch of chaat masala to make it even more lip smacking!

4. Pasta Pakoras:

Beat the cold this winter with a spicy Indian flavored crunchy snack. Coated with gram flour and flavored with assorted seasonings, this deep fried delicacy makes a perfect accompaniment to a cup of ginger tea.

5. No Mayo Pasta Salad:

Packed with the goodness of whole wheat rotini pasta, this dish is flavored with Italian dressing. While the actual recipe uses tomato, cucumber, and onions, you can add veggies of your choice to boost up the nutritional value. Add cheese to the salad for that dash of protein.

6. Spaghetti Carbonara:

A sauce prepared by mixing eggs, bacon, and cheese, this is a quick and tasty dinner option. Pair it up with a wholesome stir-fried greens and a handful of toasted nuts for a complete meal.

7. Low Cal Fettuccine Alfredo:

The long, slightly thick threads of the noodles are really easy to eat. Drenched in a low calorie, yet lush and creamy cheese sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, the dish is perfect for just about any occasion. For a complete meal option, serve along with grilled lean meat and some stir fried veggies.

8. Orzo Salad:

The rice like pasta is a tasty addition to any meal. If you are planning to have a chicken menu for brunch, then this salad would make an ideal side dish. Packed with the goodness of garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and onions and the flavors of fresh herbs, this one is an addictive goodie.

9. Hearty Pasta Soup:

You can use any stuffed pasta of your choice for this dish. A filling soup, it is packed with fiber. Plus, it is full of just pure goodness in the form of being low fat. Loaded with assorted peas and beans, this is a great choice for a complete meal. Serve alongside crunchy, whole grain bread slices.

10. Shrimp And Vegetable Pasta Stir Fry:

The flavor of toasted sesame dressing blends with red pepper, soy sauce, and creamy peanut butter yielding this simple delicacy a rich flavor. A whole meal on its own, it easily can be modified to meet your palate requirements.

11. Pasta Fruit Salad:

Treat your taste buds to a sweet delight with this fabulous pasta fruit salad recipe. A perfect choice as an appetizer, it serves as a tasty, yet simple and healthy dessert also. For those who are on diet can use this as a whole meal option too. Make sure you use the freshest fruits of the season available and handful of toasted nuts too.

12. Pasta Tuna Salad:

This recipe from nigella is simply lip smacking. While she has used canned tuna in this recipe, you can opt for fresh ones if you love to. Use half or heavy cream while whipping the dressing for added creaminess. Just forget the calorie factor and indulge in this comfort food with utmost delight. Use any pasta of your choice.

13. Easy Lasagna:

I love lasagna, in all its forms. This one uses ground beef, instant tomato-basil pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, uncooked lasagna noodles, and mozzarella cheese. My choice is adding a handful of finely sliced tomatoes while baking for added taste. An impressive dinner recipe, this can be served alongside a simple tossed vegetable salad for a complete meal.

14. Garlic, Eggs, And Pasta:

This recipe is one of the simplest ways of making pasta. It doesn’t need much time also. If you are in a hurry, yet want to ensure that you want to cook something really addictive, then this would be the best bet.

15. Pasta And Potato Salad:

Creamy and luxurious, old fashioned potato salad is an all time favorite. Just take a look at the colorful salad! Your kids are sure to love this and ask for more. You can add a handful of toasted pistachios for crunchiness. My choice for the dressing would be a blend of whole cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing.

16. Pasta Muffins:

The classic macaroni and cheese gets a makeover with this recipe. Macaroni and cheese mixture gets a healthy touch from the infusion of veggies. The Italian herbs zest up the flavors—the perfect after school snack! Ensure that you have a glass of chocolate almond milkshake to accompany this delicacy for a wholesome meal.

17. Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers:

Treat your family to a tasty Italian meal with this recipe. Packed with peppers and sausages, this is easy to make and is a crowd pleaser. Packed with the goodness of peppers, onions, tomatoes, and sausage, this does not need any culinary expertise also.

18. One-Dish Chicken Pasta:

Friends dropping in for an unexpected dinner? You can be ready in just 30 minutes. Try this chicken pasta recipe and you are sure to be flooded with compliments. A cheesy casserole recipe, it is packed with the goodness of fiber coming from the mushrooms infused in it. Spice it up the way you want for a personalized touch.

19. Walnut And Red Pepper Pesto Pasta:

Just spend 30 minutes in your kitchen to whip up this mind boggling pasta. The homemade pesto is really breathtakingly delicious. A splendid twist to the classic Italian sauce, this one gives the pasta a new lease of flavor, making it tempting and addictive.

20. Easy Beef And Pasta Soup:

A tasty meal in just below 60 minutes! That’s something all of us need in this hectic schedule of ours. This soup is the right pick to wind up a hectic day in a tasty way. Loaded with cannellini beans and red kidney beans, this Italian pasta soup is going to be a super hit.

21. Cheese Pasta Ravioli With Spicy Tomato Sauce:

This one is a tasty twist on the classic cheese ravioli. A completely versatile recipe, it gives you the freedom to adjust the spice levels. Serve it at a party or just at your dinner – either way the ravioli is going to the showstopper of the moment.

Ingredients:

• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, freshly shredded
• Spaghetti – ½ cup, cooked al dente, drained
• Black pepper – 1 tsp
• Basil – 1/3 cup, fresh, chopped, divided
• Wonton wrappers – 1 8-oz package
• Cherry tomatoes – 1/4 cup, halved
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Vegetable broth – ½ cup
• White wine vinegar – 1 tsp
• Red pepper – 1 tsp, dried, crushed
• Salt – to taste

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix cheeses with black pepper, salt, and pasta.
2. Add 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves.
3. On a flat, clean surface, spread on wonton wrapper.
4. Arrange 1/3 tsp of the cheese mixture in the middle and fold the opposite edges atop the cheese mixture to look akin to triangle.
5. Seal the edges, after removing air, by pressing together.
6. Using a damp cloth cover and keep aside.
7. Repeat the same with rest of the wrappers and mixture.
8. In a large Dutch oven placed in medium to high heat, boil the salted water.
9. Add half of the stuffed wrappers to the water and cook for 3 minutes.
10. Using a slotted spoon, remove from water, drain, and keep aside.
11. Once all the raviolis are cooked, divide them equally among 4 bowls.
12. Place a large skillet on medium to high flame.
13. Cook the tomatoes until soft.
14. Mix in white wine vinegar and broth and cook for 3 minutes more.
15. Add red pepper and salt to taste.
16. Mix in leftover basil.
17. Divide the sauce equally among the 4 serving bowls.
18. Serve hot.

22. Spinach Stuffed Pasta:

Stuffed with a blend of nuts, raisins, and spinach, this one is my favorite when it comes to a pasta appetizer. Use leftover cooked potatoes for the purpose to save time. A simple mashed potatoes with the flavors of fresh herbs would do the task.

Ingredients:

• Pasta shells – 24, medium sized
• Frozen chopped spinach – 20 oz, thawed
• Herbed mashed potatoes – 2 ½ cups
• Basil – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Cottage cheese – 16 oz
• Egg – 1 , large, slightly beaten
• Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated
• Alfredo sauce – 16 oz
• Pine nuts – 3 tbsp, toasted
• Raisins – ¼ cup 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degree Celsius.
2. Follow the directions mentioned in the package and prepare the pasta shells.
3. Place the spinach between paper towels and press well to drain the excess water.
4. In a small mixing bowl, mix spinach with potatoes, basil, and rest of the ingredients, except the sauce.
5. Stuff the shells with equal amounts of the mixture.
6. Grease a 13 X 19 inch baking dish slightly.
7. Fill the bottom with half of the sauce.
8. Place the stuffed shells atop the sauce and cover with rest of the sauce.
9. Bake for 45 minutes or until sauce bubbles.
10. Take out and leave aside for 10 minutes before serving.

23. Pasta With Gorgonzola Dolce:

A yummy pasta dish with loads of optional extras! It can be modified by tipping in veggie sticks and grilled meat for that added taste.

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine pasta – 3 cups
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Shallot – 2, finely chopped
• Garlic – 5 cloves, small, minced
• Gorgonzola Dolce – 1 cup, crumbled
• Double cream – 4 tbsp
• Dry white wine – 2 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste 

Directions:

1. In a small pan, heat oil.
2. Add shallot and garlic and saute until soft.
3. Mix in wine and simmer on low flame until wine evaporates.
4. Mix in Gorgonzola along with cream and heat until cheese starts turning runny.
5. Mix in pasta and stir well.
6. Season generously with pepper and salt.
7. Serve hot with toasted ciabatta and a crunchy salad.

24. Macaroni Coleslaw:

Creamy cold coleslaw is definitely the best way to chill out during summer. And, when you add the macaroni to the basic recipe, it becomes a comfort food!

Ingredients:

• Green cabbage – 1 head, finely shredded
• Carrots – 2, large, peeled, finely shredded
• Macaroni – ½ cup, cooked al dente, drained
• Mayonnaise – 1 ¼ cup
• Red onions – 3 tbsp, grated
• Sugar – 2 tbsp
• White wine vinegar – 3 tbsp
• Dry mustard – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste 

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise with rest of the other ingredients, except cabbage, carrot, and macaroni.
2. Toss macaroni with cabbage and carrot in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour in dressing and toss to ensure even coating.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until cold.
5. Serve in chilled plates.

25. Peas Macaroni:

A very simple and easy to make delicacy, this one is always a hit with the kids. Flavored with simple garlic-butter sauce, it is something you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Want to add some nutritional value? Stir fry some veggies of your choice and toss it with the pasta.

Ingredients: 

• Macaroni – 2 cups, cooked al dente, drained
• Butter – 1 tbsp, melted
• Garlic – 5 cloves, crushed
• Peas – ½ cup, cooked
• Mixed dry herbs – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste

Directions:

1. In a shallow frying pan, heat butter.
2. Add crushed garlic and roast until golden.
3. Mix in the spices and cook for a minute more.
4. Add cooked peas and pasta and toss to ensure even coating.
5. Serve hot.

These are 25 evergreen easy pasta recipes. If you love all things Italian, you got to try a few of these.

What would be your pick when it comes to a tasty, yet easy pasta recipe? Do share your recipe with us in the comments section below.