Pasta is a kitchen superstar: quick, versatile, and comforting. With the right recipes, you can make meals that are delicious, satisfying, and easy to prepare — perfect for weeknights or casual dinners. Here are five simple pasta recipes everyone should have in their cooking arsenal.
1️⃣ Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Why it works: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden. Add chili flakes.
- Toss cooked pasta with garlic oil and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.
Tip: Add grated Parmesan for extra indulgence.
2️⃣ Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine
Why it works: Earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce create a restaurant-style dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 400g fettuccine
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cream or plant-based alternative
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and thyme
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine as directed.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
- Add cream, season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Toss pasta in the sauce and serve hot.
3️⃣ Pesto Penne with Cherry Tomatoes
Why it works: Fresh, vibrant, and ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 400g penne
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions.
- Toss cooked pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with extra basil if desired.
Tip: Add toasted pine nuts for crunch.
4️⃣ One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Why it works: Vegetables, pasta, and sauce all in one pan — less cleanup, more flavor.
Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
Instructions:
- Combine pasta, vegetables, and broth in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Season with herbs, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
5️⃣ Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick Version)
Why it works: Creamy, comforting, and made without cream.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 4 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Sauté bacon until crispy.
- Beat eggs with Parmesan.
- Toss hot pasta with egg mixture and bacon, off the heat, to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with black pepper and serve immediately.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Cook pasta al dente: It continues to cook slightly when mixed with sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: A splash can help sauces cling better.
- Season generously: Pasta itself needs salted water to bring out the flavor.
- Experiment: Mix vegetables, proteins, and sauces to suit your taste.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Pasta is more than just food — it’s comfort, convenience, and creativity in one bowl. These five easy recipes are staples that every home cook should know, offering a mix of classic flavours, fresh ingredients, and quick prep.
With these recipes in your kitchen, you’ll always have a delicious, satisfying pasta meal ready to enjoy — any night of the week.