This post shows you 25 Delicious Pasta dishes you can make under 30 minutes.
You know there are days when you want a satisfying, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’re craving something comforting, filling, and oh-so-tasty, but you don’t want to wait forever to eat.
Pasta to the rescue, the ultimate quick fix for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between. If you’re cooking for the family, a special someone, or just yourself, pasta has a magical way of making any meal feel like a special occasion.
In this roundup, I’ve gathered 25 pasta dishes that are not only delicious but also ready in under 30 minutes. From creamy Alfredo to zesty lemon garlic shrimp, these recipes prove that you don’t need a lot of time to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal.
25 delicious pasta dishes you can make under 30 minutes
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a quick dinner when you want something rich and satisfying. Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a creamy sauce. Toss in cooked pasta (such as fettuccine or penne) and stir until fully coated.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley for a quick, delicious meal. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful Italian classic. While your spaghetti is cooking, sauté thinly sliced garlic in olive oil until golden brown (be careful not to burn it).
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, then toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan with the garlic and oil. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a quick meal with bold flavors.
3. One-Pot Pesto Pasta
One-pot pasta dishes are lifesavers when you’re short on time and don’t want a lot of cleanup. For this recipe, cook your pasta directly in a pot of salted water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and return it to the pot.
Stir in pesto (either homemade or store-bought) and a splash of cream to make the dish extra creamy. Add a generous handful of Parmesan cheese, and stir until well combined. This pesto pasta is packed with flavor and can be made in just one pot for easy cleanup.
4. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp scampi is an elegant yet simple dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil, then add shrimp and cook until pink and tender.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth, along with lemon juice and zest, to create a light, zesty sauce. Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or spaghetti, and finish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp makes this dish feel like a restaurant-quality meal without the time commitment.
5. Pasta Carbonara
Carbonara is one of the quickest pasta dishes you can make, yet it feels indulgent and rich. While your pasta (such as spaghetti or bucatini) cooks, sauté diced pancetta or bacon until crispy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. When the pasta is done, reserve some pasta water and toss the hot pasta with the egg mixture, using the heat of the pasta to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
Add the crispy pancetta and toss everything together, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Tomato Basil Pasta
This fresh, simple dish is perfect when you want something light yet flavorful. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add diced fresh tomatoes and cook until they release their juices.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and toss in cooked pasta. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
The fresh ingredients and light sauce make this dish ideal for warm evenings or when you’re craving something quick and fresh.
7. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
This dish is a fantastic shortcut meal when you use store-bought ravioli. Simply cook the ravioli according to package instructions while melting butter in a skillet.
Add minced garlic and fresh sage leaves to the butter for flavor, then toss in the cooked ravioli. Finish with grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
This dish is a perfect combination of rich, buttery flavors and the light, creamy filling of spinach and ricotta ravioli, and it takes just minutes to prepare.
8. Lemon Garlic Pasta
Lemon garlic pasta is a bright, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Cook your pasta, then sauté garlic in olive oil.
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, and toss the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Stir to combine, then finish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
The citrusy zing of the lemon complements the garlic beautifully, making this dish light and full of flavor.
9. Mushroom Alfredo Pasta
A creamy, earthy Alfredo sauce makes this mushroom pasta irresistible. Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re golden and tender.
Remove the mushrooms from the pan, then make a simple Alfredo sauce by melting butter, adding cream, and stirring in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked mushrooms back to the sauce and toss with fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape. This dish feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.
10. Penne Arrabbiata
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato-based sauce made with garlic and red pepper flakes. To make this dish, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then add canned crushed tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
Toss the sauce with cooked penne, and finish with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Arrabbiata’s spicy, bold flavors make it a perfect choice for pasta lovers who enjoy a little heat, and it’s ready in just minutes.
11. Bacon and Pea Pasta
For a comforting, hearty meal, bacon and pea pasta is the way to go. Cook diced bacon until crispy, then set it aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add frozen peas and a splash of cream.
Toss in cooked pasta and the crispy bacon, stirring everything together until well combined. The sweet peas, savory bacon, and creamy sauce make this dish both filling and flavorful, and it comes together in no time.
12. Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This dish is a quick and easy way to get a full meal in one pan. While your pasta cooks, sauté sliced sausage (Italian sausage works well) until browned. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
Toss everything with garlic, olive oil, and the cooked pasta, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The sausage adds a savory richness, while the broccoli brings freshness and a bit of crunch to this satisfying meal.
13. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic until pink and tender, then toss with cooked spaghetti.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley for brightness, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is light, buttery, and full of flavor, making it perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and easy meal.
14. Caprese Pasta
Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta dish features fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Cook your pasta, then toss it with olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. This dish is light, fresh, and perfect for summer, and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
15. Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta dish that’s incredibly simple but packed with flavor. Cook your pasta, then toss it with Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
The key to this dish is using the pasta water to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. With just a few ingredients, Cacio e Pepe proves that simple dishes can be the most satisfying.
16. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This dish is all about bold, rich flavors. Start by sautéing sun-dried tomatoes in a bit of their oil, then add garlic and a splash of cream to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
Toss with cooked pasta and finish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
17. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
For a lighter, low-carb option, swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles). Use a spiralizer to make the noodles, then toss them with homemade or store-bought pesto.
Add cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s ready in minutes.
18. Greek Pasta Salad
Greek pasta salad is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Cook rotini or penne, then toss with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
Dress the salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This cold pasta salad is refreshing, tangy, and perfect for warm evenings.
19. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a colorful, vegetable-packed dish that’s quick to make. Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and peas in olive oil and garlic, then toss with cooked pasta.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. This dish is light, fresh, and packed with veggies, making it a healthy and delicious option for a quick dinner.
20. Tuna Pasta
Tuna pasta is a budget-friendly, pantry staple meal that comes together quickly. Cook your pasta, then toss it with canned tuna, capers, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
Add fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for extra flavor. The tuna adds protein, while the capers and lemon juice bring brightness to this simple yet satisfying dish.
21. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Make mac and cheese in just one pot for easy cleanup. Start by cooking pasta in milk, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
This homemade mac and cheese is quick, comforting, and perfect for the whole family.
22. Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Cook chicken breasts in a skillet, then slice them and toss with fettuccine and a homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and pasta, making this a satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
23. Garlic and Herb Buttered Noodles
For an ultra-simple meal, cook your pasta and toss it with melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. This dish is quick, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you need something fast but satisfying.
The garlic and herbs add a burst of flavor to the buttery noodles, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
24. Pumpkin Sage Pasta
This fall-inspired dish is rich and creamy, with the earthy flavors of pumpkin and sage. Sauté garlic and fresh sage in butter, then stir in canned pumpkin and a bit of cream to create a smooth sauce.
Toss with cooked pasta and top with Parmesan for a cozy, seasonal meal that’s ready in minutes.
25. Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Pesto shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful seafood dish. Sauté shrimp in olive oil and garlic, then toss with cooked spaghetti and fresh pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes and finish with Parmesan cheese.
The fresh, herbaceous pesto pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp, making this dish light, refreshing, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This post showed you 25 Pasta dishes you can make under 30 minutes and it’ll be delicious like ever.
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