5 Easy Pasta Recipes for a Quick Dinner

Don't have much time to cook dinner? Don't worry! With these 5 easy pasta recipes, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, they're perfect for weeknights when you want something quick and simple. Let's get started!

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that requires only a few simple ingredients. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. Add the pasta to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
6. Toss to combine and add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

2. One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Pasta is a quick and easy dish that requires only one pot and a handful of ingredients. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the linguine, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

3. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for cooler weather. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (rigatoni or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the mushroom sauce.
8. Toss to combine and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve immediately.

4. Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta is a classic dish that's always a crowd-pleaser. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto by combining the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor.
3. Process until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the pesto sauce.
6. Toss to combine and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately.

5. Carbonara Pasta

Carbonara Pasta is a decadent and delicious dish that's perfect for a special occasion. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese.
6. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
7. In the skillet with the bacon and garlic, add the spaghetti and toss to combine.
8. Add the egg yolk mixture to the skillet and quickly toss to coat the spaghetti.
9. Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.