Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and these 19 easy dinner recipes will have your guests raving about your culinary skills!
From creamy sauces to hearty bakes, each dish is not only simple to make but also visually stunning, making them perfect for impressing friends and family. Let’s get cooking and transform your dinner table into a gourmet experience with these delectable pasta recipes!
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a dream come true for cheese lovers! The rich and velvety sauce, made from butter, cream, and freshly grated parmesan, envelops each strand of pasta perfectly. Add in roasted garlic for a burst of flavor, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of freshness.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Combine with pasta, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.
2. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Each shell is filled with a mixture of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a hint of nutmeg, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for serving family-style!
Ingredients:
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
– 1 jar marinara sauce
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain.
3. Mix ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture, place in a baking dish, cover with marinara, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
3. Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta
Brighten up your dinner with this lemon basil pesto pasta that’s as refreshing as it is tasty. The homemade pesto, bursting with fresh basil, zesty lemon, and toasted pine nuts, offers a light yet flavorful coating for your pasta. Serve it up with grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 2 cups fresh basil
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Toss cooked pasta with pesto until well coated and serve immediately.
4. Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Don’t miss this baked ziti with Italian sausage, a dish sure to wow your dinner guests! This one-pot wonder combines ziti pasta with savory sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection. Serve it hot from the oven for a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
– 16 oz ziti pasta
– 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the sausage, then mix with marinara sauce.
4. Combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
5. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of shrimp scampi pasta, a quick and easy dish that feels gourmet! The succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter and white wine, then tossed with spaghetti and fresh parsley for a light yet satisfying dinner. Perfect for impressing guests without the hassle!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup butter
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, then pour in white wine.
4. Toss in cooked spaghetti and garnish with parsley before serving.
6. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
This one-pot pasta primavera is a colorful celebration of seasonal vegetables and pasta, making it a delightful and healthy choice! The vibrant medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes is sautéed and combined with your choice of pasta, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
– 1 cup zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté vegetables until tender.
2. Add vegetable broth and penne pasta, bringing to a boil.
3. Cook until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
7. Carbonara with Peas
Experience the creamy goodness of carbonara with peas, a comforting classic with a twist! This dish combines spaghetti with a silky sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta, enhanced with sweet peas for a pop of color and flavor. It’s simple yet decadent, perfect for an impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 4 oz pancetta, diced
– 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy, then add peas.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and parmesan.
4. Combine spaghetti with pancetta and peas, then quickly mix in egg mixture until creamy.
8. Mushroom Alfredo Pasta
Indulge in the creamy richness of mushroom alfredo pasta, a dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with a luxuriously creamy sauce. The combination of fettuccine and a homemade alfredo sauce made of butter, cream, and parmesan creates a decadent dish, perfect for a special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic and mushrooms in butter until tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, cooking until smooth.
4. Toss with fettuccine and season with salt and pepper before serving.
9. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Mediterranean orzo salad is perfect for a light dinner or as a side dish! Combining orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– Juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo according to package directions and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine orzo with vegetables and drizzle with dressing before serving.
10. Pesto Chicken Pasta
A delightful and easy dinner, this pesto chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Juicy pieces of chicken are sautéed and combined with pasta and basil pesto, creating a flavorful dish that can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup basil pesto
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
– Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook penne according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken until cooked through.
3. Toss cooked pasta with chicken and pesto, season, and serve with parmesan on top.
11. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Simple yet incredibly flavorful, spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish that comes together in minutes. With just a few ingredients—olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes—this pasta dish is perfect for a quick meal that still impresses.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 cloves garlic, sliced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add red pepper flakes and toss in the cooked spaghetti.
4. Serve garnished with parsley.
12. Tomato Basil Pasta
A fresh and flavorful dish, tomato basil pasta is perfect for summer evenings. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic creates a light sauce that perfectly coats your choice of pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until softened, then stir in basil.
4. Toss with cooked spaghetti and season with salt and pepper before serving.
13. Cheesy Spinach Pasta Bake
This cheesy spinach pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines pasta, creamy cheese, and nutritious spinach, all baked to perfection. The gooey cheese topping and the crispy edges make it a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, spinach, ricotta, and marinara.
4. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25 minutes until golden.
14. Thai Peanut Noodles
Transport your taste buds to Thailand with these Thai peanut noodles, a delicious and easy dish that’s packed with flavor! The smooth peanut sauce coats the noodles beautifully, and fresh vegetables add crunch and color, making it a perfect quick meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz rice noodles
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
– Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Toss cooked noodles with peanut sauce and add in bell peppers.
4. Serve garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
15. Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This fettuccine with sun-dried tomatoes is a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent! The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy alfredo sauce, creating a comforting dish your guests will love.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, combine heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, heating until warm.
3. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted, then toss with fettuccine and season with salt and pepper.
16. Penne Arrabbiata
Penne arrabbiata is a spicy yet simple Italian classic that’s always a crowd favorite! The spicy tomato sauce is made with garlic, red chili flakes, and fresh parsley, giving it a kick that pairs beautifully with the penne. Ideal for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups canned tomatoes, crushed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp red chili flakes
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook penne according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes and chili flakes.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, and toss with cooked penne.
4. Serve garnished with parsley.
17. Broccoli and Cheese Pasta
This broccoli and cheese pasta is a heartwarming dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and kids will love it too!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz macaroni pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
2. Drain and return to the pot, then stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
18. Veggie Lasagna
This veggie lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that layers pasta with a medley of vegetables and rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheese. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still delivering on flavor and comfort.
Ingredients:
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups zucchini, sliced
– 2 cups spinach
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a baking dish, layer noodles, marinara, vegetables, and cheese, repeating until all ingredients are used.
4. Bake for 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
19. Garlic Butter Pasta with Asparagus
Wrap up your dinner with garlic butter pasta with asparagus, a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for spring! The tender asparagus is sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with spaghetti, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add asparagus and cook until tender.
4. Toss with cooked spaghetti and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Conclusion
With these 19 easy pasta dinner recipes, you can impress your dinner guests while keeping your cooking stress-free!
Each dish brings unique flavors and gorgeous presentation, ensuring your meals are both delicious and visually appealing. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some pasta magic that your friends and family will be talking about for weeks!
