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Home » Recipe Collections

14 Easy Pasta Dishes That Practically Cook Themselves

Published: Oct 15, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Pasta dishes don’t need to be complicated to be great, and these 14 easy recipes prove it. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want something that practically cooks itself, these meals are perfect for nights when time is short but you still want something that hits the spot. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, each of these dishes will get dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking for quick, no-stress meals that still feel satisfying, these pasta recipes have you covered.

An overhead image of pasta fresca in a white plate with cheese and tomatoes in the background.
Pasta Fresca. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mildly spiced rasta pasta is made with fresh, simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight meal when you're looking for something easy, flavorful, and completely hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A creamy sun-dried tomato pasta made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes, packed with garlic, ricotta, and parmesan. This dish is a great option when you want a rich, comforting meal with minimal prep and cleanup, making it an easy go-to pasta recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This quick tortellini pasta salad is perfect for summer, featuring less than 10 simple ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a light, refreshing side dish that practically makes itself, ideal for busy days when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Trenette al Pesto

An overhead image of trenette al pesto in a round serving plate.
Trenette al Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Trenette al Pesto is a classic pasta from Liguria, featuring basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans for a hearty and satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This take on spicy vodka pasta can be made with or without vodka and easily adapted to be vegan or vegetarian. With a 30-minute cook time, it's perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual date night, making it a versatile addition to any easy pasta collection.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A one-pot spicy Alfredo pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes, made with a creamy red pepper base and fresh herbs. It's a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight, fitting right into a collection of easy pasta recipes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is light, creamy, and ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Its simplicity and speed make it an essential addition to any list of easy pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side.
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan spring pasta is made with pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms, bringing maximum flavor in just 30 minutes. It's a fresh, simple recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal, fitting right into any collection of fast and easy pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Pasta Fresca

An overhead image of pasta fresca in a white plate with cheese and tomatoes in the background.
Pasta Fresca. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta Fresca features fresh, simple ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a busy night. This quick, flavorful meal is perfect for when you want something light and easy without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata is a spicy, easy-to-make pasta dish made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful option for weeknight meals when you need something quick, simple, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e piselli is a classic Italian dish made with peas and Pecorino cheese, offering a simple yet flavorful meal. This quick pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in no time with minimal ingredients and effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta alla Norma features a rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Italian dish is perfect for those nights when you want something easy and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This broccoli pesto pasta is packed with flavor from toasted lemon zest, roasted broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, all ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, fresh pasta dish that’s great for weeknight dinners, combining ease of preparation with vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy leek and mushroom pasta made with fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan, ready in just 40 minutes. This one-pot recipe is perfect for a quick, comforting dinner that requires minimal effort, fitting seamlessly into a collection of easy pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

More Creamy Pasta Dishes

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cozy up with 35 creamy pasta dishes this fall—perfect for warming up chilly nights and satisfying your cravings!
Read it Here: 35 Creamy Pasta Dishes to Keep You Warm All Fall Long

More Comforting Pasta Dishes

A plate of Spaghetti Bolognese.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm up your fall family nights with 24 comforting pasta dishes, perfect for cozy evenings and hearty, flavorful dinners!
Read it Here: 24 Comforting Pasta Dishes Perfect for a Fall Family Night

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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