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Home » Recipe Collections

14 Easy Weeknight Pasta Dishes That Still Feel Fancy

Published: Oct 21, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Pasta dishes are a go-to for weeknights when you need something fast, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for plain or boring. These recipes are great for when you want a meal that’s easy to make but still feels like a treat. Whether you're cooking for yourself or your family, these pastas are perfect for adding a bit of flair to your usual dinner routine without much extra effort. Quick, simple, and just fancy enough to keep things interesting.

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

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, featuring pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms, delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. It's an excellent choice for an easy weeknight pasta dish that combines freshness and simplicity, making it perfect for when you want a quick yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

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, with its rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil, brings a hearty, comforting flavor to the table. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Italian dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need an easy pasta option that still feels satisfying and effortless.
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 just 30 minutes. Its vibrant, fresh ingredients make it a great easy weeknight pasta dish that’s full of flavor and minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto 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.

The one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is light, creamy, and ready in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect quick dinner option. Its simplicity and speed make it an easy weeknight pasta recipe, ideal for when you need something delicious and fast without much effort.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta 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, with fewer than 10 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, is a great option for warm evenings or busy nights. Its light, refreshing flavors make it a versatile easy weeknight pasta dish that can double as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pasta e Piselli

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

Pasta e piselli combines peas and Pecorino cheese into a simple, flavorful meal that comes together in no time. This easy weeknight pasta recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something quick yet comforting without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

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

Mildly spiced rasta pasta is made with fresh ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal. This easy pasta dish is packed with flavor, making it both simple and satisfying when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

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 highlights fresh, simple ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for an easy weeknight pasta. Its bright flavors and minimal prep make it a go-to dish for busy nights when you want something light yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

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.

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes, is filled with garlic, ricotta, and parmesan. This easy weeknight pasta recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a rich, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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

Rigatoni arrabbiata, made with spicy tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil, is an easy weeknight pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Its bold flavors and simple ingredients make it an ideal choice for a fast, satisfying meal that feels elevated without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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, featuring fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan, comes together in one pot in just 40 minutes. This easy weeknight pasta dish is rich and comforting, offering a hearty meal without much prep or cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

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

This one-pot spicy Alfredo pasta, with a creamy red pepper base and fresh herbs, is ready in just 30 minutes. As an easy weeknight pasta recipe, it’s a quick, comforting option for busy nights when you want something rich and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

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 is easily adapted to be vegan or vegetarian. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile and easy weeknight pasta dish is perfect for busy nights or even casual date nights, making it a must-try for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

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 Ligurian pasta made with basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans, creating a hearty, flavorful meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy weeknight pasta dish is both simple and comforting, perfect for quick dinners or even lunch when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

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 chilly nights and satisfying every craving!
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 nights with 24 comforting pasta dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family 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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