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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    38 Satisfying Pasta Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 29, 2024, updated October 24, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for many, and it’s easy to see why. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up a variety of satisfying dishes in under an hour. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, fresh veggies, or hearty proteins, there’s a pasta recipe here for everyone.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to make with just four basic ingredients and some store-bought items. You can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in less than 40!

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish with smoked salmon and lemon is perfect for quick weeknight meals. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a go-to option when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This creamy steak and mushroom pasta is mixed with a cheesy casserole for a comforting meal. You can whip it up in just 45 minutes using an oven-safe skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Make a creamy smoked Gouda mac and cheese in just 20 minutes using only six easy ingredients in one pot. This comforting pasta dish combines smoky cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, finished with fresh parsley for a tasty upgrade to a classic that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pumpkin Pasta

    Easy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    A simple pumpkin pasta sauce makes for a quick and delicious meal using ingredients you probably already have. With red lentils added, this vegetarian sauce offers a filling option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Ham Pasta

    Ham Pasta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Ham Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that helps you use up any leftover ham you have. It's made in one pan, making cleanup easy, and it tastes great as leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce

    Pink pasta on a shallow, white bowl.
    Photo Credit: XOXOBella.

    This pink sauce pasta combines a rich tomato and cream sauce with onion, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a quick and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is a comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It's filling and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a cozy meal.

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    Cheesy Taco Pasta

    A bowl of cheesy taco pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy taco pasta is a quick and filling dish that you can whip up in just over half an hour. It's perfect for a satisfying meal when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Lobster and scallop pasta makes for a wonderful meal when you want to treat yourself at home. It's loaded with fresh seafood and a delicious lemon garlic wine sauce that brings everything together.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This mac and cheese has a fun Indian twist that adds some spice to the classic dish. With cheesy pasta, jalapeños, and warm spices, it’s a quick and tasty vegetarian meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a simple and tasty dish that comes together quickly. The spicy spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy, brings a rich and exciting flavor to the plate.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.
    Photo credit: From my Pantry.

    This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce offers a tasty alternative to traditional tomato sauce, bringing a rich and smooth texture to your dish. It's packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    This bang bang shrimp pasta is a quick and tasty dish that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. With fettuccine, pan-seared shrimp, and a flavorful sriracha chili sauce, it comes together in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This pasta bake is rich and filling, featuring a nice kick from cream cheese. It’s quick to prepare by using rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This gochujang pasta is creamy and has a nice kick, with a hint of sweetness, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a flavorful dish that offers a twist on the classic pasta alla vodka by using gochujang.

    Get the recipe

    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish comes together in no time and is easy to make. Featuring tasty noodles, fresh pesto, and healthy veggies, it offers a great meal you can enjoy at home in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish comes together in no time and is simple to prepare. It's perfect for a satisfying meal when you're short on time.

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    Sardine Pasta Bolognese

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Krumpli.

    This pasta dish combines sardines with a hearty sauce inspired by Bolognese, featuring red wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh tomatoes. It's a quick and satisfying meal that makes use of affordable canned fish.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish is easy to make and only requires a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for a quick meal that still feels special.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is a delicious dish that combines spicy and creamy flavors for a satisfying meal. You can easily make it in under an hour, and if you want, you can skip the vodka and still enjoy it.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This simple vegan alfredo sauce comes together with just 5 ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to make, with no cooking needed. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a creamy pasta dish without any hassle.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    Kung Pao Spaghetti brings a fun spin to your usual takeout. This dish combines pasta, chicken, veggies, peanuts, and spring onions in a delicious homemade kung pao sauce, making it a quick and satisfying meal for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Cajun chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken pasta dish combines spicy and creamy flavors for a delicious meal that's easy to whip up. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick pasta dinner using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

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    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    A creamy sauce made from blending tender beets with crème fraîche, feta cheese, sautéed onions, and garlic pairs wonderfully with any pasta. This simple yet delicious combination is quick to prepare and sure to please.

    Get the recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This seafood pasta casserole is creamy and cheesy, making it a comforting meal. It's a simple dish that you can whip up in no time, ideal for hectic weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Fresca

    Pasta Fresca.
    Photo credit: Profusion Curry.

    This pasta dish features perfectly cooked noodles tossed with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms, all sautéed in a tasty mix of balsamic vinegar and garlic. It's a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese come together in this quick and satisfying dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    SALMON ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This pasta dish combines fresh asparagus, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and pasta in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's easy to make and great for a light meal in the spring or summer.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and tasty Instant Pot bolognese is perfect for a busy day. This recipe creates a rich pasta sauce packed with classic flavors, using everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This tahini pasta is a simple dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. The creamy tahini sauce gives the pasta a nice nutty flavor that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It makes for a quick and delicious dinner using just a few basic ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Noodle Casserole

    A plate of chicken noodle casserole.
    Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This Chicken Noodle Casserole takes the flavors of the classic soup and turns them into a hearty meal with chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a creamy sauce. It's an easy and affordable dish that you can customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. This dish combines spicy buffalo sauce, tangy blue cheese, pasta, and chicken for a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    This creamy curry pasta comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for a busy dinner. Feel free to toss in your favorite protein and veggies to customize it to your liking.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This pasta salad works well as a tasty lunch or dinner. It's perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Coconut milk transforms a basic tomato pasta sauce into a creamy and flavorful dish. This easy recipe is a great alternative to heavy cream, offering a satisfying taste without the extra calories.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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