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    Home » Pasta

    Short on Time? These 17 Pasta Dinners Are Ready in 30 Minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 4, 2026 · Published February 17, 2026 · 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 quick cooking techniques, you can whip up a satisfying dinner in no time. Here are 17 pasta dishes that are not only simple to make but also packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

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

    This bang bang shrimp pasta is sweet, spicy, and creamy, perfect for a quick meal in just 30 minutes. With fettuccine and pan-seared shrimp tossed in a flavorful sriracha and chili sauce, it's sure to be a hit.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. With a creamy sauce full of flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a few simple herbs, it's a quick and delicious meal.

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    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    Tuna pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies and flavors, making it a quick and satisfying meal. It's a light dish without mayo, perfect for enjoying with friends or family.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, enjoying it warm or cold.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a simple twist on the traditional Italian favorite. You can enjoy a creamy and delicious meal with shrimp ready in just 10 minutes.

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    Lemon Pepper Pasta

    Lemon Pepper Pasta.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    Lemon Pepper Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a simple dinner choice that's great for busy weeknights.

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    Ham Pasta

    Ham Pasta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Ham Pasta is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover ham. It only requires one pan, making it an easy meal that you can enjoy later as leftovers.

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    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: A Taste For Travel.

    This pizza pasta salad is a fun take on a classic dish. Packed with pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette, it comes together quickly and is perfect for a quick meal.

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    Creamy Spinach Pasta

    Creamy Spinach Pasta.
    Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

    Prepare a quick and delicious pasta dinner using just six easy ingredients. This creamy spinach sauce is vegan and raw, and it comes together in no time for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

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    Sardine Pasta

    Sardine Pasta.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Sardine Pasta is a fresh and simple dish that's great for spring. It comes together in under 15 minutes with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a nice Sunday dinner.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just half an hour, you can prepare a tasty pasta dish that satisfies your cravings. This creamy sauce with feta cheese adds a special touch to your meal!

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines the flavors of Thai curry with spaghetti for a delicious meal you'll want to enjoy often. It's a quick and easy option that can be ready in just 30 minutes.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick pasta dish with smoked salmon and bright lemon is always a hit. It's great for busy nights when you want a filling meal in just half an hour.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time. With flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it's a dinner you'll love to make over and over.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This pasta dish is a quick and filling meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The creamy tahini sauce really stands out and is made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This tasty pasta dish can be ready in just 30 minutes. This one mixes spicy tomato sauce with creamy bacon for a filling meal that everyone enjoys.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is loaded with veggies and comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy nights. It's a healthy and filling choice that everyone will enjoy.

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    More Pasta Recipes

    • Lemon ricotta pasta.
      12 Simple One-Pot Pasta Dinners for Easy Evenings
    • Cheesy spinach ricotta tortellini bake.
      Ricotta Spinach Tortellini Bake
    • Spicy sausage pasta.
      20 Fast, Easy Pasta Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights
    • Creamy curry pasta.
      25 Fast and Easy Pasta Dinners for Your Busiest Nights

    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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