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    Home » Pasta

    19 Fast, Flavorful Pasta Recipes for Last-Minute Dinner Plans

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 10, 2025 · Published December 12, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for many, and it doesn't have to take a long time to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some quick cooking techniques, you can whip up a variety of flavorful pasta dishes in 20 minutes or less. Whether you're in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies, there's a quick pasta recipe that will satisfy your cravings.

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This pasta dish is a simple and tasty dinner option. Packed with fresh vegetables and mixed with a creamy pesto sauce, it can be made in just one pot.

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    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta

    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Coconut Lime Chicken & Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. The bright coconut lime sauce gives a fresh spin to regular pasta, and it's ready in just 20 minutes.

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    Vegan Spinach Pasta

    Vegan spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta dish is packed with flavor and is completely dairy-free. It's a quick and easy vegan recipe that you can whip up in no time.

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

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

    This Thai curry spaghetti brings together the rich flavors of Thai curry and the familiar comfort of spaghetti, making it perfect for a quick dinner. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish offers a tasty take on carbonara, loaded with extra flavor. It's quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying meal in no time.

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    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Garlic and oil pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that elevates regular buttered noodles into something special. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for dinner.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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

    This pasta is packed with great flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, making it a quick and tasty meal. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a busy day.

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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's topped with parmesan cheese for added zest. It's a quick and easy meal made with simple ingredients, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something tasty in just 20 minutes.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick dish that comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Easy Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Joy Food Sunshine.

    Pesto pasta is a quick and easy dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. It's great as a main dish or a side, and you can serve it warm or cold.

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    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a simple and delicious dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With fresh or frozen salmon, the creamy sauce gives it a light and refreshing flavor, making it a great choice for any evening.

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    Creamy Spinach Pasta

    Creamy Spinach Pasta.
    Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

    This green pasta sauce is both delicious and healthy, made with just six easy ingredients. It's a quick vegan option that you can blend up in no time, making it great for a family meal.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time. With only three ingredients and ready in just 10 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious.

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    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    A Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad combines orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a simple and delicious meal.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Vodka Pasta is full of rich and zesty flavors that will make your dinner special. You can easily make it in just 20 minutes, and there's no vodka required.

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    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Health Starts in the Kitchen.

    This dish combines the classic Caesar salad with pasta and grilled shrimp for a tasty meal. It's a satisfying option that will brighten up your dinner.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is quick and easy to make, using everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's a great option for a delicious meal when you're short on time.

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    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese comes together in just 20 minutes with fresh ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dinner is super simple and quick to make. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that's full of flavor.

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    More Pasta Recipes

    • Lemon ricotta pasta.
      19 Weeknight Pasta Dishes You’ll Have on the Table in 15 Minutes - or Less!
    • Smoked salmon spinach pasta.
      26 Elegant Pasta Recipes That Don’t Take All Night to Make
    • Brie mac and cheese.
      Brie Mac and Cheese
    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

    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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