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    Home » Pasta

    19 Weeknight Pasta Dishes You’ll Have on the Table in 15 Minutes - or Less!

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 8, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for many, and when you're short on time, it can still be quick and satisfying. Here are 19 pasta dishes that can be whipped up in 15 minutes or less, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious pasta meal without the long wait.

    Pasta al Pesto

    Pasta al Pesto on a plate.
    Photo Credit: My Good Food World.

    Pasta al pesto is a comforting dish that's quick to prepare. With some homemade pesto on hand, you can have a tasty meal ready in under 15 minutes.

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    Cashew Alfredo

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

    A quick and creamy vegan alfredo sauce can be made with just 5 simple ingredients. It comes together in 15 minutes with no cooking required.

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    Greek Pasta

    15 Minute Greek Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Greek Pasta is a fast and easy dish featuring tender noodles and fresh Mediterranean veggies. It's tossed in a creamy feta and herb sauce that brings everything together nicely.

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    One Pot Mac and Cheese

    One Pot Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

    This creamy and cheesy pasta dish comes together in just one pot and is super simple to make. It's a great meal for busy nights, loved by both kids and adults.

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    Cacio e Pepe

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

    This Italian pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Lemon Garlic Pasta

    A plate of lemon garlic pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    Pasta al Limone is a quick and flavorful dish that you can make in just one pan. This lemon garlic pasta is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can prepare in just 15 minutes. It features tender shrimp, well-cooked pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce that everyone will love.

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    Sardine Pasta

    Sardine Pasta.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Sardine Pasta is a simple and delicious and a great way to include more fish in your meals. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a laid-back Sunday dinner.

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

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

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a quick meal that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. This is a dish you'll want to enjoy again and again.

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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 twist on the classic, featuring pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a quick vinaigrette. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple and can be ready in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can prepare in under 15 minutes. It combines spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with pasta and chicken for a satisfying dish.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

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

    Creamy pesto pasta is a simple meal that comes together in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The combination of bright pesto sauce and Greek yogurt makes for a comforting dish that's perfect for a quick dinner.

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    Italian Pasta Salad

    Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This Italian pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, mozzarella, and salami, all tossed together with a simple dressing. It's perfect for busy nights and can be ready in just 15 minutes.

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    Creamy Spinach Pasta

    Creamy Spinach Pasta.
    Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

    A quick and easy green pasta sauce can be made with just six simple ingredients. This creamy spinach sauce is vegan and great for a fast meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

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

    This pasta salad is great for a fast meal, whether you're having lunch or dinner. It's tasty enough to impress your friends and family.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This creamy gochujang pasta is quick to prepare and ready in just 15 minutes. It's a flavorful dish with a bit of spice, offering a unique twist on traditional pasta recipes.

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    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

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

    This dish combines pasta with grilled shrimp and a creamy dressing for a quick and tasty meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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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 delicious twist on regular buttered noodles, ideal for a quick meal. You can whip this up in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

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    More Pasta Recipes

    • 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
    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese

    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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