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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Quick and Easy Pasta Dinners for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 13, 2025, updated January 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to for busy weeknights, offering quick and satisfying meals that can be whipped up in no time. With just a few ingredients, you can create a variety of dishes that are both comforting and delicious. From classic spaghetti to creamy fettuccine, these 20 easy pasta dinners will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is full of flavor with a nice kick and creamy texture. It's easy to whip up, and you can even skip the vodka if you want.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is super simple and quick to prepare. It's a tasty option for busy nights.

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    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

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

    You can prepare a delicious pasta dish with noodles, pesto, and veggies in less than 40 minutes. It's a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home.

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    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

    Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    You can quickly prepare a healthy pasta dish with canned mackerel in just 30 minutes. This meal is packed with omega-3s, protein, and other important nutrients, making it perfect for busy nights.

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    Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta

    Mushroom Sweet Corn Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This pasta dish features delicious mushrooms, roasted corn, and a creamy sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meat-free meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is loaded with veggies and is a quick and easy meal for busy nights. It's a healthier choice that won't take much time to prepare.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish combines spicy sausage with pasta and Parmesan cheese for a tasty meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe gives a zesty twist to classic Alfredo sauce by using everyday spices that you probably already have at home. It's a great option for quick dinners when you're short on time.

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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 delicious meal that's great for busy nights. This is a dish you'll want to enjoy often.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

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

    Feta cheese gives a tasty kick to this creamy chicken pasta. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Steak Fajita Pasta

    Steak Fajita Pasta.
    Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Steak Fajita Pasta is a favorite meal that mixes grilled steak with creamy pasta and colorful veggies seasoned like fajitas. It's a great option for serving a crowd when you're short on time and don't want to use too much steak.

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    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick dinner option that you can prepare in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is full of flavor from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy pasta dish features a tasty mix of creamy tomato sauce and bacon. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a simple and satisfying meal.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Prepare a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in just 15 minutes, featuring tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick meal combines seafood and pasta for a dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp is a flavorful dish that brings a bit of the Caribbean to your table. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with pasta and chicken. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is quick to prepare and ideal for busy nights. It's filling, packed with flavor, and offers a cozy meal in a bowl.

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    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget.

    Creamy curry pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. Feel free to toss in your favorite meat and veggies to enhance the flavor.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish features smoked salmon and a bright lemon flavor, making it a tasty option for busy nights. It's quick to prepare and satisfying, perfect for when you're short on time.

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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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