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10 Easy Pasta Recipes That Taste Like Restaurant Dishes

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  • Post last modified:November 23, 2024

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easy pasta recipes

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There’s something magical about indulging in a rich, flavorful pasta dish at your favorite restaurant.

But what if we told you that you could recreate that same magic in your own kitchen, without spending hours cooking or breaking the bank?

In this post, we’re sharing 10 easy pasta recipes that taste like they came straight out of a high-end Italian bistro.

Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and get ready to make pasta nights a new tradition!

1. Creamy Alfredo Pasta

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Description

A rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that rivals the best Italian restaurants, served over tender fettuccine pasta.

Quick Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic if using, and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Calories: ~560 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in calcium, contains healthy fats

Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

2. Spaghetti Carbonara

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Description

A rich, creamy pasta made with crispy pancetta, egg yolks, and cheese for a traditional Italian delight.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, spaghetti carbonara

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and mix in cheese.
  3. In a frying pan, cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Add garlic if using and cook until fragrant.
  4. Remove from heat. Toss in cooked spaghetti, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  5. Pour egg mixture over pasta, adding reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
  6. Season generously with black pepper and serve immediately.

Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in protein, good source of vitamins A and D

Tips: Use freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

3. Garlic Shrimp Scampi

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Description

Succulent shrimp in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon, perfect for a quick but indulgent dinner.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, shrimp scampi pasta

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook linguine according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp, cooking until pink (3-4 minutes per side).
  4. Stir in lemon juice, wine (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: Rich in protein, moderate in fats

Tips: Substitute wine with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

4. Pesto Pasta Primavera

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Description

A fresh, vibrant pasta tossed with seasonal veggies and basil pesto for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, pesto pasta, vegetarian pasta

Ingredients
  • 12 oz fusilli or penne pasta
    Recommended Product: Barilla Penne Pasta.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
    Recommended Product: Mezzetta Basil Pesto Sauce.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a skillet, sauté vegetables until tender.
  3. Combine cooked pasta and vegetables in a bowl, add pesto, and toss well.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with Parmesan.

Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in fiber and vitamins

Tips: Use whole-grain pasta for added nutrients.

5. Chicken Marsala Pasta

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Description

Tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce tossed with your favorite pasta.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, chicken Marsala pasta

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Coat chicken in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in a skillet until golden brown.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
  4. Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine and chicken broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and cook until thickened.
  6. Add pasta, tossing to coat.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: Rich in protein, moderate in fats

6. Lemon Butter Cavatelli

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Description

A light, refreshing pasta with a bright lemon butter sauce that’s perfect for a quick, elegant dinner.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, lemon butter pasta

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook cavatelli according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice and zest.
  3. Toss in pasta, stirring to coat.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Calories: ~460 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: Moderate in fats and carbs

7. Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

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Description

A creamy blend of four cheeses melted over tender pasta for a comforting, indulgent meal.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, mac and cheese

Ingredients
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
    Recommended Product: Barilla Elbows Pasta.
  • 1 cup milk
    Recommended Product: Organic Valley Whole Milk.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    Recommended Product: Tillamook Cheddar Cheese.
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in milk and heavy cream.
  3. Gradually add cheeses, stirring until melted.
  4. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
  5. Optional: Bake in a greased dish at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for a crispy top.

Calories: ~700 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in calcium, rich in fats

8. Mushroom Truffle Pasta

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Description

Earthy mushrooms and aromatic truffle oil elevate this pasta to a fine-dining level dish.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, mushroom pasta, truffle oil pasta

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Sauté mushrooms in a skillet with truffle oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  3. Add cream (if using) and cooked pasta, tossing well.
  4. Garnish with Parmesan and serve.

Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: Rich in antioxidants

9. Sausage and Pepper Penne

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Description

Spicy sausage and bell peppers create a flavorful pasta perfect for weeknight meals.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, sausage pasta

Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta
    Recommended Product: Rummo Penne Rigate.
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
    Recommended Product: Johnsonville Italian Sausage.
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook penne according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Cook sausage until browned. Add peppers and garlic, sautéing until tender.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and seasonings.
  4. Combine with pasta and serve.

Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in protein

10. Classic Bolognese

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Description

A hearty meat sauce simmered to perfection, served over pasta for a true Italian classic.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy pasta recipes, bolognese sauce

Ingredients
Equipment & Appliances
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, and meat until browned.
  3. Add wine (if using) and cook until reduced.
  4. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 45 minutes.
  5. Toss with pasta and serve.

Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
Nutritional Info: High in protein, rich in iron

Essential Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta

To make the most of these recipes, it’s crucial to nail the basics of pasta cooking. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

  1. Use Plenty of Water: Boil your pasta in a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water per pound of pasta. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
    Recommended Product: All-Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot.
  2. Salt the Water Generously: Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water. Properly salted water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
  3. Cook Until Al Dente: Check your pasta 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest. It should be tender but slightly firm to the bite.
  4. Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of starchy cooking water before draining. This helps thicken sauces and makes them cling to the pasta better.
  5. Don’t Rinse Pasta: Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces stick to the noodles.

Recommended Kitchen Tools for Pasta Recipes

Having the right tools can make a huge difference in your cooking experience. Here are some essentials:

How to Store and Reheat Pasta

Leftover pasta can be just as delicious as freshly made if you store and reheat it correctly. Follow these tips:

  1. Storage:
    • Store leftover pasta and sauce separately if possible.
    • Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Recommended Product: Glass Food Storage Containers.
  2. Reheating:
    • Stovetop: Heat pasta in a pan with a splash of water or reserved sauce for a fresher taste.
    • Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Recommended Product: Glass Microwave-Safe Bowls.

Pairing Pasta with Wines and Sides

Elevate your pasta meal with the right accompaniments:

  1. Wine Pairings:
    • Creamy Sauces (e.g., Alfredo): Pair with a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
    • Tomato-Based Sauces (e.g., Bolognese): Choose a Chianti or Sangiovese.
    • Seafood-Based Pastas (e.g., Shrimp Scampi): Opt for Sauvignon Blanc.
  2. Sides:
    • Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery side is always a winner.
      Recommended Product: Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven.
    • Salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of pasta dishes.
    • Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers complement many pasta recipes.

Customizing Your Pasta Recipes

Make these recipes your own by experimenting with flavors and ingredients:

FAQs About Pasta Cooking

  1. Can I freeze leftover pasta?
    Yes! Cooked pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
    Recommended Product: Ziploc Freezer Bags.
  2. How can I make sauces creamier?
    Add a splash of heavy cream, a knob of butter, or a bit of reserved pasta water to your sauce.
  3. What pasta shapes work best for these recipes?
    • Long Pastas: Spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguine work well with creamy or olive oil-based sauces.
    • Short Pastas: Penne, fusilli, and rigatoni are ideal for chunky tomato or meat-based sauces.
  4. What’s the best way to prevent pasta from sticking together?
    Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking and avoid over-draining. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the water can also help.

Conclusion

With these 10 easy pasta recipes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dining experience right at home.

Click through our recommendations for high-quality pasta essentials and cooking tools to take your dishes to the next level!

Share your favorite recipe from this list, and don’t forget to click the affiliate links to support us!

Happy cooking!

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