20 Incredibly Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes That Will Make You a Weeknight Dinner Hero

Every one of these pasta recipes can be made with minimal effort, and in some cases, minimal ingredients.

By
Rabi Abonour
Rabi Abonour is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Rabi Abonour
Rabi Abonour is a planner specializing in transportation, but has also been a photojournalist, writer, and editor for several online and print publications.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
and
The Serious Eats Team
The Serious Eats Team
At Serious Eats, we’re a team of self-proclaimed food nerds who are ever-curious about the “why” behind cooking. The staff has worked in restaurants, test kitchens, bakeries, and other notable publications, bringing extensive culinary and editorial expertise to the table.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Published January 15, 2025
Cacio e pepe on a tan ceramic plate alongside two small bowls, one holding shredded cheese and the other holding freshly ground pepper. There is a metal fork with pasta swirled around it on the plate.

Serious Eats / Julia Estrada

There's a dish for every mood, but sometimes an easy pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Sure, every now and then we love spending hours lingering over a perfect slow-cooked red sauce or hearty lasagna Napoletana, but there are also days when you need to get dinner on the table fast. For a delicious pasta dinner that's doable on a weeknight, check out 20 of our favorite quick and easy pasta recipes below. Whether you only have the most basic pantry staples on hand (olive oil, garlic, maybe a can of tomatoes), or you happen to have a tin of sardines, breadcrumbs, or a butternut squash, we have something that is just your speed.

March 2017

Explore more:

More Serious Eats Recipes