Quick Pasta Recipes
Owen Murphy
| 21-11-2025
· Cate team
This quick pasta is rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. The best part?
You only need one pan to cook it!

Butter, Garlic, and Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:
• 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, save 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the drained pasta back to the pan, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until it melts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Tip: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color.

Tomato Basil Pasta

A refreshing, simple pasta made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil—perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
• 200g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)
Steps:
1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden.
2. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, and cook for 5 minutes until they soften and break down.
3. Stir in fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan, and mix to coat it in the tomato sauce.
5. Serve with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Tip: A splash of balsamic vinegar will deepen the flavor of the tomatoes as they cook.

Quick Lemon & Spinach Pasta

This pasta is light, healthy, and full of fresh flavors. The combination of lemon and spinach gives it a refreshing and zesty twist.
Ingredients:
• 200g pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)
Steps:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if using.
Tip: For a creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese or cream cheese.

Speedy Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pesto pasta is packed with flavor and takes no time to prepare. It's a must-try when you're in a rush but craving something fresh.
Ingredients:
• 200g pasta (spaghetti or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a food processor, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
4. Serve with extra parmesan if desired.
Tip: For a twist, mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.

Veggie-packed Pasta Primavera

This pasta is full of colorful, healthy veggies. It's the perfect dish for when you want something light yet filling.
Ingredients:
• 200g pasta (penne or farfalle)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)
Steps:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender.
3. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the veggies. Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves.
4. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.
Tip: For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
These recipes are all about simplicity and speed, yet they don't sacrifice flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something creamy, tangy, or veggie-filled, these dishes have you covered. Enjoy!