Easy Pasta Recipes Ready In 20 Minutes

Do you ever crave a warm bowl of pasta but lack the patience for lengthy cooking times? With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up something delicious in 20 minutes or less.

Here are some easy pasta recipes that are quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This dish proves that sometimes the simplest flavours make the most significant impact. Garlic, butter, and pasta are all you need for a meal that tastes like comfort in a bowl.

What You’ll Need:

Spaghetti

Butter

Fresh garlic cloves

Fresh parsley

Grated Parmesan

How To Make It:

1.Cook spaghetti until al dente.

2.While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a pan and sauté finely chopped garlic until golden and fragrant.

3.Toss the spaghetti directly into the garlic butter. Add a little pasta water to help the sauce cling.

4.Finish with chopped parsley and Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love It:

It's budget-friendly, takes just 15 minutes, and the flavour is rich without being heavy.

Creamy Lemon Penne

Looking for something bright and refreshing? Lemon zest and juice bring a zippy freshness to a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to penne.

What You’ll Need:

Penne pasta

Heavy cream

Lemon juice and zest

Olive oil

Black pepper and salt

How To Make It:

1.Cook penne in salted boiling water.

2.Warm cream in a skillet, then stir in lemon juice and zest, followed by a drizzle of olive oil.

3.Toss the penne into the sauce, season generously with pepper, and serve warm.

Tip:

Add baby spinach for a quick veggie boost. It wilts beautifully in the hot pasta.

Tomato Basil Bowtie Pasta

This recipe tastes like summer in a bowl. Fresh tomatoes and basil come together with bowtie pasta for a light yet filling meal.

What You’ll Need:

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves

Olive oil

Garlic

Parmesan cheese

How To Make It:

1.Cook bowtie pasta until just tender.

2.In a pan, sauté halved cherry tomatoes with garlic in olive oil. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

3.Add pasta, fresh basil, and Parmesan. Toss everything together.

Why It Works:

It's colourful, fragrant, and makes the most of fresh ingredients. Ready in 18 minutes flat.

One-Pot Pesto Pasta

If you want minimal cleanup, this is the recipe for you. Store-bought pesto transforms pasta into a flavorful dish with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need:

Your choice of pasta (fusilli works great)

Jar of basil pesto

Cherry tomatoes

Mozzarella pearls

How To Make It:

1.Boil pasta in salted water. Save a cup of the cooking water.

2.Stir in pesto, adding splashes of pasta water until you get a silky sauce.

3.Mix in tomatoes and mozzarella just before serving.

Quick Tip:

Toast some pine nuts for garnish. They add crunch and nuttiness.

Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine

Earthy mushrooms add depth to this creamy pasta, and it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.

What You’ll Need:

Fettuccine

Mushrooms (cremini or button)

Garlic

Cream or half-and-half

Fresh thyme

How To Make It:

1.Cook fettuccine.

2.Sauté mushrooms and garlic until soft. Add the cream and thyme, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

3.Toss fettuccine with the sauce and serve hot.

Fun Fact:

Mushrooms naturally add umami, giving this dish a rich, savoury flavour without the need for meat.

Spinach And Ricotta Pasta

Want something wholesome and creamy without being heavy? Spinach and ricotta are a perfect pair.

What You’ll Need:

Penne or rigatoni

Fresh spinach

Ricotta cheese

Olive oil

Nutmeg (optional)

How To Make It:

1.Cook the pasta and reserve some of the cooking water.

2.Wilt spinach in olive oil, then stir in ricotta.

3.Toss the pasta into the creamy mixture, using pasta water to smooth it out. Add a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of spice.

Why You’ll Love It:

It feels indulgent but is relatively light, thanks to the ricotta.

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta

Arrabbiata means "angry" in Italian, and this dish gets its fiery reputation from red chilli flakes. If you like a little heat, this recipe is for you.

What You’ll Need:

Penne pasta

Canned crushed tomatoes

Garlic

Red chilli flakes

Olive oil

How To Make It:

1.Cook pasta until al dente.

2.In a skillet, heat olive oil with garlic and chilli flakes. Stir in crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3.Toss pasta into the spicy sauce and enjoy.

Tip:

Top with fresh parsley to balance the heat with freshness.

Quick Tuna Pasta

This protein-packed pasta is perfect when you need a fast and filling dinner. Canned tuna is the star here.

What You’ll Need:

Spaghetti or linguine

Canned tuna in olive oil

Capers

Garlic

Lemon juice

How To Make It:

1.Cook spaghetti.

2.Sauté garlic and capers, then add the tuna and warm through.

3.Toss pasta with the mixture, squeeze in lemon juice, and serve.

Why It Works:

It's pantry-friendly so that you can make it anytime without a trip to the store.

Broccoli And Parmesan Orzo

Small but mighty, orzo cooks quickly and pairs well with veggies like broccoli.

What You’ll Need:

Orzo pasta

Broccoli florets

Olive oil

Garlic

Parmesan

How To Make It:

1.Boil orzo and broccoli in the same pot. Drain and set aside.

2.Heat olive oil and garlic, then toss in the orzo and broccoli. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Tip:

This dish serves as both a side dish and a light main course.

Caprese Pasta Salad (Cold Option)

If you're looking for a refreshing option, this pasta salad can be prepared in under 20 minutes. It's great for lunch or a picnic.

What You’ll Need:

Rotini or fusilli

Cherry tomatoes

Mozzarella balls

Fresh basil

Olive oil and balsamic glaze

How To Make It:

1.Cook the pasta, then rinse it under cold water and drain it thoroughly.

2.Toss with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

3.Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s light, fresh, and keeps well for the next day.

Quick Takeaway

These easy pasta recipes prove that delicious meals don't have to take hours to prepare. From the spicy kick of arrabbiata to the creamy comfort of mushroom fettuccine, each dish is doable in 20 minutes or less. Whether you're looking for something hearty, fresh, or light, there's a recipe here for you.