Make weeknight meals easy with pasta recipes the entire family will love. And as a bonus, these dinners are each ready in 30 minutes or less!
30 Super Quick Pasta Dinner Ideas Ready in 30 Minutes
1/30
Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish's classic sauce is almost as simple as opening a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 998 calories, 77g fat (46g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
2/30
Lasagna Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
3/30
Meatball Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
4/30
Chicken Pesto Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
5/30
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
6/30
Grilled Shrimp Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta came about one night when I started making up dinner as I went along, using what I had on hand. We knew it turned out amazing with the very first bite. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 445 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 3 fat.
7/30
Pasta with Sausage and Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
8/30
Beef Lo Mein
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
9/30
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/30
Spaghetti with Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
“I've been making this recipe for 35 years. It's one of my husband's favorite dishes. Lower-fat franks and reduced-fat cheese can be used and it's just as good.” Karen Tausend - Bridgeport, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 523 calories, 34g fat (14g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
11/30
Garlic Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this family-favorite garlic spaghetti—or spaghetti aglio e olio—at least a couple of times a month. It's wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread. Add red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat or finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. —Jackie Messina, Chardon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 398 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
12/30
Penne alla Vodka
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 504 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
13/30
Thai Chicken Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to buy fresh chicken when it’s on sale. I cook a big batch in the slow cooker, then cut it up and package it in small amounts suitable for recipes like this. When I want it, I just need to pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw. —Jeni Pittard, Canon, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 409 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 33g protein.
14/30
Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/30
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture with 1 cup pasta: 570 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
16/30
Pulled Pork Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 428 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
17/30
Green Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun alternative to other pasta sauces, this southwestern-style mix of peppers, cilantro and sour cream brings an unexpected zing to your dinner table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 374 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
18/30
Ravioli and Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this dish—it's on our menu at least once a month. It's easy to double for large crowds... just keep it warm in a slow cooker. I usually serve the ravioli with green beans amandine and garlic bread.—Krendi Ford, Belleville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 361 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
19/30
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu, but I always seem to order their delicious fresh and citrusy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with pasta. I'd enjoyed it enough times that I was confident I reproduce it to share with friends and family. I think I hit it spot on! When I have fresh basil from the garden I use that instead of parsley.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
20/30
Beef and Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 344 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/30
Tomato Basil Tortellini
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend remarked about a similar baked tortellini dish at a restaurant, so I wanted to try re-creating it for her at home. My stovetop version makes it weeknight easy. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 488 calories, 31g fat (17g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
22/30
Pizza Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1056mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
23/30
Vegetable Linguine
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
24/30
Skillet Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
25/30
Ham and Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. I've made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when I'm in a hurry to get something on the table. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
26/30
Pancetta Pasta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 378 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
27/30
Vegetarian Pad Thai
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
28/30
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this quick Buffalo chicken Alfredo! It became an instant favorite. I like to use Frank's cayenne pepper sauce, but if you like things on the milder side, just use a little less. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 504 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1693mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
29/30
Spinach Tomato Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
Big garlic flavor and a little heat from red pepper flakes help perk up this fresh-tasting pasta dish. It's wonderful with chicken and beef entrees. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 370 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
30/30
Cheeseburger Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 391 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
