Quick-Fix Pasta Suppers

By Southern Living
Southern Living

Whether you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food or a light, bright summer pasta, you can never have too many pasta supper ideas. Pasta dishes are a great thing to have in your repertoire, especially these easy pasta recipes that won’t take up too much precious weeknight time. Need a one-pot supper? Pasta to the rescue! Had a long day, tiresome day? Mix up a batch of our ooey, gooey macaroni and cheese and put your feet up. Unexpected drop-in guests? Wow them with fancier-than-it-looks burst tomato and herb spaghetti. Spring vegetables, fall vegetables, chicken, ground beef, cheese, sausage, sauce–the combinations are endless, and can be daunting because of the sheer volume of possible dishes. That’s why we have put together this collection of our favorite quick pasta recipes so that you will always have at least one dish to turn to in a pinch.

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One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

This dish is a revelation. Throw all of your ingredients into one pot over medium-high heat, and about 25 minutes later you'll have noodles perfectly coated in a luscious tomato-basil sauce.

Watch: How To Make One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

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Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Fettuccine Alfredo probably isn’t the first dish you think of for a springtime supper or healthy eating. But this version, made with fresh, seasonal asparagus, is much lighter than the classic and just as delicious. With a bit of lemon to give it a citrus kick, it’s perfect for the warmer weather.

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Mushroom Stroganoff

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Smoked paprika adds depth to this meatless dish.

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Late-Night Pasta Chez Frank

Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Late-Night Pasta Chez Frank

Our Test Kitchen Director Robby Melvin still loves to prepare this fresh and easy pasta dish from his mentor, Birmingham chef Frank Stitt. 

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Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

When preparing this, start with half the vinaigrette. Cooked pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so add the rest just before serving for a last-minute burst of flavor.

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Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

A handheld Microplane grater makes it easy to add fresh Parmesan flavor.

Watch: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta

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Shrimp and Peas with Farfalle

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Shrimp and Peas with Farfalle

Lemony breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to this dish.

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Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables

Pea tendrils, the tender tips of pea vines that taste just like the peas, make an unexpected and charming garnish.

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Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Bucatini, Ham, and Asparagus

Bucatini is long, thin pasta that's hollow in the center, like little garden hoses. Spaghetti and linguine are good substitutes.

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Roquefort Noodles

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Roquefort Noodles

Ready in 20 Minutes
Don't skimp on the quality of the blue cheese in this recipe—it'll transform this simple pasta dish into a mouth-watering weeknight favorite.

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Rotini with Crumbled Turkey and Tomato Sauce

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Rotini with Crumbled Turkey and Tomato Sauce

A weeknight meal ready in just 45 minutes.

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Collard Green Carbonara

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Collard Green Carbonara

Ready in 35 Minutes
Pasta carbonara is the ultimate quick dinner. It's rich, satisfying, and works during the week but is worthy of weekend company.

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Mix 'n' Match Spring Pasta Toss

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Mix 'n' Match Spring Pasta Toss

Using a mix of different shapes of pasta? Add any larger, thicker shapes to the pot 2 to 3 minutes before smaller pasta. Feel free to veer from the recipe and use up any vegetables that you have on hand. Try swapping out green beans or broccoli for the sugar snaps or 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper for the jarred pimiento.

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Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti

Serve up the sweet taste of the season any night of the week. Sautéed in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil, grape tomatoes become fragrant and juicy – perfect for pairing with pasta.

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Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, the salad is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

Watch: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

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Lemony Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemony Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli rabe, a bitter, almost-spicy descendant of wild mustard, is actually more closely related to turnips than broccoli. Blanching, before sautéing, mellows out its bitterness and locks in the bright green color.

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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Whisk warm milk into the flour mixture to ensure a lump-free sauce. We also recommend shredding your own cheese for a creamier texture. We tested with Cracker Barrel Extra-Sharp Cheddar. Our step-by-step guide removes any guesswork from making this classic pasta.

Step-by-Step Video: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Spaghetti With Sausage and Peppers

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: Spaghetti With Sausage and Peppers

Mix together spaghetti with sausage and peppers for a quick Italian meal that's sure to please the entire family.

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Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls

Fresh lime juice adds extra bright flavor. Bringing the broth back to a boil before serving ensures the snap peas cook to a crisp-tender texture.

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One-Dish Chicken Pasta

Photo: Howard Lee Puckett

Recipe: One-Dish Chicken Pasta

If you're craving a cheesy casserole but don't have the time to assemble and bake one, make a quick cooktop casserole with all your favorite casserole ingredients.

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Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fast-and-Fresh Sausage Ragu

Use your favorite breakfast or Italian sausage. For a finer texture, break up the sausage as it cooks using a potato masher.

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Pasta with Sausage and Kale

Kale has a mild cabbage-like flavor that's nice with sausage. To save a few minutes on the cook time, use spinach, which does not require steaming. Cook pasta, chop onion, and toast pine nuts the day before. Rinse pasta with cold water to wash away starches that cause sticking, and refrigerate in a zip-top plastic bag.

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Pronto-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pronto-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Spinach, chopped chicken, and Parmesan and cottage cheeses combine to form the filling for these rich, Alfredo-topped pasta shells. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to speed up the prep time.

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Fettuccine with Blue Cheese Sauce

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Blue cheese dresses up a super simple white sauce to coat ham, spinach, and noodles for this elegant pasta.

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Mediterranean Turkey Cutlets and Pasta

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Mediterranean Turkey Cutlets and Pasta

Cooked quickly in a skillet, Greek-seasoned turkey cutlets are the perfect accompaniment to fettuccine with sautéed red onion, tomatoes and olives. Feel free to substitute your favorite canned tomato blend.

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Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

This top-rated spinach-ravioli lasagna uses convenience items, like store-bought pesto sauce, jarred Alfredo sauce, and frozen cheese-filled ravioli, to deliver a delicious main dish with little time and effort on your part.

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Sweet-Hot Asian Noodle Bowl

Recipe: Sweet-Hot Asian Noodle Bowl

This Asian noodle bowl is great cold, so plan to take leftovers to work. Store your bottle of dark sesame oil in the fridge. The oil will solidify, so let it come to room temperature before measuring.

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Chicken Tetrazzini with Prosciutto and Peas

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini with Prosciutto and Peas

In less than an hour, you can create a dinner that will satisfy the whole family. A hallmark of Southern cooking, this updated main dish stars a classic Italian ingredient combination: peas and prosciutto. Transform the traditional pasta meal into a casserole by adding Alfredo sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Crispy sautéed prosciutto adds a savory, salty crunch, while Parmesan cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Alfredo sauce add a rich, creamy texture. This standby casserole dish is one part comfort food, one part Italian delicacy, served in one dish. Top with almonds for a nutty crunch to accent the Alfredo sauce.

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Spicy Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Canned diced tomatoes and green chiles kick up the flavor in this almost effortless mac and cheese. To tame the spiciness, use regular cheese and milder diced tomatoes and chiles.

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Country-Style Spaghetti

Make traditional spaghetti and meatballs in a flash by taking a shortcut with frozen meatballs and an easy sauce of canned tomatoes, tomato paste and dried herbs.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta

One easy way to kick up the flavor in a dish is to add Cajun seasoning. Here, the seasoning is sprinkled on the chicken strips before they're sautéed and tossed into the linguine-vegetable mixture.

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Mediterranean Chicken Couscous

Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Couscous

No pots and pans are required for this easy, no-mess Mediterranean recipe. Simply use a glass measuring cup to heat the broth in the microwave, place dry couscous in the serving bowl, and then add the broth. Once the remaining ingredients are stirred in, the dish is ready to serve.

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Tortellini Salad

Use refrigerated tortellini, canned artichoke hearts, and a bottle of Caesar dressing to make this easy and hearty pasta salad.

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Fettuccine-Vegetable Toss

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Jarred Alfredo sauce makes preparing this flavor-packed pasta simple. Sautéed onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and fresh spinach leaves are a winning veggie combination. Add cooked chicken for a heartier variation.

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Tomato-Herb Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Turn this zesty side dish into a hearty entrée by adding cooked shrimp or chicken.

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Tuscan Pasta With Tomato-Basil Cream

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Tuscan Pasta With Tomato-Basil Cream

This elegant pasta dinner will have your family thinking you worked in the kitchen all day long. The secret, though, is refrigerated ravioli and jarred alfredo sauce that's heated with white wine, chopped fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty finishing touch.

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Tex-Mex Ravioli Casserole

For an extra pop of flavor, top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped pickled jalapeños.

 

Recipe: Tex-Mex Ravioli Casserole

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Shrimp Scampi

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Lemon and garlic combine with delicate angel hair pasta and mild-flavored shrimp for a refreshing and quick pasta supper. Buy peeled and deveined shrimp at the grocery store to cut prep time.

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Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Sausage, pepperoni, and your favorite jarred pasta sauce fill this cheese-topped casserole. Freeze it unbaked up to a month to pull out on a busy weeknight.

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Porcini Mushroom Tortelloni With Wilted Greens

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Bacon and a white wine sauce add plenty of rich flavor to tortelloni, peas, tomatoes, and spring greens. We tested with porcini mushroom tortelloni, but you can substitute your favorite variety.

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Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini

This hearty Italian entree features grilled chicken and zucchini tossed with storebought cheese tortellini, pesto, chopped tomatoes, and Italian herb seasoning.

Watch: Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini

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Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

A container of refrigerated pesto adds distinctive flavor to this basic beef-and-cheese lasagna, and the unbaked lasagna can be frozen for up to three months. 

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Orange Beef Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Beef broth, soy sauce, and orange marmalade form a simple yet flavorful sauce for this pasta tossed with beef, snow peas, and carrots. Measure all ingredients before you begin cooking for the very best results.

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Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta

This creamy bow tie pasta recipe combines chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese for a satisfying main dish. Cooking the pasta in the same water that the chicken was cooked in gives the noodles extra flavor —and using just one pot makes for easy cleanup

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Cheese Ravioli With Spicy Tomato Sauce

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Won ton wrappers make homemade ravioli super easy to prepare. A light sauce made with chicken broth and white wine tops the fresh ricotta, Parmesan, and basil-stuffed pasta. Change the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of dried crushed red pepper.

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Speedy Lasagna

This classic Italian dish can be prepped and cooked in less than an hour. Our secret for speedily preparing your favorite lasagna ingredients? The microwave.

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Roasted Red Pepper-Caesar Tortelloni

Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper-Caesar Tortelloni

If you like Caesar salad, you’ll love this pasta twist. Lemon and Dijon mustard enhance bottled Caesar dressing to make a warm, creamy sauce for tortelloni and roasted red bell pepper strips.

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