5 Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes for Weekend

Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week, but it’s especially perfect for weekends when you have more time to savor a leisurely meal. Here are five quick and easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time:

1. Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken

This classic Italian dish is incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Simply cook your pasta al dente, toss it with creamy Alfredo sauce, and top with grilled chicken. For added flavor, you can add mushrooms, broccoli, or other vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken breasts until cooked through.
6. Toss cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce and top with grilled chicken.

2. Spicy Arrabiata Pasta

This fiery pasta dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for those who love a little heat. The combination of tomatoes, chili flakes, and garlic creates a delicious and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.

3. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

This creamy and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of spinach and artichokes adds a delicious texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 jar (14.5 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Add spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This light and refreshing pasta dish is perfect for a summer dinner. The combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp creates a delicious and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce.

5. Carbonara Pasta

This classic Italian pasta dish is made with simple ingredients but is incredibly flavorful. The combination of eggs, cheese, and bacon creates a creamy and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup guanciale or pancetta, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with bacon fat. Toss to coat.
6. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the pasta is creamy.
7. Remove skillet from heat and immediately pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss quickly to combine.
8. Serve immediately with crumbled bacon.

These five quick and easy pasta recipes are perfect for a delicious and satisfying weekend meal. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.