If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, these quick pasta recipes have you covered.
Pasta is a blank canvas that can be paired with an array of sauces, proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. Its ability to absorb and complement flavours makes it a versatile choice.
So, what exactly can you add to plain pasta?
To enhance the flavour and texture of plain pasta, you can add various ingredients such as:
- Sauces: Choose from classic tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, or pesto for a burst of flavour.
- Proteins: Add cooked chicken, prawns, mince, or meatballs for a protein hit.
- Vegetables: Toss in sautéed or roasted vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Cheese: Think Parmesan, feta, or melted mozzarella.
- Herbs and spices: Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, or garlic.
- Nuts: Toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.
- Olive oil: Drizzle with quality olive oil.
What is the quickest way to make pasta?
Once the water is boiled, pasta should take around 8-12 minutes to cook perfectly. But always follow the packet instructions. If you don’t want to wait for the water to boil, there’s another way: the microwave. Here’s how to cook pasta in the microwave.
The best saucepan to cook pasta
Choosing the right pot to cook pasta can greatly impact the cooking process and the final result. Here’s how to select the ideal pot for cooking pasta:
- Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the pasta comfortably without overcrowding. The pasta needs enough space to cook evenly and not stick together. As a general guideline, use at least 3.8-5.7 liters of water for every 226 grams of pasta.
- Additionally, you want a pot made from a material that conducts heat well and evenly. Stainless steel and aluminum pots are good choices. Avoid thin or lightweight pots that may not distribute heat evenly.
- As for the shape, choose a pot with a wide and shallow shape rather than a tall and narrow one. A wide pot allows for better water circulation around the pasta, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Don’t forget a lid and handes. Having a lid for your pot is important to bring the water to a boil faster and to retain heat while the pasta cooks. Sturdy and heat-resistant handles make draining a lot easier.
Read our top picks for cookware sets to invest in this year.
10 quick pasta recipes
We’ve gathered our top pasta recipes for dinner, which can be on the table in 30 minutes or less.
1. Karen Martini’s spaghetti carbonara
Any dish that counts bacon and eggs among its key ingredients is bound to be a winner…but when you add cheese and pasta to the mix, this spaghetti carbonara is a guaranteed home run.
2. Caponata and burrata pasta with crispy fried capers
Not quite 30 minutes, this burrata pasta recipe requires 5 minutes or prep and 30 minutes cooking. Save yourself from extra washing up by cooking the dried spaghetti directly in the sauce – it’s the ultimate one-pan dinner winner!
3. Cheesy taco pasta
Serve this cheesy taco pasta with salsa for a complete Mexi feast!
4. Tuna and veg pasta mornay
This tuna and veg pasta mornay recipe is an old-fashioned classic pasta bake the whole family will enjoy.
5. Ranch-style chicken macaroni bake
A delicious weekday meal that comes together effortlessly! With the convenience of a one-pan tray bake, you can have this satisfying chicken macaroni bake on the table in no time.
6. Prawn linguine with zucchini, anchovy, mint and chilli
Seafood pasta is always a good idea; this prawn linguine is no exception. This light and creamy dish can be on the table in just 20 minutes. Perfect when you’re entertaining!
7. Italian meatball and spaghetti soup
Warm and hearty, this Italian meatball and spaghetti soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
8. One-pot sausage, rosemary and caramelised onion rigatoni
Forget grilling snags or boiling spaghetti, and this recipe is a game-changer. You squeeze the sausage filling into the pan, fry it up, then add tomato paste, cherry tomatoes and water. When it boils, you pop the pasta in, giving it a cook and a stir. You’ll never go back!
9. Lemony hot-smoked salmon pasta with chilli pangrattato
This smoked salmon pasta dish strikes the perfect harmony between succulent hot-smoked salmon, vibrant seasonal vegetables, and the bright zestiness of lemon. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-quality, satisfying, and delightfully tangy pasta.
10. Ten-minute pasta with cheese, garlic and chilli sauce
Cooking on the clock? Try this time-beating pasta with its cheesy garlic and chilli sauce.
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