There’s something about gathering a bunch of pasta recipes in one place that feels like opening a recipe box you’ve had for years. Every one of these has a story, and I think you’re going to want to try more than a few.
When you want a 15 weeknight that actually feels like it tried, but didn't take all night, this is the one. I make it on Sundays and reheat through the week.
All the Pasta Recipes in This Roundup
- One-Pot Puttanesca
- Pantry Pasta
- Weeknight Ragù
- Pasta Alla Vodka
- Creamy One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Mint
- Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta
- Easy 4-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe Recipe
- Spaghetti aglio e olio
- Pasta Cacio e Pepe
Each recipe below has a quick peek at what makes it special, a photo to get your appetite going, and a button to jump straight to the full instructions. Let me know which one you try first.
One-Pot Puttanesca
If you're after a One-Pot Puttanesca that actually delivers on flavor, this one's a keeper.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Pantry Pasta
This Pantry Pasta is the kind of dish you'll find yourself craving on a random Tuesday.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Weeknight Ragù
When the table goes quiet after the first bite, you know the Weeknight Ragù is working.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Pasta Alla Vodka
I keep coming back to this Pasta Alla Vodka because it never lets me down.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Creamy One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Mint
There's a reason this Creamy One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Mint shows up on pasta night more than any other recipe in my rotation.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta
If you've been hunting for a Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta that feels both homey and a little special, start here.
Recipe from Bon Appétit
Easy 4-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe Recipe
This Easy 4-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe Recipe is proof that weeknight pasta can absolutely hold its own against the weekend stuff.
Recipe from A Sassy Spoon
Spaghetti aglio e olio
If you're after a Spaghetti aglio e olio that actually delivers on flavor, this one's a keeper.
Recipe from The Pasta Project
Pasta Cacio e Pepe
This Pasta Cacio e Pepe is the kind of dish you'll find yourself craving on a random Tuesday.
Recipe from The Pasta Project
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What pasta shape works best here?
Long shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine catch the sauce beautifully, but short shapes like penne or rotini hold chunky add-ins in every bite. Use whatever you have — the recipe is forgiving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Most of these roundup recipes keep well covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
What protein pairs well?
Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, and even crispy chickpeas all work depending on the recipe. Check the individual recipe page for the pairing that fits best.
Is there a good gluten-free swap?
Most of these recipes work with gluten-free pasta — just watch the cook time and finish the dish a minute early so the noodles don't go mushy on the reheat.
How do I keep the sauce from breaking?
Keep your heat at medium-low once the dairy goes in, and warm the cream or cheese gradually. A splash of pasta water at the end brings everything back together if it tightens up.
A Few Last Thoughts
Pasta night is one of those traditions I never want to outgrow. Whether you pick one recipe from this roundup or commit to working your way through every single one, I hope they bring as much comfort to your table as they have to mine. Save this page, share it with a friend who lives for pasta, and drop me a note in the comments about which one you tried first.
Happy cooking,
—Elowen Thorn
