Pasta is always an inspired choice – whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy or full of fresh vegetables. They are quick to prepare, versatile and can be adapted according to the ingredients in the fridge. We have prepared for you a top with the most loved pasta recipes, along with the preparation times and simple steps for each one.
Delicious and quick pasta recipes
1. Classic Pasta Carbonara (Italian style)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 200 g pasta (spaghetti or rigatoni)
- 100 g pancetta or smoked bacon
- 2 egg yolks
- 40 g grated parmesan
- Salt, freshly ground black pepper
Method of preparation:
- Cook pasta al dente according to directions.
- In a pan, fry the pancetta until crispy.
- In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the parmesan and a little pepper.
- When the pasta is ready, keep some of the water in which it was cooked.
- Toss the pasta with the pancetta, then add the egg and parmesan mixture, along with a little hot water to make it creamy.
- Serve immediately, with extra parmesan.
2. Pasta with tomato and basil sauce
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 200 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 3-4 large ripe tomatoes (or a can of diced tomatoes)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, pepper
Method of preparation:
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions.
- Sauté the chopped garlic in olive oil, then add the tomatoes and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper and add the basil leaves at the end.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
3. Pasta with salmon and cream
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 200 g tagliatelle or penne
- 150 g smoked or fresh salmon fillets
- 150 ml cooking cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Salt, pepper
Method of preparation:
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions.
- In a pan, melt the butter and add the salmon cut into pieces.
- After 2-3 minutes, add the cream and season.
- Mix with the pasta and sprinkle with a little lemon juice.
4. Pasta with vegetables and pesto
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 200 g pasta (farfalle or spirals)
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 red pepper
- 1 small carrot
- 2 tablespoons green (or red) pesto
- Olive oil
Method of preparation:
- Cut the vegetables julienne and saute them lightly in olive oil.
- Boil the pasta and drain.
- Mix the pasta with the vegetables and the pesto.
- You can add parmesan or seeds for extra taste.
5. Pasta with cheese and garlic (mac & cheese style)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 200 g macaroni or shells
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 250 ml of milk
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 clove of garlic
- Salt, pepper
Method of preparation:
- Boil the pasta and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the flour and mix until it becomes a paste.
- Gradually pour in the milk and mix until it thickens.
- Add the cheese and minced garlic.
- Mix the pasta with the sauce and serve warm.
Useful tips for cooking the perfect pasta ️
- Use enough water: For every 100 g of pasta, at least 1 liter of water is recommended. Thus, the pasta will not stick together.
- Salt added at the right time: Salt is added after the water boils, not before. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of salt for every liter of water.
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking (except those for salads): The starch that remains on them helps the sauce adhere better.
- Save some pasta water: You can add it to the sauce to make it more creamy and bound.
- Al dente is the key: Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the time indicated on the package for a perfect result.
Vegetarian and vegan variants
All of the above recipes can be easily adapted for a vegetarian or vegan diet:
- Vegan carbonara: Replace eggs with plant-based milk mixed with inactive yeast and a pinch of turmeric for color, and pancetta with crispy mushrooms.
- Pasta with red sauce: They are already vegan, if you don’t add parmesan. You can sprinkle inactive yeast or vegan cheese instead.
- Pasta with vegetables and pesto: Look for a vegan pesto (no parmesan) or make it at home with basil, olive oil, sunflower seeds and garlic.
- Vegan mac & cheese: You can make a creamy sauce from boiled potatoes, carrot, vegetable milk, inactive yeast and a little garlic.
Whether you choose a classic Italian recipe or a reinterpreted one, pasta can become the star of your meal. They are ideal for comfortable lunches or quick dinners, and the combinations are unlimited.
