Simple Pasta Recipes for a Quick Lunch

When it comes to a quick and satisfying lunch, pasta is often a go-to option. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, zesty, or packed with veggies, these simple pasta recipes are perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

1. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a minimalist pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for a busy lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until garlic is golden brown but not burnt, about 2 minutes.
3. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat.
4. Stir in fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
• For added texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a comforting dish with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne or fusilli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

3. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
2. Toss pasta with pesto sauce until well coated.
3. Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Tips:

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own with fresh basil.

4. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a great way to incorporate lots of veggies into your lunch while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (like penne or farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in pasta and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Use any combination of vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
• Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

5. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious option that pairs tender shrimp with a flavorful garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in white wine and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Toss in cooked pasta, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Top with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for fresh flavor.

6. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
5. Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta mixture for extra protein.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

7. Lemon and Basil Orzo Salad

Lemon and Basil Orzo Salad is a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add cooked orzo and cherry tomatoes. Toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Add diced cucumber or olives for extra flavor.
• For added protein, mix in cooked chicken or chickpeas.

8. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a filling lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, combine cooked ziti and meat sauce. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

9. Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a creamy and rich dish that’s surprisingly quick to make. It’s perfect for a comforting lunch that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Add garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. Toss cooked pasta with bacon and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly stir in egg mixture, allowing the heat of the pasta to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

• For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or a combination of eggs and egg whites.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

10. Pasta with Avocado Sauce

Pasta with Avocado Sauce is a creamy and nutritious option that’s ready in minutes and perfect for a healthy lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine avocados, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the avocado sauce with the cooked pasta.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.

Tips:

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp.

Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra freshness and color.