Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes – 2 Quick Sauces (Creamy Parmesan & Fresh Tomato Basil)
When dinner time sneaks up on you, nothing beats a quick and satisfying pasta dish. These easy weeknight pasta recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy sauces to fresh vegetable medleys, each dish uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. In under 30 minutes, you can have a comforting bowl of pasta ready to serve. Let’s make weeknight dinners the highlight of your day!
🍝 Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1 — Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2 — Make the sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3 — Combine
Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 4 — Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
🍅 Recipe: Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 medium tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1 — Cook pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
Step 2 — Make the sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Step 3 — Combine
Add pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. Stir in fresh basil.
Step 4 — Serve
Top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
