• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Pasta

    35 Quick Pasta Dinners You Can Make Faster Than Takeout

    Published: Nov 22, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    These 35 quick pasta dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the wait. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a delicious meal faster than ordering takeout. Whether you're in the mood for a classic spaghetti or a creamy fettuccine, there's a recipe here to fit your cravings.

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta

    A bowl of red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is a great option for a quick dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. With the rich flavors of red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it brings a delicious taste to your weeknight meals. It's simple to prepare and perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta

    15-minute cherry tomato pasta with spinach and walnuts in a black skillet and in a white bowl topped with burrata, all on a white table decorated with cherry tomatoes on a branch and basil leaves
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pasta dishes are a great option when you're in a rush. This Cherry Tomato Pasta with walnuts is a delicious choice, especially when you add some mozzarella or burrata on top. It's a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is super simple to make. With just four main ingredients and a few store-bought options, you can whip it up in about 5 minutes and have it served in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple to whip up and uses everyday ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and dried herbs. It offers a great combination of flavors that will enhance your meal. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a fast alternative to takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy, ideal for busy days when you need something simple to whip up. It's a reliable meal that you'll want to make time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick pasta dish can be ready in just 12 minutes with only 5 easy ingredients, all cooked in one pot. This is a simple dinner choice that helps you save time and energy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too long in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara recipe is simple and quick, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's ideal for busy days when you want a filling meal without spending too much time cooking. With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious dish that feels comforting and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is packed with vegetables and is perfect for days when you want a healthy meal without spending too much time cooking. It's simple to make and will fill you up nicely.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights. It features fresh vegetables and a light, creamy sauce, making it a simple and tasty dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This tahini pasta is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy days. The creamy and tangy tahini sauce adds a lot of flavor, making this dish both delicious and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This pasta dish has a creamy tomato sauce made with coconut milk, giving it a rich and tasty flavor. It's a simple and quick meal that you'll enjoy, even without using heavy cream. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    A simple vegan alfredo sauce comes together with just five ingredients and doesn't require any cooking. In only 15 minutes, you can whip up a creamy and delicious sauce that's perfect for pasta. This is a great option when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is simple and filling, ideal for busy nights. Featuring spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, it comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti blend together for a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy. This dish is straightforward to prepare and really tasty, making it a favorite choice for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon creme fraiche pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon pasta with chives is a simple and quick meal that's perfect for when you're pressed for time. This dish is easy to prepare and satisfying, making it a great option for busy evenings. You can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and easy, taking less than 90 minutes to prepare, with only about 10 minutes of actual cooking time. It features chicken, broccoli, and cheese, creating a warm and satisfying meal that's also a bit healthier. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Pasta with Corn and Basil

    Bacon pasta with corn and basil.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This bacon pasta is a great option for a quick meal, combining creamy corn, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes. Everything comes together in a simple white wine cream sauce, topped with crispy bacon for extra flavor. It's a satisfying dish that you can whip up faster than ordering takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is great for busy days when you want something quick and filling. The spicy Alfredo sauce adds a nice kick, making it even more enjoyable.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara recipe is loaded with flavor, making it a step up from the traditional version. It's perfect for evenings when you need a quick and filling meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip this up in no time, giving you a delicious dinner without the wait of takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a simple and fast way to enjoy a classic pasta meal. You can have a delicious dinner ready in no time, without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and easy meal that comes together in under an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and lots of cheese, it's a tasty option for busy weeknights. This dish is perfect when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a simple and filling meal. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Seafood Pasta Bake is a fantastic choice for busy evenings. Packed with shrimp, mussels, white wine, and other delicious ingredients, it comes together in no time and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is a creamy and spicy dish that's packed with flavor. It's quick and easy to prepare, and you don't even need any vodka to enjoy it. This is a great option for a satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken pasta dish is perfect for evenings when time is tight. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a creamy alfredo sauce with chicken and noodles that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple pasta dish mixes spicy tomato sauce with crispy bacon, creating a filling meal. It's ideal for busy days when you want something quick and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is ideal for busy evenings when you want something quick and filling. It's easy to prepare and won't take much time at all. You'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time, making it a great alternative to takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This pasta dish is great for busy days when you want something easy and filling. It offers a vegetarian twist on carbonara, using halloumi cheese instead of bacon. It's a quick and tasty option that can be ready in no time, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is full of flavor from ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. It uses simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store and doesn't require much prep work.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a fast and tasty version of the classic dish, ideal for those hectic days. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy sauce mixed with tender shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that's ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    No-boil Mac and Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Mac and Cheese recipe is great for days when you need a quick and easy meal. It comes together in just a few simple steps, so you can enjoy a cheesy dish without spending much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick and delicious meal. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is packed with veggies and flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This pasta dish is great for days when you need a quick and filling meal. It's easy to prepare and brings that cheesy comfort food vibe right to your table in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features shrimp and pasta tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce, making it a meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features chicken, spinach, and pasta all cooked together in one pan, making it perfect for busy evenings. It requires minimal prep time and takes just over an hour to cook, resulting in a creamy and cheesy meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Pasta

    • A spoonful of chicken pasta bake.
      29 Budget Pasta Recipes Anyone Can Pull Off
    • Taco pasta salad.
      18 Summer Pasta Recipes That Skip the Heavy Sauces
    • Caprese orzo pasta salad.
      19 Pasta Salads Bursting With Summer Flavor
    • Pasta salad.
      18 Simple Pasta Dishes That Keep Summer Dinners Easy
    • Facebook
    • Email

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Cranberry chicken with rice.
      17 Best Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes Ever
    • 26 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • 20 Easy Weeknight Casseroles That Come Together Fast
    • Slow cooker tater tot casserole.
      22 Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners Guaranteed to Please Your Family

    Latest Articles

    • Ribs.
      23 Old-Fashioned Dump-and-Cook Meals Anyone Can Pull Together
    • Enchilada casserole.
      20 Easy Ground Beef Casseroles the Whole Family Will Love
    • Stuffed peppers.
      16 Simple Slow Cooker Dishes Worth Making Again and Again
    • Stuffed chicken.
      17 Chicken Dinners That Land on the Table in 30 Minutes Flat

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB