16 Lightning-Fast Pasta Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less
When you’re in a rush but still want a hearty, delicious meal, pasta is the ultimate go-to. These 16 lightning-fast pasta dinners are all ready in 20 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just too tired to spend hours in the kitchen. From creamy sauces to fresh, veggie-packed options, there’s something here for every craving. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to easy, satisfying dinners that won’t slow you down!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Get ready for this 20-minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta to start making a regular appearance on your dinner table because everybody is going to love it! Perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente pasta, roasted red peppers, and zucchini all come together in a creamy garlic sauce that is a cinch to make and completely satisfying for a weeknight meal.
20 Minute Baked Tortellini
This Cheesy Vegetarian Tortellini Bake comes together in about 20 minutes, with less than 10 ingredients, and all in one pan! It’s ideal for a busy weeknight when you’re short on time but still want to get a hot meal on the table!
Caprese Pasta Bake
Caprese pasta bake is an easy dump-and-bake summer recipe that the whole family will love! Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is so easy to throw together and perfect for a quick dinner, a picnic, or a packed lunch!
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Easy Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is a quick and delicious way to make your favorite restaurant dish at home. It comes out creamy, cheesy, & delicious every time!
Easy Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Tender shrimp, a light and lemony sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles combine in this recipe for Easy Shrimp Scampi Linguine. This absolutely delicious pasta dinner is ready in twenty minutes! It will be your new go-to weeknight meal in no time.
Peppery Scrambled Macaroni & Eggs
Fluffy, soft scrambled eggs are given a filling boost with perfectly al dente macaroni noodles in these Peppery Scrambled Macaroni & Eggs! Pasta for breakfast might sound strange, but this much loved Great Depression era recipe has been passed down through generations of family because of how delicious it is!
Gouda Mac and Cheese
This super easy gouda mac and cheese recipe is super creamy, rich, and packed with flavors. It’s super delicious, quick, and easy to make in just under 30 minutes!
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
These incredibly delicious Spaghetti alla Puttanesca originate from Napels, Italy and as the name implies the name puttanesca translates to “spaghetti in the style of a prostitute.” The exact origin is unknown but what is known for sure are the ingredients a puttanesca must have: anchovies, capers, tomatoes, onions and olives – basically the delicious ingredients from that region. Some (us as well) add chili too, just to spice it up a bit. This easy pasta is made in 15 minutes so it’s perfect for a quick midweek lunch/dinner or even as a starter. Best way to serve it is with spaghetti. Quick, easy, affordable and darn delicious.
Easy Lemon Pasta (Pasta al Limone)
Lemon Pasta, or pasta al limone in Italian, is a simple pasta dish that’s packed with fresh, zesty flavors and made in a creamy lemon butter sauce with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. This simple pasta recipe is made with a handful of ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
With more than 7 million page views and hundreds of FIVE STAR reviews, this easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is one of our go-to dinner recipes when we are in the throes school schedules and extracurricular activities and I haven’t planned ahead. This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is made with ingredients we always have on hand in under 20 minutes. It’s may not be fancy, but this one-pot meal is a family favorite that is always easy, satisfying, and a hit even with picky eaters!
Instant Pot Pizza Pasta Bake
Pizza + Pasta = The Ultimate Dinner Heaven! This Pizza Pasta Bake can be made in your Instant Pot and will be ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes!
Creamy Pesto Pasta (Instant Pot or Stovetop)
This Instant Pot Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy way to cook your noodles and add even more flavor to your dinner! The pesto cooks with cream to make a Creamy Pesto Pasta that is delightful! Keep reading for instructions on how to make it.
20 Minute Mac and Cheese Pizza
This bacon mac and cheese pizza takes just 20 minutes to throw together and is a great way to repurpose that leftover mac and cheese from lunch! Your family is going to love this new twist on comfort food that combines two of the best – mac and cheese and pizza!
Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
These Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles are packed with an incredible combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors and served with rice noodles for an unforgettable dish. Made in about 20 minutes with fresh garlic and ginger, creamy peanut butter, spicy sriracha, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and rice noodles, this dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a hearty lunch!
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This super simple 20-minute garlic Parmesan pasta will quickly become your family’s favorite easy weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with flavor but is made with simple ingredients and everything cooks in one pot!
Easy Angel Hair Pasta
The delicate noodles of angel hair pasta pair with light sauces and fresh flavors! Here’s how to flavor this pasta as an easy side dish.
