10 Quick Pasta Recipes

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Ravioli with Snap Peas, Pea Shoots, and Minty Pea Shoot Pesto

A trip to the farmers' market and a few purchased cheese raviolis are all you need for this delicious springtime meal.

Recipe: Ravioli with Snap Peas, Pea Shoots, and MInty Pea Pesto

Photography by James Baigrie; written by Amy Machnak

Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Some might say that this isn’t technically pasta. We disagree! Mac ‘n’ cheese is the queen of all pasta dishes. Especially when it has three types of cheese--and bacon, to boot.

Recipe: Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnack

Peanut Noodles with Tofu

Pasta goes Asian in this surprisingly vegetarian dish that packs a lot of flavor from the slightly spicy peanut sauce.

Recipe: Peanut Noodles with Tofu

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnack

Penne All'Amatriciana

All’Amatriciana, which indicates the recipe hails from the Amatriciana area of Italy, is a rich and spicy tomato sauce. Traditionally, it’s made with guanciale, a part of the pig jowl that’s considered a delicacy. We’ve simplified things by using pancetta or bacon.

Recipe: Penne All'Amatriciana

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Amy Machnak

Spinach and Orzo Salad

Orzo, the preferred pasta for this salad, shouldn’t be confused with rice, although they look almost identical. We like the deep flavor of the dried tomatoes here, but if you have ripe tomatoes handy, they’ll taste great, too.

Recipe: Spinach and Orzo Salad

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Amy Machnak

Tomato Orecchiette with Brie and Basil

Orecchiette, which means little ears in Italian, is a great pasta choice here. The little scoops hold the melted brie, making the dish an adult version of mac n’ cheese.

Recipe: Tomato Orecchiette with Brie and Basil

Photo by Jennifer Martiné; written by Amy Machnack

Arugula Walnut Pesto Farfalle

What do you do when you’re craving pesto and basil isn’t in season? Use peppery arugula to stand in as a flavorful substitute.

Recipe: Arugula Walnut Pesto Farfalle

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Amy Machnack

Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta

The secret key to this dish is the fresh mozzarella, which melts just enough with the warm pasta to create a creamy effect.

Recipe: Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnack

Fusilli with Mustard Greens and Currants

Mustard greens last well into summer, making this a good pasta when your favorite spring vegetables haven’t filled the farmers' market just yet.

Recipe: Fusilli with Mustard Greens and Currants

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Amy Machnak

Pea, Tarragon, and Ricotta Pasta

Fresh peas and tarragon are symbols of springtime. They also work great together in this creamy ricotta-based pasta.

Recipe: Pea, Tarragon, and Ricotta Pasta

Fast & Fresh light pasta dishes

Ravioli with Snap Peas, Pea Shoots, and Minty Pea Shoot Pesto

Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Peanut Noodles with Tofu

Penne All'Amatriciana

Spinach and Orzo Salad

Tomato Orecchiette with Brie and Basil

Arugula Walnut Pesto Farfalle

Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta

Fusilli with Mustard Greens and Currants

Pea, Tarragon, and Ricotta Pasta