Make weeknight meals easy with pasta recipes the entire family will love. And as a bonus, these dinners are each ready in 30 minutes or less!
30 Super Quick Pasta Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes
Updated on Aug. 23, 2024
White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
1/30
2/30
Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 475 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
3/30
Greek Pasta Toss
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I developed this bright pasta dish by tossing in favorite Greek ingredients like olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Try it with shrimp or chicken, too! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, AB
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 335 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/30
Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It’s super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 396 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/30
Meatball Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
6/30
One-Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
7/30
Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 347 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/30
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/30
Vegetarian Linguine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
10/30
Blush Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
11/30
Italian Sausage with Artichokes and Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To impress the guests, we serve Italian sausage and artichoke hearts with pasta. It tastes like a gourmet masterpiece and also works with rice or potatoes. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without pasta): 435 calories, 35g fat (11g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1149mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
12/30
13/30
Peanut Butter Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
14/30
Asparagus Ham Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
15/30
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture with 1 cup pasta: 570 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
16/30
Ground Pork Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1.330 cups: 317 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
17/30
Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/30
Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
19/30
Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for beef Stroganoff with round steak is one I spotted in a local hospital auxiliary cookbook. When I gave it a try, my husband loved it! And I've had lots of compliments every time I've served it. –Brenda Read, Burns Lake, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
20/30
Pulled Pork Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 428 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
21/30
Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and I’ve shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. —Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 751 calories, 44g fat (21g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
22/30
Chorizo Pumpkin Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 471 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 847mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
23/30
Bucatini with Sausage & Kale
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersery
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 512 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
24/30
Ravioli with Sausage
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this dish—it's on our menu at least once a month. It's easy to double for large crowds... just keep it warm in a slow cooker. I usually serve the ravioli with green beans amandine and garlic bread.—Krendi Ford, Belleville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 361 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
25/30
Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 462 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 874mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
26/30
Hay and Straw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 410 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
27/30
Spanish Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon adds crunch to this comforting stovetop supper my mom used to make when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Kelli Jones, Perris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 409 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
28/30
Southwestern Goulash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
29/30
Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without Parmesan cheese): 454 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
30/30
Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a colorful, delicious chicken dish that's easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Oregano, garlic and a light wine sauce add lovely flavor. —Cathy Dick, Roanoke, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 378 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
