Pasta. The very word conjures up images of steaming bowls, comforting aromas, and simple, satisfying meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, pasta offers a versatile and forgiving canvas for culinary creativity.
This guide will walk you through some easy pasta recipes that are perfect for beginners. We’ll focus on simple techniques, readily available ingredients, and dishes that are big on flavor and low on fuss.
1. Classic Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil
This is the quintessential beginner’s pasta dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook your pasta according to package directions.
6. Drain the pasta and toss with the tomato sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This dish is as simple as it sounds and incredibly satisfying. It’s a great way to use up leftover garlic bread.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook your pasta according to package directions.
7. Drain the pasta and toss with the creamy garlic sauce.
8. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s full of flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the butter and red pepper flakes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook your pasta according to package directions.
9. Drain the pasta and toss with the shrimp and sauce.
10. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp.
4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook your pasta according to package directions.
8. Drain the pasta and toss with the chicken sauce.
9. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Add a handful of spinach or kale to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Pesto Pasta
This dish is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup store-bought pesto
Instructions:
1. Cook your pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and toss with the pesto and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Use homemade pesto for the best flavor.
6. Baked Ziti
This is a hearty and comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 pound ziti pasta
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
9. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
10. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
11. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
12. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
14. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations:
Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or vegetables to the sauce.
7. Mac and Cheese
This classic comfort food is a crowd-pleaser of all ages.
Ingredients:
1 pound macaroni and cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook the macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
3. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.