Work meetings, school pickups, soccer practice, and the never-ending stream of responsibilities don’t leave much time for dinner prep. If you’re one of those working parents who dreams of easy, delicious meals that come together in a flash, pasta might just become your new best friend. Although you sadly can't make it in the air fryer, it does cook quickly and is incredibly versatile. With a box of pasta and a few staple ingredients, you can create meals that your whole family will love—all in under 30 minutes!

To save you the guesswork, here’s a roundup of five tasty, family-friendly pasta recipes. These recipes have been fine-tuned with simple ingredients and easy steps, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. Each one is quick to make, easy to customize, and sure to become a favorite on busy weeknights.

1. Classic Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta proves that simple ingredients can result in something truly amazing. With rich butter, fragrant garlic, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish comes together in no time.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes), being careful not to brown it.
  3. Toss the pasta into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining butter and stir until the pasta is coated in a silky sauce.
  4. Mix in Parmesan cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

To make this more filling, add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even steamed broccoli for a quick boost of protein or veggies.

2. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

This recipe is a lifesaver for sneaking more greens into your family’s meals. Combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the creaminess of cheese, it’s a hit with even picky eaters.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain. Set aside ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and combined. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
  4. Toss in the cooked pasta, using the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

Crumbled sausage or grilled chicken can easily be added for a protein-packed twist.

3. Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you’re looking for bold flavor in a hurry, this recipe is a winner. Store-bought pesto paired with juicy chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes for a standout dish.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • ½ cup store-bought pesto
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (7-8 minutes).
  3. Lower the heat and mix in the pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and cooked pasta. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.

4. One-Pot Sausage and Bell Pepper Pasta

This one-pot wonder saves you time on cooking and cleanup. Bursting with the hearty flavors of sausage and sweet bell peppers, it’s a satisfying meal your family will adore.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fusilli or penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

Steps

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Add bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, top with mozzarella if desired. Serve warm.

You can mix in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added veggies, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

For a bright, seafood-forward dish, this lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz angel hair pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side).
  3. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Add the lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water as needed. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

This dish is flexible. To suit dietary needs, you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu or use gluten-free pasta.

With these quick and easy pasta recipes, dinner will feel less like a chore and more like a chance to sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. From creamy sauces to fresh, zesty flavors, there’s something here for everyone. Give these recipes a try the next time your weeknight feels overwhelming, and you just might discover a new family favorite!