Who does not like a bowl or plate of pasta? It can be as simple as butter and extravagant as adding complex ingredients. Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be picked up with little fingers or swirled around on a fork. Pasta brings families together to the dinner table for some of the most unique family conversations.

Pasta is usually paired with a variety of sauces, proteins, or vegetables. The shape of the pasta can decide the sauce that will be used. Some pasta can hold sauces better than others. One common sauce is tomato-based. It can also be a pesto, garlic butter sauce, or ragu. the possibilities are endless, just like the flavors.

Here are some popular pasta variations:

1. Spaghetti – Long, thin, cylindrical pasta
2. Fettuccine – Flat, thick noodles
3. Penne – Tube-shaped pasta with angled ends
4. Farfalle – Bow tie or butterfly shaped pasta
5. Rigatoni – Tube pasta with ridges and wider diameter than penne
6. Linguine – Flat, narrow pasta, wider than spaghetti
7. Fusilli – Spiral-shaped pasta
8. Orecchiette – “Little ears” shaped pasta
9. Tortellini – Ring-shaped pasta stuffed with cheese or meat
10. Lasagna – Wide, flat sheets of pasta

Each shape has specific sauces and dishes they pair best with. For example, tubular pastas like penne hold chunky sauces well. Delicate pasta like angel hair works better with light oil-based sauces.

Here are three easy pasta recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Aglio e olio (pronounced “ah-lee-oh eh oh-lee-oh”) is one of the most classic and simplest Italian pasta dishes. The name literally means “garlic and oil” in Italian, which are the two primary ingredients. Here’s more about this delicious pasta preparation:

Aglio e Olio – Key Components:

• The dish traditionally consists of pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sometimes parsley
• It originated in Naples, Italy
• It’s considered a late-night comfort food in Italian culture
• The simplicity highlights the quality of the few ingredients used

Typical Preparation:

1. Cook pasta (usually spaghetti) until al dente
2. Sauté thinly sliced or minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant but not browned
3. Add red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
4. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic-infused oil
5. Finish with chopped parsley and sometimes grated cheese

The beauty of Aglio e olio lies in its simplicity. When crafted with high-quality ingredients, it shows how a few basic components can create a deeply satisfying dish.

Spaghetti with Red Sauces

Spaghetti with red sauce is a classic and versatile dish! Here are some popular variations of red sauces you can pair with spaghetti:

Marinara Sauce

• A simple, quick sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs
• Light and fresh flavor profile
• Often ready in under 30 minutes

Pomodoro Sauce

• Similar to marinara but typically smoother and more concentrated
• Made with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and garlic
• Clean, bright tomato flavor

Arrabbiata Sauce

• Spicy sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili peppers
• “Arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat
• Simple but bold flavor profile

Bolognese (Ragù)

• Rich meat-based sauce with ground beef or a mix of meats
• Includes soffritto (onions, carrots, celery), wine, and tomatoes
• Simmers for hours for depth of flavor

Amatriciana Sauce

• Features guanciale (cured pork cheek) or pancetta
• Tomatoes, pecorino cheese, and sometimes onions
• Originates from the town of Amatrice in Italy

Puttanesca Sauce

• Bold, briny flavor from olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic
• Often includes chili flakes for heat
• Punchy and complex flavor profile

Each sauce has its own character and pairs beautifully with spaghetti. The right sauce can transform a simple pasta meal into something extraordinary

Quick Garlic Parmesan Rotini

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (about 3 cups) dry rotini pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
2. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with butter. Toss until butter melts and pasta is coated.
5. Add reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, stirring until a light sauce forms.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley if using.

This takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You can easily customize by adding cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or other vegetables you may have on hand

No matter how one chooses to prepare their pasta dish, it can be so satisfying to eat. Any combination of proteins, vegetables, or other ingredients can added to elevate most dishes. No matter what time you choose to prepare these dishes it only takes a few minutes to enjoy!!