Our ultimate easy midweek pasta recipes 🍝

Penne alla Vodka became popular in the 80s and now has many variations. Double cream was a novelty ingredient in Italy during this time, which is why this recipe became so famous. The vodka deglazes the pan and adds a deliciously acidic flavour.

Recipe: Vodka Pasta

A Korean paste including chillies, glutinous rice and fermented soybeans, gochujang is increasingly available in supermarkets.

Recipe: One-Pan Gochujang and Mascarpone Linguine

If you can’t get hold of ramen broth, use fresh chicken stock instead. For a veggie version, swap the chicken for 450g firm tofu, cut into 2cm cubes.

Recipe: One-Pan Miso Chicken Pasta

Originating in Rome, this recipe was initially made with just butter and Parmesan. It’s since evolved into a popular American dish with the addition of cream, and often chicken and prawns.

Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Maximum flavour with minimum washing-up, this one-pan lasagne is easy to throw together and is sure to become a family favourite.

Recipe: One-Pan Sausage Lasagne

Not authentically Italian, but still extremely delicious. Think of this white Bolognese as the indulgent cousin of the tomato ragu. Dried chilli flakes would be a tasty addition, if you like zing.

Recipe: One-Pan White Bolognese

Gluten-free pastas are made from a variety of ingredients, which is why we’ve specified a certain product. You can, of course, use another, but keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid needed may vary.

Recipe: One-Pan Tuna Penne Arrabbiata

Peppery rocket helps balance the richness of this simple pasta. Using chicken stock with seafood is a classic trick to add extra depth of flavour, but you can use vegetable stock if cooking for pescatarians.

Recipe: One-Pan Garlic Butter Prawn Pasta

Packed with veg and deliciously dairy-free. Check the stock is suitable if cooking for vegans, if needed. Broad beans would work well instead of the edamame, but you might want to defrost them enough first to slip off the tougher outer skins before cooking.

Recipe: One-Pan Orecchiette Primavera

Inspired by the Italian soup, this fresh supper is full of spring flavour. The wholewheat farfalle adds nuttiness, but you can use traditional white pasta, if you prefer.

Recipe: Pasta Primavera with Broccoli Pesto

Traditionally made with spaghetti, we’ve used the fun fusilli lunghi here. The sauce coats the spiral shape of the pasta wonderfully. If you don’t have fresh chilli, you can use 1tsp dried chilli flakes instead. For added decadence, sprinkle with finely grated Pecorino Romano.

Recipe: Aglio e Olio

This simple pasta recipe is a celebration of asparagus season. Use any of your favourite hard-style cheese if you’re not a fan of Manchego.

Recipe: Easy Asparagus Pasta

One of the big Roman classics (though originating from Amatrice, hence the name). Traditionally made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), we’ve used pancetta here for ease.

Recipe: Amatriciana

Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Miso adds salty savouriness to this veggie carbonara. You can swap the edamame for podded broad beans, if you like.

Recipe: Miso Carbonara

You can use any shellfish you like here; cockles are a cheaper alternative to clams and mussels would also work well. If you don’t like tomatoes, you can leave them out and the recipe will be just as delicious. This venetian dish is also the perfect romantic dinner to impress, half the recipe if making for a special someone.

Recipe: Spaghetti Vongole

This simple pasta recipe went viral on TikTok in 2021. Once you taste our version of this easy dish, you’ll be hooked, too!

Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

This pasta recipe is a classic and ready in less than 20 minutes!

Recipe: Prawn Linguine