Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—versatile, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy or light and fresh, these easy pasta recipes deliver big flavor with minimal effort. We’ve curated five standout options: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Tomato Pasta, Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Caprese Pasta, and Pesto Mozzarella Pasta. All are beginner-friendly, use common pantry staples, and serve 4-6 people.
1. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, Garlicky Perfection
This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple. Tender shrimp swim in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with penne for the perfect bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 8-12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce to your liking. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent creamy shrimp Alfredo!
Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon.
2. Creamy Tomato Pasta – Rich and Comforting
This Creamy Tomato Pasta combines tangy crushed tomatoes with a luscious cream sauce for a pink-hued dish that’s cozy and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 8-12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss in the drained pasta until fully coated. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- This creamy tomato pasta is ready to serve—pure comfort in every bite!
Tips: For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding. Add cooked chicken or veggies for extra protein.
3. Shrimp Scampi Pasta – Bright, Garlicky, and Light
Shrimp Scampi Pasta features plump shrimp in a buttery white wine sauce with lemon and garlic—elegant yet effortless.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add lemon zest, reserved pasta water, and drained pasta. Toss to combine.
- Stir in parsley and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Tips: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery fast. Use fresh lemon for the best zing.
4. Caprese Pasta – Fresh, No-Cook Sauce Vibes
This Caprese Pasta is a lighter option inspired by the classic salad: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil in a simple olive oil dressing.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls), halved if large
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook penne until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water if serving cold, or keep warm.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add warm pasta and toss gently to combine. The heat slightly melts the mozzarella for creamy texture.
- Let sit 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra basil and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips: Use high-quality mozzarella and fresh basil. Add grilled chicken for a heartier version.
5. Pesto Mozzarella Pasta – Vibrant and Herby
Pesto Mozzarella Pasta bursts with fresh basil pesto, mini mozzarella balls, and a light, garlicky finish—perfect for summer or any time.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large bowl or skillet over low heat, combine pesto, olive oil, and reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in mozzarella balls so they warm slightly but don’t fully melt.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
Tips: Make your own pesto for superior flavor. Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What pasta shape works best for these recipes?
Penne is ideal for creamy sauces as it holds them well, but linguine suits scampi, and any short pasta works for Caprese or pesto.
Can I make these pasta recipes ahead of time?
Most are best fresh, but Caprese and pesto versions taste great chilled as pasta salads. Reheat creamy ones gently with added milk or water.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or water for creamy dishes.
Are these recipes customizable for dietary needs?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta, half-and-half instead of heavy cream for lighter versions, or skip shrimp for vegetarian options (add veggies or chicken).
What’s the secret to a silky Alfredo or creamy tomato sauce?
Always use reserved pasta water—it adds starch for better emulsion. Grate cheese fresh and add off-heat to prevent clumping.
Conclusion
These 5 easy pasta recipes prove you don’t need fancy skills or hours to create delicious, satisfying meals. From the indulgent Shrimp Alfredo to the fresh Caprese and vibrant Pesto Mozzarella, there’s something for every craving and occasion. They’re budget-friendly, use everyday ingredients, and deliver restaurant-level taste at home. Try one tonight—your family will thank you! Which will you make first? Share in the comments below, and happy cooking!