Pasta doesn't need to be fussy to be good. In fact, the less complicated it is, the better it tastes. Try these fast, simple pasta recipes and really bowl them over.
By Amy Valm
Updated Sep 05, 2019Photo: Erik Putz
When it comes to chunky sauces, look for a ribbed, tube pasta to capture the bits. This protein-packed number is great packed in a Thermos the next day. Get the recipe: Sausage, Kale and White Bean Rigatoni
Tortellini is just plain fun to say. But this cheese-filled nood isn’t messing around. Thanks to store-bought fresh pasta and a simple sauce of passata, basil and spinach, you’ve got dinner on the table in just 25 minutes. Get the recipe: Speedy Tortellini
Give vegan a chance. This recipe doesn’t use any fake cheese to get that classic orange mac-and-cheese feel, it comes from butternut squash and chickpeas. Hidden veggies, folks! Add in some nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavour. Get the recipe: Chickpea Mac and “Cheese”
No formal attire necessary for this fancy dish. Our fave noodle shape is lounging in a sauce with chicken and asparagus. The addition of dill is a nice touch. Get the recipe: Creamy Chicken and Bow-Tie Pasta
Broad noodles + salty prosciutto + in-season peas + ricotta cheese = dinner tonight. Get the recipe: Spring Pea Pasta
Something magical happens when you whisk an egg, Parmesan cheese and cream. A thick but not-too-rich sauce forms that perfectly coats long noodles and slices of salty bacon. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara
This isn’t your traditional pesto. To make this secretly veggie-packed pasta, whirl up kale and frozen edamame for a quick and easy protein boost. You’ve got fresh sauce in 25 minutes! Get the recipe: Kale Pesto
Take your fajita recipe out of the wrap and into the pan with this noodle-y new spin. Get the recipe: Fajita Pasta
The Italian translation for this dish is simply cheese and pepper. Delicious and completely fuss-free. Get the recipe: Zucchini Cacio e Pepe
This pasta dish is like the Italian flag come to life and it’s got everything you want: green veggies, the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes and salty, crispy bacon to finish. Dare you not to slurp. Get the recipe: One-Pan Creamy Bacon, Broccoli and Tomato Pasta
Cauliflower is the great chameleon in this dish. It helps to thicken up the alfredo sauce, making it rich without a lot of cream. Now, don’t get smug when your kids ask for seconds. Get the recipe: Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo
Read more:
10 vegetarian meals packed with protein
How to make pasta like a pro
16 recipes with hidden veggies
Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners