30-Minute Pasta Recipes

Read Time: 24 mins

30-Minute Pasta Recipes1/52 Pork and Orzo 50 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Mediterranean Pork and Orzo Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It’s quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3

lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 2/52 Cajun Shrimp Pasta 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I ate at a Chili’s restaurant and had this amazing dish that I knew I just had to try to recreate. The results are an al dente pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender shrimp with mild cajun seasoning that lingers on your palate but doesn’t overpower the dish. Serve it with garlic bread and salad for a great

meal! —Brooklyn Trammell, New Haven, Kentucky Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 754 calories, 49g fat (30g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. 3/52 Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture. —Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 487 calories, 25g

They’re short on ingredients, but packed with flavor

fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. 4/52 Chicken Pesto Meatballs 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They’re short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g

carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein

carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat. 5/52 Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I’m happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 422 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg

cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein

cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. 6/52 Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Onion 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Onion Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Tender potato gnocchi are so delicious with the earthy, rich flavors of sauteed mushrooms and onions. It’s one of my family’s go-to side dishes. —Kris Berezansky, Clymer, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 287 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. 7/52 Pizza

Double it to wow at a potluck

in a Bowl 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: On busy days, it’s a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 495 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1056mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Don’t miss these 5-ingredient pasta recipes you need in your dinner rotation. 8/52

The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids

Thai Chicken Linguine 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Thai Chicken Linguine Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I’m feeding a crowd, I multiply this Thai-inspired chicken with pasta and snow peas. The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids. —Teri Rumble, Jensen Beach, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 377 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 697mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat. 9/52 Ham & Swiss Baked Penne 17

With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them

Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Mark Derse For Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 559 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. 10/52 Bucatini with Sausage & Kale 6 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Bucatini with Sausage & Kale

Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersery Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 512 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. 11/52 Chicken Pesto Pasta 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat

Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 404 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat. 12/52 Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake Recipe photo by Taste of

I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta

Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups (calculated without grated Parmesan cheese): 420 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. 13/52 Curry Shrimp Linguine 10 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Curry, cilantro and coconut milk

make this dish an exciting change of pace

make this dish an exciting change of pace. It’s also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 406 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. 14/52 Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. —Nadine

Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 475 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. 15/52 Sage-Pecan Butternut Squash Ravioli 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Sage-Pecan Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I am addicted to this ravioli recipe. The sauce is incredible with any pasta, but ravioli makes it a convenient dinner-in-one. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 568 calories, 32g fat (11g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 637mg

sodium, 63g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein

sodium, 63g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein. 16/52 Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

📣 Join Our Community