Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Talia Preston

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:13:10.210Z

This pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep option for the week!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins
  • Deliciously satisfying, everyone in the family will love it

A Quick and Flavorful Meal

When the clock is ticking and hunger pangs are starting to set in, this Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe comes to the rescue. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish is all about convenience without compromising on taste, making it a staple for families and busy professionals alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It features spaghetti tossed in a vibrant sauce made from canned tomatoes and aromatic herbs. The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the olive oil creates a rich base that brings all the ingredients together beautifully. It’s a perfect canvas for any additional vegetables or proteins you may want to incorporate.

Customizable to Your Liking

One of the standout features of this pasta dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition. If you're looking to include protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be delightful additions that turn this quick meal into a hearty feast.

Moreover, this recipe serves as a great base for experimenting with different flavors. Swap out the herbs for Italian seasoning, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless, and you can make this dish uniquely yours every time you prepare it.

Perfect for Family Dinners

Cooking for a family can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to cater to different tastes. This Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The familiar flavors and comforting texture of pasta appeal to both children and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for quality time around the dinner table. Serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread, and you have a complete meal that brings everyone together. Plus, leftovers can be reheated for lunch the next day, making it a smart choice for meal planning.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Mix and match ingredients as you please!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious pasta dinner!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after making this Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner, you’re in for a treat! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the pasta even more delicious the next day. To store, simply place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

When it comes time to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil to help rehydrate the pasta. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience with this pasta dish, consider pairing it with a refreshing salad or some crusty bread. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the pasta nicely, while garlic bread adds an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

For drinks, a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon makes for a refreshing accompaniment that cuts through the richness of the dish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work well with this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. You can add more veggies or use a plant-based protein for extra nutrition.

→ Can I prepare this pasta in advance?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine them when ready to serve.

→ What should I serve with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe

This Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Talia Preston

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pasta

  1. 12 oz spaghetti
  2. Salt for boiling water

Sauce

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  4. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  1. Grated Parmesan cheese
  2. Fresh basil leaves (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 03

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 12g