Ditch the drive-thru: 13 pasta recipes to the rescue!

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Alright, let’s get real. We’ve all been there – it’s a weeknight, you’re tired, and that drive-thru window seems mighty tempting. But, what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to whip up delicious meals in almost the same amount of time it takes to wait in that drive-thru line.

Welcome to the world of quick and easy pasta dinners. These 13 recipes are about to change your weeknight game, making home-cooked meals not only achievable but also irresistible. Ready to dive in and ditch that takeout menu? Let’s get cooking!

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why wait in a drive-thru line when you can have a wholesome meal in under 30 minutes? This ground beef pasta skillet does the trick, offering flavors that taste like they’ve simmered all day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip that fast-food salad and enjoy a truly fresh option. Combining lemon, feta, and spinach, this pasta is your ticket to a quick, Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fast food’s got nothing on the speed of this dish. With zesty lemon and creamy ricotta, you’ll have a delightful meal on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl.
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget those tedious recipes. This lentil pasta with garlicky greens is a straightforward, hearty dish that promises flavors without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta Checca with burst tomatoes and burrata on a white serving platter.
Pasta Checca with Burrata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Drive-thru Italian can’t hold a candle to this quick classic. Bursting heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata will make you wonder why you ever opted for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Soba Noodle Pasta

Soba noodles in a bowl with green onions, leeks and hard boiled egg.
Soba Noodle Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bypass the burger joint and whip up these simple soba noodles. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, dinner is served faster than you can say “next window, please.”
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who needs seasonal fast food when you have this fall-inspired dish? Quick to prepare and packed with rich flavors, this pasta will become an autumn staple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The promise of alfredo without the wait? This dish is creamy, filling, and best of all, won’t have you idling in your car.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why order stir fry when you can make it in a snap? These udon noodles offer a faster, fresher alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This isn’t your childhood boxed dinner. It’s a rapid, rich, and utterly satisfying take on a comfort classic, ready before your delivery app even updates.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Minimal ingredients, minimal time. This dish is the epitome of simplicity, proving you don’t need to compromise on taste when you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Greek yogurt mac and cheese with peas and bacon in a white bowl.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Craving creamy comfort without the drive-thru guilt? This healthier take on mac and cheese is not only quick but also delightfully indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Toss out that takeout menu. In the time it takes for delivery, this creamy tomato pasta, with a hint of prosciutto, will be ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

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