Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Easy Homemade Pasta

Vertical shot of Italian pasta penne plate with tomato sauce and cheese parmesan.

5 from 1 vote

Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Easy Homemade Pasta

This homemade pasta recipe is a fast and easy dinner idea that is perfect for hungry evenings when you are short on time. Marinara sauce is cooked with colorful and delicious vegetables for a complete meal the whole family will love! Top with grated parmesan or your favorite cheese for a delicious umami finish.

Plus, check out 39 more delicious last minute dinner ideas in the post above!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Vegan

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 318kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

8 ounces Small Pasta such as penne, bow ties, or rotini
25 ounces Marinara Sauce storebought or homemade
6 ounces Baby Spinach chopped
2 Sweet Bell Peppers red, orange, or yellow; diced
¼ Red Onion diced
1 Zucchini or yellow squash; diced
5 cloves Garlic minced
2-3 tsp Dried Italian seasoning or more or less to taste
½ tsp Salt or more to taste
⅛ tsp Crushed red pepper or more to taste
8 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated or shredded

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions.
In a medium sized pot, saute the peppers, onion, zucchini, spinach, garlic and spices (italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper) for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
Combine the cooked veggie mixture with the marinara sauce in a blender. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can add the red sauce to the pot, and use an immersion blender to purée.
Toss the hot cooked pasta with the pasta sauce. Top with parmesan cheese and serve.

Video

https://youtu.be/ZUEdgg9Z9r8

Notes

Storage Directions:

Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or until thawed through.

Recipe Pro-Tips:

For Extra Protein: Toss in a cup of cooked garbanzo beans with the pasta and sauce before serving or top with grilled chicken, broiled salmon, or toasted pine nuts.
Salt the Water: For the best flavored pasta, salt the water liberally before cooking the pasta, or about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water.

Nutrition