rudisill/istockphoto
If you're dreading dinner time because cooking either takes forever or requires too much effort, these quick and easy pasta recipes may be the answer. The recipes, which have amassed millions of likes on TikTok from around the world, are praised for being affordable, simple and, most importantly, delicious. Let us know in the comments if they fulfill your expectations.
If you've scrolled through TikTok in the past year, chances are you've already come across the baked feta pasta phenomenon. The recipe, which originated in Finland, became so popular that it saw some supermarkets sell out of feta cheese. And the best part is how quick and easy it is to make: Simply toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in an oven-safe baking dish, then make room in the center for a block of feta cheese. Coat it with the olive oil and seasonings and pop it all in the oven at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Finish by adding your choice of pasta, along with some chopped garlic and basil. Stir it all up and enjoy.
Another recipe that set the internet ablaze is model Gigi Hadid's take on a vodka pasta that is creamy and spicy. The recipe — which went viral during the pandemic and is still making the rounds — calls for simple ingredients, and has an even easier preparation. In a large saucepan, cook garlic and onion until soft, then add tomato paste and caramelize until it becomes "darker in color," Hadid says. Add heavy cream and vodka, and cook through until the alcohol has evaporated. Throw in a few dashes of crushed pepper flakes and stir in cooked pasta and some of the pasta water. Combine everything with some butter, parmesan cheese, and basil, and voila.
This recipe is perfect for picky eaters who refuse to eat their veggies. The TikTok video, which has been viewed more than 8 million times, calls for just three ingredients: flour, spinach, and olive oil. In a blender or food processor, combine the flour and spinach, pulsing until the spinach is broken down. Drizzle in olive oil slowly while running the blender on low. Once the dough starts to form, roll the pasta into spaghetti strips. Finally, boil some water, season with salt and cook your spinach pasta for no more than 2 minutes. Top with butter, cheese, or a sauce of your choice.
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes and is as nutritious as it is delicious. Start by sautéing chicken breasts (seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, or chili powder) until cooked through. In the same pan, add chopped garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppers. Cook for a few minutes until flavorful and add in heavy cream, some of the pasta water, and the cooked pasta. Serve with your chicken and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
A healthier version of potato chips? Sign us up! This recipe has exploded on TikTok, amassing nearly 30 million views. To recreate it, start by boiling your pasta of choice and season with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and spice. Pop the cooked pasta in an air fryer for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through. The pasta chips should look golden and be crunchy, packing a ton of flavor. Enjoy them with a dip or eat them as they are, but beware — these could be addicting.
This spicy, creamy pasta is a play on Diavola pizza, which means "devil" in Italian. And it does look devilishly good. In one pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a whole ball of mozzarella cheese. Cook until al dente and add tomato paste and hot chili sauce. Diavola pizza is known for its spicy meat toppings (commonly salami), along with pickled peppers, olives, and tons of cheese.
This recipe has been making a splash on social media for being low-calorie, affordable, and nutritious. To create it at home, throw cubed chicken breast into a slow cooker and coat with a sauce of Italian dressing, onion and garlic powders, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Add some cream cheese and cook on low for about 4 hours. Boil some pasta and combine everything once the chicken is done. You can add some spinach and let it simmer for another 10 minutes for an added serving of greens.
This mouthwatering dish has raked in more than 1.2 million likes on TikTok and has pasta lovers raving. In a pan, melt butter and olive oil and toss in minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the onion is translucent, add white wine and heavy cream, and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, add some pasta water and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Garnish with tons of parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional) for added heat.
This beloved classic, which translates to “cheese and pepper,” is surprisingly easy to make and sure to be a hit with the kids. The recipe calls for only three ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and pasta. The secret, according to TikTokker @the_pastaqueen, is to first toast the peppercorns in a pan for a few minutes to unleash their delicious, smoky flavor. Then simply cook your pasta of choice and combine with lots of cheese, some pasta water, and the black pepper.
With more than 7 million views and a half-million likes, this baked mac and cheese recipe has been a winner for one TikTokker. Start by combining your choice of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, etc.) in a large mixing bowl while putting 2 cups of macaroni to boil. In another bowl, crack three eggs and add two spoonfuls of sour cream, 1 cup of milk, and mix with paprika, onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper. Once the macaroni is cooked, combine with the cheese and wet mix and pop it in the oven with some butter at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
