37 Simple Pasta Recipes with Few Ingredients

Nothing beats a nice pasta dish, particularly when it doesn’t need too many fancy ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Because I know that’s what I’m searching for every evening, I’ve compiled a list of 37 of my favorite fast and simple pasta dishes with few ingredients for you!

These meals are ideal for families or single folks.

They simply take a few ingredients, and after a hard day of work or school, you’ll be able to whip up one of these easy dinners in no time.

We guarantee that supper will be ready and on the table in less than an hour (and generally with less than 5 ingredients).

37 Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes with Few Ingredients

Maybe you want to make a magnificent bolognese, but when it comes down to it, you simply want a bowl of something warm and pleasant without having to go out and buy all those various ingredients or spend hours stirring away at the stove.

Sometimes all you need is a bowl of spaghetti, some butter and parmesan, and sometimes some garlic bread on the side.

And here we are, with 37 recipes for just that, plus a whole lot more:

1. 3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

This spaghetti dish is my new best friend since I adore fast and simple dishes.

It’s ideal for a weekday supper and only takes 8 minutes to prepare.

Im talking supper in under 10 minutes.

It also contains six less ingredients and 605 fewer calories than the packaged version!

Prefer to watch a video?

2. 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Penne Pasta

This dish takes just 2 minutes to prepare, 18 minutes to cook, and 4 serves, making it fast and simple to prepare.

And did I mention its saucy and creamy?

But the best part?

It only has 502 calories per serving.

That’s right, guysit’s less than 500 calories, so you can still have that diet drink you had for lunch.

I’m joking! I’m here to assist you break harmful behaviors, not to promote them.

Don’t worry about your New Year’s resolutions; you’ll be able to maintain this one!

3. 4-Ingredient Cacio E Pepe

This fast and simple dish may be completed in 15 minutes or less.

It barely feeds four people, but it’s a great dish to cook when you want a genuine Italian supper that won’t take up all of your time.

Furthermore, it has 4.9 stars, indicating that everyone who has tried it agrees!

It’s basic yet elegant.What more could you want?

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

4. 4-Ingredient Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

This wonderful dish takes just 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, and it serves 6 people, making it ideal for a weeknight supper that doesn’t need much cleanup or freezing and reheating.

The dish has just 216 calories per serving.

Even better?

This macaroni and cheese is suitable for children, so you can keep them entertained while you prepare supper.

5. 4 Ingredient Chicken Pasta casserole

This is the ideal evening supper, ready in under 30 minutes.

With just four ingredients and a short prep time, this meal is quick to prepare before rushing out the door for work or school.

When you arrive home, just throw it in the oven, and supper will be cooked before you have time to change your clothes!

The best part?

Make a large quantity at once and serve it for supper many nights in a row.

Every night will taste exactly as good as the first, and any leftovers will make a nice lunch the following day.

6. 4-Ingredient Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Parmesan

This dish is ideal for those times when you don’t have much time or energy but yet want to cook something great.

It’s so simple that you can’t go wrong, and it only need ONE pot!

This one-dish supper is plenty of flavor and is guaranteed to please the entire family.

Plus, it’s created with just FOUR components that you probably already have in your cupboard.

It just takes two minutes to prepare and twelve minutes to cook.

It serves six, so there will be enough for everyone!

7. 4 Ingredient Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Marinara, Basil, and Mozzarella

This is maybe the simplest supper ever. It’s one of my go-to dishes on days when I don’t want to make anything extravagant but yet want something tasty.

This is an excellent dish for both novice and seasoned chefs.

You probably already have most of these items on hand, and you can’t go wrong with fresh basil and mozzarella over pasta!

8. Four Ingredient Spaghetti Carbonara For Two

Look no farther than this 4-Ingredient Spaghetti Carbonara For Two for a fast and simple pasta meal with few ingredients.

I’m not sure about you, but spaghetti carbonara is one of my favorite varieties of pasta.

What I don’t like is how many ingredients are required to create it.

This four-ingredient spaghetti carbonara for two hits all the right notes: it comes together in under 30 minutes, has smooth spaghetti noodles, and is flecked with bacon bits.

9. 4-Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Zoodles

This recipe is going to blow your mind.

It’s simple and easy to make, only takes a few ingredients, and will have you asking why you haven’t been making these zoodles for years.

This aromatic meal comes together in less than 10 minutes.

With the addition of tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, this meal may be served as an appetizer or as a main course.

This recipe serves 2 people.

I prefer to increase the quantities to create enough servings for 4 people to make it last longer.

That way, I can easily store leftovers in the fridge for lunch the following day!

10. 5-Ingredient Creamy Pasta with Asparagus & Peas

This quick meal for two is done in about 20 minutes and contains three of your five-a-day nutrients.

It’s vegetarian, so if you’re aiming to eat more veggies (like me! ), this is a terrific dish to include.

It only has 658 calories per serving.

This dish makes enough for two people.It’s ideal for a romantic evening or a casual supper with a buddy.

It only takes 12 minutes to cook the whole meal, but I suggest putting aside 5 minutes to prep your ingredients ahead of time so that all you have to do when it’s time is toss them into the pan.

I hope you like this recipe as much as I did!

11. 4-Ingredient Cacio e pepe

This recipe is for four-ingredient cacio e pepe, which is essentially a quick lunch or supper cooked with just four simple ingredients: spaghetti, pepper, parmesan, and butter.

Each serving contains 21g of protein and 565 calories.

This one jumped out to me since it is so fast and simple.

It just takes five minutes to prepare and ten minutes to cook, so it’s not a long-term effort.

12. 5-Ingredient Runner Bean & Prosciutto Pasta

This is the ideal meal to make on a leisurely day, and it is loaded with nutrition.

It has 459 calories, 19g of protein, and is low in sodium.

It just takes 10 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook, so you can eat in less than 30 minutes!

Give it a go and let us know what you think in the comments!

13. 5-Ingredient Asparagus Pasta with Mint Pesto

I know youre going to love this recipe.

It’s ideal for a simple weekday supper but excellent for entertaining guests at a dinner party.

It’s vegan, easily halved, rich in protein, low in sodium, and just 507 calories.

That final element is crucial since the pasta is so full and healthful.

One of the nicest components of this meal is the pesto that works fantastic with the asparagus!

And you can never go wrong with mintit’s so tasty!

This pesto may be used as a salad dressing on its own or mixed into your favorite pasta sauce to add flavor to future meals.

14. 4-Ingredient Salmon & Spinach Pasta

This recipe has a lot of nutritious components, and the nutritional values reflect that.

It’s a colorful dinner that’s strong in folate and omega-3s, as well as heavy in protein and low in sodium.

If you’re trying to lose weight, this has 811 calories per serving!

One glance at the recipe will show you how simple it is: it takes 3 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook.

The one significant item you may not have on hand is salmon fillets, which you can get on your way home from work at any respectable supermarket or fisherman.

Heres a video if you prefer:

15. 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

The nicest part about this dish is how little ingredients it requires: broccoli, spaghetti, and goat cheese.

I would never have guessed that three things could go together, but they do.

The broccoli is crisp, the goat cheese is melty, and everything simply works so well together.

It’s gluten-free and strong in protein, making it an ideal supper for me (and possibly you!).

The preparation time is merely 5 minutes, and the cooking time is 10 minutes.

If you have any leftovers, you may refrigerate them for up to 1 day (I typically double my recipe so I have plenty for leftovers), which means I can eat this yummy food for days!

So, the next time you’re searching for a quick, simple supper that’s nutritious and delicious?

Go with this one!

16. 3-Ingredient Easy pesto pasta

When I think about this dish, three adjectives spring to mind: quick, simple, and fulfilling.

And you won’t believe your eyes when you see the ingredient list. Seriously, it’s not long.

It’s so quick that you could already have all the ingredients in your cupboard!

This is a dish that can be used on any weeknight or weekend!

It’s vegetarian and family-friendly, with 336 calories per dish (six serves).

And get this: it only takes 5 minutes to make!

Yes!

You read it correctly: 5 minutes! We were talking about pantry + fridge + stovetop + finished.

It really couldnt be easier.

17. 5-Ingredient Spinach Parmesan Pasta

This dish serves 4 people and takes just 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.

It’s ideal for hectic weeknights when you need a quick yet tasty supper that won’t take all night to prepare.

Plus, it only has 352 calories per serving, which isn’t terrible for a complete supper!

This dish is also one of my favorites since it is very flavorful.

The spaghetti has earthy spinach flavors and a deep umami taste from the parmesan cheese.

Its very satisfying!

I hope you’ll give this dish a try and let me know what you think in the comments section below.

18. 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna

Looking for a fast, simple, and tasty dinner to make on a hectic weekday or to serve to a group of friends?

I have the perfect recipe for you!

This 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna from twopeasandtheirpod.com gets 4.8 ratings and is a breeze to prepare!

It simply takes 10 minutes to prepare and 55 minutes to complete.

This is my favorite dish since it is the ideal supper to offer while entertaining friends: it is simple to prepare, looks wonderful, and tastes excellent!

And I like serving garlic bread on the side.

19. 6-Ingredient Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

When I’m short on time and money, this is the recipe I turn to.

Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil is a simple recipe at heart, but it’s also very aromatic and soothing.

It’s one of those dishes that takes me back to my youth, to family dinners when we’d all gather around the table, talking about our days and sharing every mouthful of food.

This recipe truly is special for so many reasons.

First and foremost: It just takes 10 minutes to create and requires only six ingredients.

Plus, it’s dirt cheap! It’s also a terrific dish to serve with friends—just make sure you have enough of bread for dipping!

Let us now discuss the nutritional information: This dish has 693 calories per serving. If you’re tracking your weight, you’ll want to keep track of your portion amounts here.

20. 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta

This dish takes 10 minutes to prepare, is incredibly simple and inexpensive (around $1.20 per serving), and an additional drizzle of olive oil will significantly enhance the taste.

It’s ideal for a fast lunch or light meal when you don’t want to cook, but it also works well as a side dish.

Here’s a pro tip: if you’re cooking this for two, use two packets of cream cheese instead of one.

That way, there are enough noodles for everyone, and it tastes even better!

21. Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta

Who doesn’t want a fast, uncomplicated dinner that appears like it was prepared by an executive chef?

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta is the dish for you.

Why do I love it so much?

• Ready in 15 minutes
• Family-friendly
• 4 servings
• 4.4 stars

This dish is particularly ideal for beginners who have never cooked before and have no idea what they are doing.

I mean, if someone walked into my kitchen and asked me to cook supper, I would definitely give them this recipe.

And theyd be able to do it!

Just be careful: they’ll be really proud of themselves after pulling this off.

22. 6-Ingredient Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone

I’ve been intrigued with simple dishes that pack a lot of flavor into a few ingredients recently.

I believe it is because I have been so busy recently that I no longer have time to prepare high-maintenance meals.

This dish from tasteofhome.com is one of my current favorites. It’s quick and simple, and it tastes great!

This recipe just requires six ingredients (not including salt and pepper), making it easy to make even if you don’t always have a fancy spice rack or pantry on hand.

Plus, it’s just 637 calories for six portions, making it ideal for lunches and dinners the remainder of the week.

To make it more full, add a fresh salad or side dish!

One of my favorite aspects of this meal is the mascarpone cheese (also check these mascarpone pasta dishes), which lends a rich taste to the sausage without dominating the other ingredients.

Please let me know how you enjoy this dish if you try it!

23. Penne with Kale and Onion

The greatest thing about this dish is that it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, and it serves six people, so if you make it today, you can eat it for the rest of the week.

This means spending less time cooking and more time doing whatever else is important to you.

Kale also has a lot of fiber and vitamins A and C (source), which are beneficial to your immune system and skin.

And, although a cup has 189 calories, it is rather minimal when compared to other recipes available.

This meal appeals to me since it is tasty and heavy in protein, which keeps me fuller for longer than some of my other favorite foods.

I also like to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for added taste (but keep in mind that this may raise the calorie count).

If you want to cook this meal even faster the next time, cut the veggies ahead of time or purchase them already chopped!

24. Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

I understand that life may be stressful, and it’s wonderful to have a quick and easy meal that’s both tasty and substantial.

That is why I wanted to share this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta dish from tasteofhome.com!

It’s not just fast; it’s also kid-friendly (and who doesn’t love that? ), rich in protein, and simple to reheat for busy days!

If you want to make this meal even healthier, use low-fat cheese or ground turkey.

Overall, this is an excellent recipe for busy parents who want decent cuisine but don’t have time to prepare intricate dishes.

25. 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Angel Hair Pasta

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is that it just takes 15 minutes to prepare.

It’s also really tasty, with a creamy, savory flavor from the parmesan cheese and garlic, a bit of a kick from the red pepper flakes, and a bright, fresh burst from the basil.

Its just delicious.

I usually make it when I have some friends over.

They adore it! I don’t believe they dislike that it’s so easy to make; in fact, seeing me make it in front of them while we’re all hanging around and chatting is kind of fun.

I highly suggest cooking this the next time you need a fast yet excellent supper!

26. 3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo

This 3-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo from Martha Stewart takes just 30 minutes to create and only contains three ingredients!

So, if you’re tired of difficult recipes with a slew of components that take hours to prepare, this one’s for you!

It’s incredibly rich and wonderful, but don’t worry–you’ll need some bread to sop up all that sauce, so you won’t feel awful after eating it.

But yes, it is THAT good.

My only suggestion is that if you don’t have a stand mixer, use an electric mixer instead of a whisk to reduce the labor and allow you more time to enjoy this delicious meal!

27. 3-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe (Pasta With Cheese and Pepper)

When you’re constantly on the move, it might be difficult to eat healthy, and all I keep finding are frozen meals that taste like cardboard.

So, if you’re searching for a fast and simple evening meal, I’ve got you covered.

This epicurious.com meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is so wonderful you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The peppery taste is the key to this traditional meal, but you don’t have to be a skilled cook or even have a large spice closet to make it.

This simple dish is so tasty and fulfilling that it’s difficult not to enjoy it!

Try it for a quick dinner upgrade today, or save it for your next date night.

28. Parmesan Fettuccine

Look no farther if you’re seeking for a fast and simple recipe!

This dish is ideal for hectic evenings when time is limited.

This parmesan fettuccine has just four ingredients and is guaranteed to impress the whole family.

In the mood for something savory?

Its ready in just 20 minutes.

And, at 359 calories per serving, it’s both flavorful and full!

This is a simple side dish that complements practically any dinner.

Just try it out and I guarantee youll be hooked.

29. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This one is super quick and easy.

It takes 30 minutes to prepare and is stuffed with ground beef and shredded cheese.

If you wish, you may add toppings.I like to add chopped tomatoes and sliced black olives, and it always goes over well with the whole family.

I hope you give this a try!

30. Easy Stuffed Shells

Looking for a fast and simple pasta dish that requires few ingredients?

Then you seriously have to try this one!

When I’m starving yet want to cook something nutritious and quick, I resort to this stuffed shells recipe.

It has the cheesy deliciousness of lasagna but is far simpler to put together than classic lasagna.

This dish is also a terrific way to get the kids involved in the kitchen since they can assist you with selecting the shells and stuffing them with the cheese mixture! (You can also create the cheese mixture ahead of time so it’s ready when they are.)

This tasteofhome.com dish takes approximately an hour to prepare and makes 12 servings, making it ideal for feeding a party or having leftovers for lunch or supper later in the week.

It has around 350 calories per serving, so it’s a good choice if you’re watching your weight.

31. Tortellini Carbonara

This delicious dish from TasteofHome is ready in about 20 minutes, serves 4, is simply exquisite, has 527 calories for 1 cup, and just 5 ingredients.

Seriously.

I prefer to serve this with a green salad for added nutrients or to pretend I’m eating healthily when I’m actually just stuffing bacon into my face. Mmmmm

32. Favorite Lasagna Roll-Ups

Here’s a dish I believe you’ll like; it’s delicious.

Heres why:

• It takes around 50 minutes to complete, including prep time.
• It makes 10 servings, all of which are delicious.
• Everyone loves lasagna, but these wrapped up noodles are a fun twist on an old favorite.
• It merely calls for a few items that you most likely already have in your cupboard.
• Only one roll-up has 372 calories! So you may enjoy it guilt-free.

I like to serve this with garlic bread and sautéed zucchini on the side, but you may skip the bread entirely if you like.

33. Garlic-Buttered Pasta

This Garlic-Buttered Pasta dish from tasteofhome.com requires just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, and is ready in about 20 minutes.

It serves four people, which is ideal for a midweek supper or lunch after a full day at work.

And the parmesan cheese in this meal makes it very delicious.

It also has fewer than 450 calories per serving, so you can justify having seconds!

34. 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

I know you’re seeking for fast and simple pasta dishes with minimal ingredients, and this one is another winner in my opinion.

This dish is one of my favorites since it takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, yields 4 wonderful servings, involves very little work (it’s all cooked together in one pot), and is a no-fuss supper.

It also has 218 calories per serving, which is really decent if you eat it as a meal (rather than just a snack!).

If you want to go even lower in calories, consider using whole wheat pasta instead of standard white spaghetti, or spiralizing the zucchini instead of chopping it into cubes.

To make it more healthier, add ground turkey and whole wheat spaghetti.

35. Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta

Check out these 9 Cuisinart Pressure Cooker Recipes if you enjoy pressure cooker recipes.

This meal takes around 20 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.

If you’re preparing for fewer people, you can even cut it in half.

Oh, and feel free to experiment with it! It’s up to you if you want to add dill or lemon slices. You’ll be OK if you taste the completed dish before serving.

Don’t forget to add the chicken broth! This dish is a terrific way to use up leftover smoked salmon from a gathering or dinner party.

This meal is so rich and delicious that you won’t believe how easy it is to create.

It also has roughly 350 calories per serving, making it a good lunch option if you want something full.

36. Super Easy Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Super Easy Cacio e Pepe Pasta is a quick and easy meal from Spruce Eats that takes around 15 minutes to prepare.

It creates four servings, so you can cook a lot of food with little effort.

It utilizes tonnarelli pasta if you can get it (if not, use bucatini in your recipe) and comes together in record time.

Of course, this means there isn’t much you can do to tailor it to your preferences, but it is what it is: a great meal that’s low-calorie yet still full.

I prefer to serve it with an arugula salad with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

If you want to make it vegetarian or vegan, just substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese and leave off the butter at the end; it will still taste delicious!

37. 3-Ingredient Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This recipe is classic Italian, yet it is SO simple and fast to prepare (just 20 minutes!).

It’s also kid-friendly, with just three ingredients!

It doesn’t get much simpler than that! At 582 calories per serving, this meal feeds four people.

If you want to up the ante, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or switching out the spaghetti for angel hair pasta.

You can also top it with breaded chicken breast or Italian sausage for some added protein.

Tips for Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes with Few Ingredients

Cooking using quick and simple pasta dishes that only need a few ingredients is an excellent way to have supper on the table quickly.

However, there are a few critical things to follow to ensure that your lunch is as good as possible:

1. To begin, avoid combining more than one kind of sauce at a time. If you combine tomato sauce and pesto in the same dish, you’ll get an odd-tasting mixture. So, if you’re using tomato sauce and pesto, stick to only one of those sauces per dish.
2. Second, don’t go overboard with the garlic or onion powder. These spices are excellent for adding flavor to a meal, but too much of them may be overwhelming. If you believe it tastes too strong, try it again after approximately a minute.Most of the additional taste will likely vanish within that short length of time.
3. Finally, keep in mind that pasta is incredibly full! Some individuals are unaware of this when they prepare their favorite fast and simple pasta dishes with just a few ingredients and end up consuming much too much food!