11 Easy Pasta Recipes With Few Ingredients for Busy Nights

Struggling with weeknight dinners? It’s a familiar story: the workday is finally over, you’re tired, you’re hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen chopping, simmering, and cleaning up a mountain of dishes. The temptation to reach for a takeout menu is strong, but what if a delicious, home-cooked meal was only 15 or 20 minutes away?

That feeling of “dinner dread” is real. You want something satisfying and flavorful, but the thought of a complex recipe with a long list of ingredients feels completely overwhelming on a busy Tuesday night. You need solutions that are fast, require minimal effort, and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This isn’t about becoming a gourmet chef overnight; it’s about reclaiming your weeknight meals with clever, easy recipes that deliver maximum comfort with minimal stress.

For a quick and satisfying meal on busy nights, easy pasta recipes are the perfect solution. Dishes like a classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or a simple Tomato Basil Pasta can be prepared in under 20 minutes using basic pantry staples, offering incredible flavor with the least possible effort and cleanup. This guide is your new playbook for conquering weeknight dinners with simple, delicious pasta dishes.

Struggling with Weeknight Dinners? What If a Delicious Meal Was Only 15 Minutes Away?

The solution to hectic evening meals is often found in simple, quick-to-prepare pasta recipes that use few ingredients. When you’re short on time and energy, pasta serves as a versatile and convenient canvas for a flavorful meal. Many delicious dishes can be made in 30 minutes or less, transforming the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question into an easy, stress-free decision. These recipes are perfect for families, couples, and individuals who want a satisfying meal without the fuss.

As someone who’s juggled a full schedule for years, I know the ‘what’s for dinner’ panic all too well. It’s that 5 PM feeling when you realize you have no plan and no energy. That’s why I’ve come to rely on a core set of go-to recipes that I know I can whip up in minutes. These are my tested-and-approved, tried-and-true dishes that save the day every single time, proving that a delicious home-cooked meal doesn’t have to be a major production.

@foodi.ma

Let me know if you guys want to see more easy beginner friendly recipes. Give this pasta recipe a try and let me know how you like it, it’s super simple comes together in minutes and a family favorite. You can eat it as is or add more veggies, chicken, or fish into it for a complete meal. #pasta#pastarecipe#easypastarecipe#pastadinner#simplerecipe#kidfriendlyrecipe

♬ Aesthetic – Audiolist Productions

11 Easy Pasta Recipes With Few Ingredients for Busy Nights (2025 Update)

This curated list features 11 incredibly simple pasta recipes specifically designed for busy weeknights. Each one is selected for its minimal ingredient list, straightforward instructions, and rapid cooking time. Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting, light and fresh, or a classic Italian favorite, you’ll find a perfect option here. Each recipe has been chosen for its reliability and delicious results, making them perfect for cooks of any skill level. We’ve tested them to ensure they deliver on the promise of a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

The ultimate solution for a creamy pasta craving with minimal cleanup is this one-pot garlic parmesan pasta, where everything cooks together in a single skillet. This method isn’t just easy; it’s genius. As the pasta cooks in the broth and milk, it releases starches that create an incredibly silky, restaurant-quality sauce without any complicated steps. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re truly feeling like a “lazy cook” but still want something indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine or spaghetti
• Minced garlic
• Butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Milk or cream
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Combine the uncooked pasta, minced garlic, butter, broth, and milk/cream in a single large pot or skillet.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a creamy sauce.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro-Tip: For an extra velvety sauce, use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream and let the pasta rest for a minute off the heat before serving. This allows the starches to fully thicken the sauce.

Pin this one-pot wonder for your next crazy weeknight!

2. Quick Tomato Basil Pasta

For a fast and refreshing pasta dish, this quick tomato basil pasta comes together in about 15 minutes and bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors. It relies on the classic combination of garlic, tomatoes, and basil, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a spectacular meal. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect go-to for a simple lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Stir in a generous amount of fresh, torn basil leaves.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with your freshly cooked pasta until well coated.

Pro-Tip: Use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for a richer, sweeter sauce base. If using fresh tomatoes, score them and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds to easily remove the skins first.

Save this 15-minute recipe for a fresh and fast dinner!

3. Creamy Pesto Pasta

An extremely fast pasta recipe is possible by using store-bought pesto and a splash of cream to create a luxurious sauce in minutes. Pesto is a powerhouse ingredient that delivers a huge amount of flavor with zero cooking required. By simply stirring in a bit of cream or milk, you can transform the standard pesto pasta into a velvety, more indulgent meal. This is a fantastic base recipe that you can customize with leftover chicken, bacon, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta
• Prepared pesto
• Cream or milk
• Optional: cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or bacon bits

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared pesto with a splash of cream or milk and stir until smooth.
2. Add the hot, cooked pasta directly to the bowl with the pesto sauce.
3. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
4. Stir in any optional additions like chicken or vegetables. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Always toss pesto with pasta off the heat. The residual heat from the pasta is enough to warm the sauce without “cooking” the basil, which can cause it to turn brown and lose its fresh, vibrant flavor.

Love pesto? Pin this creamy upgrade now!

4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Oil Pasta)

To master a classic, minimalist Italian dish, you must learn to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a simple yet profoundly flavorful dish made from garlic, olive oil, and pasta. This recipe is the epitome of Italian cooking philosophy: use a few high-quality ingredients and let them shine. Ready in about 10-15 minutes, it’s a perfect simple pasta recipe for one but can easily be scaled up. The secret is gently toasting the garlic to perfection and using starchy pasta water to create a light, emulsified sauce.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Thinly sliced fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Importantly, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly until it turns a light golden brown. Add red pepper flakes now, if using.
3. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
4. Toss vigorously, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a light, emulsified sauce that clings to the noodles. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Pro-Tip: The key to perfect Aglio e Olio is to not burn the garlic. Cook it low and slow until it’s just golden. If it browns too much, it will become bitter and ruin the entire dish.

Master this classic Italian dish! Pin for later.

5. Carbonara Pasta

You can make a creamy, authentic Carbonara by using the residual heat of the pasta to cook a sauce of eggs and cheese without scrambling them. This classic Roman dish is famously rich and satisfying, yet it comes together almost instantly once the pasta is cooked. The key is to work quickly and off the heat. There is no cream in a traditional Carbonara; the silky texture comes from the emulsification of egg yolks, hard cheese, rendered pancetta fat, and starchy pasta water.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Bacon or pancetta
• Eggs
• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• Black pepper
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, fry the diced bacon or pancetta in a skillet until crisp.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Drain the hot pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring vigorously. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as you stir to create a silky, creamy sauce. The residual heat will cook the egg without scrambling it. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: The biggest mistake is adding the egg mixture over direct heat. Always take the pan off the burner first. The heat from the pasta and the pan is more than enough to cook the sauce to a safe and creamy consistency.

Craving comfort? Pin this classic Carbonara recipe!

6. Cacio e Pepe

To make the deceptively simple Roman pasta, you must create a creamy sauce using only three main ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and starchy pasta water. Cacio e Pepe, which translates to “cheese and pepper,” is a masterclass in technique over complexity. It’s often considered the predecessor to mac and cheese. The magic lies in creating a perfect emulsion by mixing hot pasta water with the cheese and pepper to form a paste, which then coats the hot pasta beautifully.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (preferably spaghetti)
• Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly and coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in well-salted water. Just before it’s al dente, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated Pecorino Romano and a very generous amount of coarse black pepper.
3. Add a small amount of the hot pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to the cheese mixture, whisking vigorously to form a thick, creamy paste.
4. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the cheese paste. Toss rapidly, adding more pasta water as needed, until a creamy, emulsified sauce coats every strand.

Pro-Tip: The temperature of the pasta water is crucial. It must be hot but not boiling when you add it to the cheese, otherwise the cheese will clump. Work quickly for the smoothest sauce.

3 ingredients, 20 minutes. Pin this simple masterpiece!

7. Lemon Pasta

For a light and elegant pasta dish, you can make a zesty lemon pasta with a simple sauce of butter, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe, often called Pasta al Limone, is surprisingly simple to prepare but tastes sophisticated and bright. It’s perfect for a warm evening or when you’re craving something that feels fresh and isn’t too heavy. The key is balancing the acidity of the lemon with the richness of the butter and cheese.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and whisk to combine.
4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-butter sauce.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until a light, creamy sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with herbs.

Lesson Learned: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not the bottled kind. The flavor is significantly brighter and lacks the bitter aftertaste that bottled juice can sometimes have.

For a bright and zesty dinner, save this Lemon Pasta recipe!

8. Creamy Spinach Pasta

You can make a comforting and creamy pasta dish that includes a serving of vegetables by creating a simple sauce with garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. This dish feels incredibly indulgent but comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal effort. While the pasta boils, you can whip up the rich and flavorful cream sauce. The fresh baby spinach wilts down into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a delicious earthy flavor that complements the creamy base perfectly.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh baby spinach
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and reserve some pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt down.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, using a splash of pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro-Tip: It looks like a lot of spinach at first, but it wilts down to almost nothing. Don’t be afraid to pack the pan full! Using baby spinach results in a more tender bite and delicate flavor compared to mature spinach.

Get your greens in the coziest way! Pin this recipe.

9. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

For a dish with deep, savory flavor, you can use pantry staples like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and ricotta cheese to create a quick no-cook sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes are a fantastic ingredient for easy pasta recipes because they provide an intense, concentrated flavor without needing a long simmering time. When combined with creamy ricotta and fresh basil, they form a rustic and delicious sauce that comes together in the time it takes to boil the pasta.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil
• Optional: garlic or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes. For a smoother sauce, you can also blend them in a food processor with the ricotta and a splash of olive oil.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and torn fresh basil.
4. Drain the hot pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the sauce mixture.
5. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. The heat from the pasta will gently warm the sauce. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: Use the flavorful oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes to sauté a clove of minced garlic for 30 seconds before mixing it into the sauce. It adds another layer of delicious, savory flavor for zero extra cost.

Unlock pantry flavor! Save this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta idea.

10. Asparagus Ham Pasta Dinner

To find a quick, all-in-one meal, you can combine pasta with protein and vegetables by tossing it with cooked ham and fresh asparagus. This balanced and flavorful dinner comes together in about 25 minutes and is incredibly versatile. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, and the fresh, crisp asparagus adds a wonderful texture and spring-like flavor to the dish. A simple drizzle of olive oil is all you need to tie it together.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Fresh asparagus
• Cooked ham chunks
• Optional: cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the chopped asparagus spears directly to the boiling pasta water to blanch them.
2. Drain the pasta and asparagus together.
3. Return the pasta and asparagus to the warm pot.
4. Add the cooked ham chunks and halved cherry tomatoes (if using). Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Lesson Learned: Cooking the asparagus in the same pot as the pasta is a game-changer for cleanup and efficiency. Just be sure to add it near the end of the pasta’s cooking time so it stays crisp-tender and doesn’t get mushy.

A balanced meal in 25 minutes? Yes! Pin this recipe.

11. Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

You can elevate store-bought ravioli into a quick and impressive meal by tossing it with sautéed mushrooms, crisp snap peas, and toasted hazelnuts. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for when you want something that feels a little fancy without any of the fuss. The earthy mushrooms, sweet snap peas, and nutty crunch from the hazelnuts create a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that perfectly complements the soft, filled ravioli.

Ingredients:

• Store-bought ravioli (cheese or mushroom)
• Fresh snap peas
• Mushrooms
• Butter or olive oil
• Optional: toasted hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Cook ravioli according to package directions.
2. While the ravioli cooks, melt butter or heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until browned and their moisture has cooked off.
3. Add the snap peas to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
4. Drain the ravioli and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
5. Gently toss to combine and top with toasted hazelnuts for crunch before serving.

Pro-Tip: Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before chopping them. This simple, quick step dramatically enhances their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to the final dish.

Upgrade your ravioli night! Save this quick recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Easy Pasta Dinners

• Embrace One-Pot Wonders: Drastically reduce cleanup time by cooking your pasta and sauce together in a single pot, like with the Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
• Leverage Pantry Staples: A delicious meal is always minutes away when you have pasta, olive oil, and garlic. Aglio e Olio is the ultimate proof.
• Don’t Cook Your Sauce: For recipes with fresh ingredients like pesto or delicate sauces like Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, use the residual heat of the pasta to create a perfect sauce off the burner.
• Upgrade Store-Bought: Elevate pre-made items like pesto or ravioli with a few fresh additions like cream, spinach, or sautéed vegetables for a semi-homemade gourmet meal.
• Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: The starchy water left over from cooking pasta is the key to creating silky, emulsified sauces that cling perfectly to every noodle. Always save a cup!

People Also Ask About pasta recipes easy

What is the simplest pasta dish?

The absolute simplest pasta dish is often considered Buttered Noodles. It requires only three main ingredients: your favorite pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. After cooking the pasta, you simply toss it with melted butter, cheese, and a little salt and pepper. It’s a comforting, kid-friendly dish that’s ready in the time it takes to boil water.

What are the top 10 pasta dishes?

While tastes vary, ten of the most popular and classic pasta dishes include Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Cacio e Pepe, Pasta Primavera, Shrimp Scampi, Pesto Pasta, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. These dishes range from complex and hearty to simple and light, showcasing pasta’s incredible versatility.

What can I make with pasta that’s quick and easy?

For a quick and easy meal, toss cooked pasta with a simple sauce made from pantry staples. You can sauté garlic in olive oil (Aglio e Olio), use a jar of pesto with a splash of cream, or create a fast sauce with canned diced tomatoes and fresh basil. For a complete meal, add leftover cooked chicken, canned tuna, or quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or frozen peas.

Final Thoughts

Busy nights no longer have to mean boring dinners or expensive takeout. With a box of pasta and a handful of simple ingredients, a delicious, satisfying, and stress-free meal is always within reach. You have the power to transform a hectic evening into a cozy and flavorful moment.

Which of these easy pasta recipes will you be trying first? Share your pick in the comments below