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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Best Simple Pasta Recipes With Few Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 8, 2025, updated May 7, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta is a go-to meal for many, and it doesn't have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up simple yet satisfying dishes that are perfect for any day of the week. Here are 21 easy pasta recipes that highlight the beauty of minimalism in cooking.

    Creamy Lemon Orzo

    Creamy Lemon Orzo.
    Photo Credit: Goodness Kitchen.

    This creamy lemon orzo is ready in just 10 minutes. With silky orzo, baby spinach, and peas, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal that you can enjoy with a big spoon.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, it's perfect for a quick meal.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with perfectly cooked shrimp, making it a satisfying meal for seafood and pasta lovers.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. With just a few ingredients, it brings comfort and flavor to your table.

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    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti

    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This Creamy Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that combines soft noodles, a rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. With just five simple ingredients, it’s an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti

    15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    Instant Pot spaghetti is a quick one-pot meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tasty marinara sauce, and soft spaghetti noodles. This classic dish is easy to prepare and still delivers all the comforting flavors we enjoy in a hearty bowl of pasta.

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    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells

    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    Shrimp Alfredo stuffed shells with kale and parmesan are a great meal to enjoy with the family after a long week. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for cheese and pasta fans. With a mix of two cheeses, a bit of tang from Gorgonzola, and a nice crunch from walnuts, it comes together in under 40 minutes.

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    Quick & Easy Pastina

    Quick & Easy Pastina.
    Photo Credit: Cooking with Bry.

    Pastina is a cozy and creamy dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table. It's perfect for when you're not feeling well, need something quick, or just want a comforting meal.

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    Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

    Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    Spaghetti aglio e olio shows how a few basic ingredients can pack a punch in flavor. With just garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this classic Italian pasta is quick and easy to prepare.

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    Cheesy Taco Pasta

    Cheesy Taco Pasta.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy dish that brings back memories of Hamburger Helper. It's a 30-minute meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines juicy shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This is a great meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is all about keeping it simple while still being tasty. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce has a spicy kick that adds a fun twist to the classic recipe. With just a few common seasonings you likely have in your pantry, it’s an easy and budget-friendly choice.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is fast and simple to prepare, using everyday ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. It's perfect for a quick meal when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Rigatoni Arrabbiata

    Rigatoni Arrabbiata.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Rigatoni arrabbiata is a simple yet flavorful dish that reminds me of my time in Rome. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a bit of red pepper, this pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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    Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

    Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas.
    Photo Credit: Casual Foodist.

    Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas is a quick and tasty one-pot meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Packed with classic Italian flavors, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that your family will enjoy.

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    Pesto Ricotta Pasta

    Pesto Ricotta Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    Pesto Ricotta Pasta is a creamy dish that mixes ricotta cheese, pesto, parmesan, and a bit of lemon juice for a rich sauce that clings to the pasta. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and tasty meal.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be quick and easy with just a few ingredients and one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something simple.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is quick to make with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to cook. The bright pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a simple and satisfying meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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    • Mexican bubble up casserole.
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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