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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Delicious Pasta Meals with Just a Few Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 25, 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 simple ingredients, you can whip up a variety of delicious pasta dishes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic combinations to creative twists, these 24 recipes will show you how easy it is to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Spinach and Tomato Pasta

    Spinach and Tomato Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Pasta dinners can be quick and easy without needing a lot of effort. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a fresh and tasty meal for a busy weeknight.

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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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    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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    Pasta With Zucchini And Tomatoes

    Pasta With Zucchini And Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Pasta with zucchini and tomatoes is a great choice for a summer meal. It's light, fresh, and healthy, and you can whip it up in about 20 minutes with just 7 ingredients.

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    Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

    Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Cheesy kielbasa pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines pasta with flavorful kielbasa and cheese. With just a few common ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes.

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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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    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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    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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    Penne Pomodoro

    Penne Pomodoro.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish that combines a few simple ingredients for a delicious meal. It's quick to prepare and can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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    Tuna Pasta With Pesto

    Tuna Pasta With Pesto.
    Photo Credit; Maple + Mango.

    This tuna pasta with pesto is super easy to make and really tasty. It's a one-pot meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.

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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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    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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    Spinach Garlic Pasta

    Spinach Garlic Pasta.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This spinach garlic pasta with peas is a quick and filling meal that’s perfect for a weeknight. It combines pasta, fresh spinach, sweet peas, and a few simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious dish.

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    Tomato and Ricotta Pasta

    Tomato and Ricotta Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

    Tomato and ricotta pasta is a super easy vegetarian dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes with only a few ingredients. This is a quick and enjoyable option for dinner.

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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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    Ground Turkey Pasta

    Ground Turkey Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    This gluten-free ground turkey pasta is a straightforward dish that combines tomato sauce, lean meat, and spices. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work.

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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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    Pasta al Pesto

    https://mygoodfoodworld.com/pasta-al-pesto/.
    Photo Credit: My Good Food World.

    Pasta al pesto is a comforting dish that's quick to prepare. With some homemade pesto on hand, you can have this meal ready in under 15 minutes.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    Looking for a new and simple pasta dish to try? This easy tahini pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Creamy, tangy, nutty goodness – the flavorful tahini sauce on this pasta is SO GOOD!

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    Macaroni and Tomatoes

    Macaroni and Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit; Savory with Soul.

    Macaroni and tomatoes is a classic dish that comes together with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have at home. It's an easy meal that brings comfort without needing much effort.

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    Spaghetti Al Pesto

    Spaghetti Al Pesto.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Spaghetti Al Pesto is quick and easy to make, taking less than 15 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can easily be customized with extra ingredients or protein.

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    Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    A bowl of Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs is perfect for an easy family meal. With pre-cooked meatballs, this one-pan pasta dish comes together quickly.

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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.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Springtime Pasta Recipes That Are a Breeze to Make

    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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