15 Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes With Few Ingredients

Updated May 07, 2020
Jennifer Causey

You don't need a lot of supplies to make these delicious meals (which have 10 ingredients or fewer) work. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Italian dish (Cacio e Pepe is famous for its simplicity) or a cozy comfort food dinner (nothing beats this Stovetop Mac and Cheese), these quick and easy pasta recipes with few ingredients are ideal for busy weeknights. 

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Cacio e Pepe

Credit: Gina Desimone; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Adam Dolge

Cacio e Pepe Recipe

This foolproof method delivers the classic, crave worthy flavors and textures of cacio e pepe—strong peppery backbone (without verging towards too “hot”), earthy saltiness from the Pecorino cheese, and a luscious sauciness that will have you ready to lick the bowl.

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Quick Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Quick Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

We like brown rice pasta here for three reasons: It’s whole-grain, it’s a dead ringer (taste- and texture-wise) for traditional pasta, and it’s gluten- free. You could also use a wheat- or chickpea-based pasta.

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Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

While we love the images of a cook standing over the stove for hours, stirring the family’s secret recipe for Bolognese until it is just right, we have simplified the technique so you can create a tasty meal in under 30 minutes. Create a satisfying meat sauce by cooking Italian sausage, peppers, sweet onions and garlic.

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Spaghetti and Easy Meatballs

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Anna Theoktisto

Spaghetti and Easy Meatballs Recipe

Serve a classic Italian-inspired dish for dinner. The easy meatball method will make you skip buying store-bought meatballs for good. Whether you're serving adults or a family-friendly crew, this dish is a pitch-perfect crowd pleaser.

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Classic Pasta Carbonara

Credit: Gina Desimone; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Adam Dolge

Classic Pasta Carbonara Recipe

This simple, classic carbonara recipe is the perfect dish when you need a special night in. And with this foolproof method for nailing the signature creamy sauce, you can go into the kitchen with confidence.

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Simple Lemon, Shrimp, and Prosciutto Pasta

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Simple Lemon, Shrimp, and Prosciutto Pasta Recipe

Salty, umami-packed prosciutto complements the sweet shrimp and tomatoes in this streamlined 20-minute main.

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Lobster Cacio e Pepe for Two

Credit:  Kelsey Hansen; Food Styling: Adam Dolge; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson

Lobster Cacio e Pepe for Two Recipe

We upgraded the classic pepper and cheese pasta dish with chunks of supple Maine lobster for an incredible dinner-for-two. Meaning, “date night” needs to happen at home this week. Of course, this dish is easily doubled if you’re serving more than two. Maine New Shell Lobster is harvested during peak season in Maine (roughly late June – early November) when lobsters shed their old shells and grow new shells. Gulf of Maine seawater fills the newly formed shell and naturally “marinates” the meat, creating an intense and more “lobster-y” flavor. New Shell is more tender, delicately textured lobster meat. The thinner shell even makes the lobsters easy to crack, pick and eat by hand.

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BLT Pasta

Credit: Sang An

BLT Pasta Recipe

We love the look of mezze penne, a smaller version of regular penne, but you can use any short pasta you like. The "lettuce" in this BLT is actually tender baby spinach. You could also substitute peppery arugula or even baby kale.

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Pasta Aglio e Olio

Credit: Greg DuPree

Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe

A riff on the traditional Italian garlic and oil pasta dish, roasted walnut oil adds an unexpected gentle, nutty flavor. Cool the walnut oil slightly before adding the water to avoid splatters. We think bucatini pasta is the best choice for this dish; however, you also could use whole-wheat spaghetti or angel hair pasta to amp up the dish’s nuttiness.

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Instant Pot Lasagna

Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe

Weeknight dinner doesn't get easier than this—we're talking cheesy, gooey, and ready in a flash. The next time the craving for hearty, comfort food strikes, just remember, Instant Pot Lasagna has your back.

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Cheese Ravioli with Toasted Walnuts

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Cheese Ravioli with Toasted Walnuts Recipe

Enhance the flavor of store-bought cheese ravioli by topping with toasted walnuts, lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Pair with a bagged green salad for a super-quick supper.

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Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese

Credit: Photographer: Antara Sinha; Food Sylist: Briana Riddock

Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Recipe

The famously cheesy, kid-friendly side item on the Panera Bread menu has garnered popularity among customers of all ages. Now, you can enjoy the rich and saucy goodness of that white cheddar mac and cheese anytime, and in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Pumpkin Ravioli

Credit: Leigh Beisch

Pumpkin Ravioli Recipe

Pumpkin ravioli is a fall favorite but because it uses canned pumpkin, you can make it year round. This quick and easy ravioli recipe uses wonton wrappers in place of homemade pasta.

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Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms

Pasta Primavera with Ham and Mushrooms Recipe

It's hard to beat pasta primavera. But it's even harder to beat a 20-minute pasta primavera that only requires one skillet. Use a frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix to save time and add color, texture, and nutrition. This recipe is one to keep in your back pocket for busy afternoons when there's no time for prep. 

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Pasta with Pea Puree

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Pasta with Pea Puree Recipe

Use frozen peas to add a pop of fresh flavor and color to your meal.

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