35 Easy Pasta Recipes With 5 Ingredients or Less

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This roundup of 35 easy pasta recipes made with 5 ingredients or less includes something for everyone, whether you prefer a tomato-based pasta, a pesto dish, or a creamy & cheesy pasta bake. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table ASAP!

Flavorful pasta with creamy zucchini and grilled shrimp on a rustic wooden board.

It’s finally April! The Tiny Spork officially turned 1 this month, and I can’t believe I’ve already been blogging for a full year. The time totally flew by!

This past year has been full of changes, but something that has not changed (and probably will never ever change) is my love for pasta! I’m honestly shocked it took me this long to get this roundup posted 🤣

I’m obsessed with pasta. My mom jokes that I was a pure Italian in another life. First off, carbs are delicious. But also, pasta dishes are so dang versatile and forms the perfect base for whatever sauce, veggies, or proteins you’re craving.

🍗 For more meal inspiration, check out 21 easy rotisserie chicken recipes made with 5 ingredients or less!

Plus, pasta dishes are perfect for feeding the whole family and picky kids. They’re so easy to get on the table in a short period of time, and they make delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Win, win, win!

In this roundup, I’m sharing 35 easy pasta dishes that require just 5 ingredients or less! I’ve included some tomato-based pasta dishes, pesto pastas, creamy pastas, and of course some delicious cheesy pasta recipes as well.

There’s skillet pasta dishes, pasta bakes, and even some mac & cheese recipes in here!

A lot of these recipes are vegetarian, but you can easily add your favorite meat or protein of choice to bulk it up a bit.

I got so much inspiration for my meal planner while writing this roundup. Make sure to bust out your meal planner so you can add these recipes to your weekly dinner rotation!

Tomato-Based Pasta Recipes

1. Baked Feta Pasta

You guys know I had to mention the baked feta pasta recipe that went viral a few years ago on TikTok! It’s such an easy recipe but it’s packed with flavor and perfect for any time of the year.

Recipe source + credit: Feel Good Foodie

2. Pomodoro Pasta

You know those days that you are just craving a simple, tomato pasta? Here’s an incredibly easy recipe made with fresh tomatoes and a handful of fresh ingredients.

Recipe source + credit: The Seasoned Mom

3. Chicken Parmesan Lasagna

I love making lasagna, but I hate how time consuming it can be sometimes! This recipe uses oven-ready lasagna noodles to make it even easier!

Recipe source + credit: Mighty Mrs.

4. Tomato Basil Penne

Here’s another simple tomato basil pasta recipe that’s also vegan!

Recipe source + credit: This Savory Vegan

5. Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo

I love this unique twist on the classic alfredo pasta made using sun dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor!

Recipe source + credit: Girl Gone Gourmet

6. Italian Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi Bake

Holy heck this comforting gnocchi dish is so cheesy, delicious, and packed with protein!

Recipe source + credit: Tipps In The Kitch

7. Cheesy Tortellini Bake

This simple cheesy tortellini pasta bake is a quick, fuss-free dinner you can make even last minute!

Recipe source + credit: The Savvy Spoon

8. Vodka Pasta

I absolutely love vodka pasta, but most recipes require a ton of ingredients. This vodka pasta recipe is super simple and uses just 5 ingredients and a few pantry staples. As a bonus, it’s vegan too!

Recipe source + credit: Pinch of Yum

9. Lobster Bisque Pasta

Apparently, this is a viral TikTok recipe! It uses Trader Joe’s lobster bisque soup to create a super cozy, creamy, and delicious pasta with just a few ingredients.

Recipe source + credit: Get On My Plate

10. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole

Here’s another simple dump & go cheesy chicken pasta dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Recipe source + credit: Gimme Delicious

11. Pasta With Bolognese Sauce

This high protein pasta dish is loaded with flavor, but so easy to make with just 5 ingredients!

Recipe source + credit: Bowl of Delicious

12. Baked Ziti

I’m absolutely obsessed with baked ziti! It’s one of my favorite back-pocket meals for when I need something simple for dinner. It also freezes very well and is perfect for meal prep too!

Recipe source + credit: Real Food Dieticians

13. Gnocchi Broccoli White Bean Bake

This pasta bake is loaded with vegetables, plant-based protein, and topped with cheese for a simple dinner that you can throw together after a busy day!

Recipe source + credit: She Likes Food

Creamy Pasta Recipes

14. Fettucine Alfredo

Is there anything better than a cozy, creamy bowl of fettucine alfredo after a long day at work?! Here’s an incredibly easy 5-ingredient recipe that takes just 20 minutes to make!

Recipe source + credit: Modern Honey

15. Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta

This simple 5-ingredient pasta dish can be made with just a few pantry staples. It’s also great for picky eaters and kiddos who love a simple plain pasta.

16. Cream Cheese Pasta

Got some leftover cream cheese in the fridge? Why not make this super easy 5-ingredient cream cheese pasta that tastes absolutely divine!

Recipe source + credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

17. Garlic Mushroom Pasta

This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is a must-try for all mushroom lovers!

Recipe source + credit: The Kitchn

18. Creamy Lemon Pasta

This pasta dish is perfect for the spring & summer when you’re craving light and fresh flavors. Here are 26 more easy 5-ingredient spring dinner ideas!

Recipe source + credit: Kirbie Cravings

19. Creamy Angel Hair Pasta

Skip the takeout and make this incredibly easy 10-minute creamy pasta dinner at home that even picky eaters won’t mind eating!

Recipe source + credit: Alyona’s Cooking

20. Boursin Pasta

This 5-ingredient pasta made with Boursin cheese is creamy, flavorful, and super convenient for busy nights!

Recipe source + credit: The Dizzy Cook

21. Ravioli with Garlic Cream Sauce

Here’s another delicious, creamy pasta dish you can make with just 5 ingredients! Although this recipe uses butternut squash ravioli, you can swap it out for any ravioli flavor you prefer.

22. Cottage Cheese Fettucine Alfredo

Craving some fettucine alfredo, but looking for a lighter version that packs in more protein? Check out this simple recipe that uses cottage cheese instead of heavy cream!

Recipe source + credit: Feel Good Foodie

23. Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, pick up some kale to make this super easy pasta! It’s a budget-friendly recipe you can make with pantry staples and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Recipe source + credit: Budget Bytes

Cheesy Pasta Dishes

24. Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Skip the boxed mac and cheese and make the real deal! Making mac & cheese from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated – just 5 ingredients are all you’re going to need for this creamy & cheesy mac!

Recipe source + credit: Joy Food Sunshine

25. Baked Mac & Cheese

If you prefer baked mac & cheese over the stovetop version (like me), you gotta try this 4-ingredient recipe!

Recipe source + credit: Southern Bite

26. Pizza Pasta Bake

Can’t decide between pizza or pasta? Make both with this ridiculously easy pasta bake that just requires 4 ingredients!

Recipe source + credit: Salt and Lavender

27. Cheesy Pasta Casserole

This is a dump & go creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for lazy evenings you need to get something fast on the table without a ton of effort.

Recipe source + credit: The Frugal Girls

28. Cheesy Taco Pasta

This is hands down my favorite pasta recipe in the world! It’s extremely easy to make, packed with flavor, and is so cheesy gooey and perfect when you’re craving comfort food for dinner.

29. Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

This recipe is similar to the cheesy taco pasta, but in a baked/casserole form!

Recipe source + credit: The Lazy Dish

30. Skillet Creamy Queso Pasta

Here’s yet another twist on the cheesy taco pasta, made with queso sauce! (Can you tell that I love taco pasta yet?!)

Recipe source + credit: Divas Can Cook

Pesto Pasta Recipes

31. Creamy Greek Yogurt Pesto Pasta

This is one of my favorite creamy pesto pasta dishes to make for dinner…it also makes great leftovers for the whole week. There’s no half & half or heavy cream involved thanks to Greek yogurt!

32. Pesto Pasta Salad

You can make this simple pasta salad for lunch, but it’s also perfect for bringing to a party or spring gathering! Find 26 more easy 5-ingredient spring recipes here!

Recipe source + credit: Gimme Some Oven

33. Cottage Cheese Pesto Pasta

You’ll just need 3 ingredients to make this pesto pasta – no heavy cream required!

Recipe source + credit: Two Peas And Their Pod

34. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Here’s a high protein pesto pasta dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes!

Recipe source + credit: Salt and Lavender

35. Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi With Pesto

This recipe has so much going on with just 5 ingredients! It’s got everything – veggies, protein, pesto, and tons of flavor!

Recipe source + credit: Cooking For Keeps


I hope you enjoyed this roundup of spring dinner recipes and found some inspiration for your spring dinner rotation!

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