35 Easy Pasta Recipes With 5 Ingredients or Less
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!

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!
🥕 More 5-Ingredient Recipe Roundups
- 20 Creamy Soup Recipes
- 27 Game Day Recipes
- 50 High Protein Breakfast Meal Prep Recipes
- 25 High Protein Crockpot Dinners
- 25 High Protein Sheet Pan Dinners
- 15 High-Protein Smoothie Recipes
- 21 Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
- 25 School Lunch Ideas
- 15 Yogurt Popsicle Recipes
💕 Seasonal 5-Ingredient Recipe Roundups
- 25 Hoiday Appetizers
- 25 Holiday Side Dishes
- 18 Spring & Easter Dessert Recipes
- 26 Spring Dinner Ideas
- 20 Valentine’s Day Dinners
- 22 Valentine’s Day Treats
Don’t forget to save this recipe roundup for later!

