Looking to whip up something quick and tasty for dinner? Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 19 pasta dishes that you can make in a snap with just five ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, cheesy, or packed with veggies, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table fast.

Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli in a white bowl with a serving spoon.
Photo credit: My Everyday Table.
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Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up a creamy bucatini pasta using just cheese and pasta water. This straightforward recipe proves that you don’t need more than five ingredients for a great pasta dish. Ready quickly, it’s perfect for when you want something simple yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles. Photo credit: Food Banjo.

These miso butter noodles are a quick, five-ingredient dish that’s perfect for when you need something easy yet flavorful. Ready in less than 20 minutes, it’s a great option for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Miso Butter Noodles

Pasta alla Pizzaiola

Pasta alla Pizzaiola. Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

Pasta alla pizzaiola brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. It’s a great choice for a delicious dish that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Pizzaiola

Spaghetti with No-Cook Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Spaghetti with No-Cook Lemon Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: The Kitchen Docs.

This spaghetti features a lemon Parmesan sauce that requires no cooking, making it a great option for a quick, flavorful meal on a busy evening. Ready in just 15 minutes with only five ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with No-Cook Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Pancetta

Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Pancetta. Photo credit: This Little Home.

This creamy zucchini and pancetta pasta is full of flavor and ready quickly, without using cream. It’s a great choice for a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Pancetta

Easy Penne Pomodoro

Easy Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: My Everyday Table.

This penne pomodoro is your go-to for a quick dinner, made with only five ingredients and ready in 30 minutes. It’s the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can make a great meal on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Penne Pomodoro

Spaghetti Arrabiata

Spaghetti Arrabiata. Photo credit: Fede The Clumsy Chef.

Quick to make and packed with flavor, this spicy spaghetti arrabiata is great for a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can have a hot, flavorful pasta dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabiata

Basil Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and Mushrooms

Basil Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Pumpkin ‘N Spice.

Basil pesto, broccoli, and mushrooms come together in this pasta for a dish that’s easy to make and great for a fast meal. Perfect when you want something quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and Mushrooms

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: To Simply Inspire.

Toss together this caprese pasta salad for any summer gathering. Simple ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make it a great choice for a fast and tasty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken Alfredo

Grilled Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Restless Chipotle.

Creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta with grilled chicken makes for a fast meal that’s ready in 20 minutes. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Baked Ziti

Creamy Baked Ziti. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Enjoy classic Italian flavors with this creamy baked ziti. Just five ingredients combine into a casserole-style dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Ziti

Easy Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Easy Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli. Photo credit: My Everyday Table.

This orecchiette combines sausage and broccoli for a satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s a great pick for a quick and easy dinner that keeps the ingredient list short and the flavor big.
Get the Recipe: Easy Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Restless Chipotle.

One pan and 30 minutes are all you need for this creamy chicken and gnocchi dish. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, hearty dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Bucatini Pomodoro

Bucatini Pomodoro. Photo credit: The Petite Cook.

Get dinner ready in 20 minutes with bucatini pomodoro. This quick, five-ingredient dish is a great option for a tasty and hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Pomodoro

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This pesto tortellini pasta salad is ready in minutes, packed with flavor, and only uses five ingredients. It’s a great dish for when you need something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

The Best Creamy 5-Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta

The Best Creamy 5-Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta. Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

This one-pot hummus pasta combines just five ingredients for a creamy, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick, easy meal that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: The Best Creamy 5-Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta

Mushroom Pasta

Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Healthy Living James.

Enjoy a quick, affordable mushroom pasta that’s ready in under 15 minutes. This vegan-friendly dish keeps things simple with just five ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a fast and light meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta. Photo credit: The Diary of a Real Housewife.

Mix up your weeknight routine with a cheesy taco pasta that’s both quick and simple. Just five ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Pasta

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Joyful Eating.

With this vegetarian pesto pasta, you can have a delicious meal hot or cold. Add chicken or chickpeas to make it more substantial. It’s great for those times you need a tasty dish without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pesto Pasta

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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