Simple Pasta Recipes 🍅 No Fuss, Just Flavor

When time is short and energy is low, pasta saves the day. These recipes keep it ultra-simple — pantry ingredients, one or two pots, and almost no prep.

Perfect for lazy nights, solo dinners, or beginner cooks who still want something delicious.

🧄 Garlic Butter Pasta

Fast, flavorful, and kid-approved.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti or shells
• Garlic
• Butter
• Parmesan (optional)
• Salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and reserve 1/4 cup water.
2. Sauté garlic in butter.
3. Toss pasta with garlic butter.
4. Add reserved water if needed; top with cheese.

👉 Complete Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

🍅 3-Ingredient Tomato Pasta

Simple, silky, and classic.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (any)
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Simmer tomatoes in olive oil for 10–15 minutes.
2. Cook pasta and drain.
3. Toss pasta with tomato sauce and serve.

👉 3-Ingredient Tomato Pasta Recipe

🧀 One-Pot Mac & Cheese

No roux, no problem.

Ingredients:

• Elbow pasta
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta in milk, stirring frequently.
2. Once thickened, stir in cheese and butter.
3. Season and serve hot.

🍋 Lemon Olive Oil Pasta

Bright and light.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice + zest
• Parmesan or herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and drain.
2. Toss with olive oil, lemon, and zest.
3. Add cheese or herbs if using.

👉 Lemon Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

🍝 Buttered Noodles

The ultimate pantry comfort.

Ingredients:

• Egg noodles or bowties
• Butter
• Salt, pepper
• Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles and drain.
2. Stir in butter and season.
3. Top with cheese if desired.

🧄 Cacio e Pepe

Peppery, cheesy, Roman classic.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (tonnarelli or spaghetti)
• Pecorino Romano
• Black pepper
• Pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and reserve water.
2. Toast pepper in a dry pan.
3. Stir in cheese and water to make a sauce.
4. Toss pasta until creamy.

👉 Cacio e Pepe Recipe

🌿 Olive Oil & Herb Pasta

Fresh herbs + good oil = dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (short or long)
• Olive oil
• Basil, parsley, oregano
• Garlic (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and drain.
2. Toss with olive oil and chopped herbs.
3. Add garlic if you want extra flavor.

👉 Olive Oil & Herb Pasta Recipe

🧾 Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

Simple pasta is all about ratios and timing — not complicated ingredients. These are the recipes you make when you don’t want to think, but still want something warm, tasty, and satisfying.

Pro Tip: Always save a little pasta water — it’s liquid gold for turning oil or cheese into a silky sauce.

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.