Daily Recipe Ideas

Easy Pasta Recipes with Few Ingredients You'll Make Again and Again

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
easy pasta recipes with few ingredients

There's something deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. I've been leaning on simple pasta recipes for years — those weeknight lifesavers that don't require a trip to a specialty store or three hours of prep. If you're like me, you want something delicious on the table fast, without a pile of dishes to deal with afterward. These two recipes have become staples in my home, and I think they'll earn permanent spot in yours too.

Creamy Tomato Pasta That Feels Like a Hug

A bowl of creamy tomato pasta garnished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese

This creamy tomato pasta is one of those dishes that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The sauce is rich, velvety, and deeply savory — and it comes together with pantry staples you probably already own. I make this on nights when I want something cozy without overthinking it. The canned tomatoes do the heavy lifting, and a splash of cream at the end pulls everything into something that feels genuinely indulgent.

  1. Cook pasta a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for another 2 minutes
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  5. Serve immediately with fresh basil and a generous handful of parmesan on top.

Quick Easy Chicken Spaghetti for Busy Nights

A casserole dish of cheesy chicken spaghetti topped with melted cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works perfectly)
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chiles, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and 1 cup of theheddar cheese to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine everything evenly.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread out into an even layer.
  5. Top with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so sets up nicely.
Both of these recipes prove that you don't need a long grocery list or complicated techniques to put genuinely satisfying on the table. Whether you're reaching for that creamy tomato sauce solonight or pulling chicken spaghetti out of the oven for a family dinner, these are the kinds of meals that make cooking feel easy and worthwhile. Keep theseocked and you'll always have a great dinner within reach.