16 Weeknight Pasta Recipes Made With Five Ingredients Or Fewer

    Because pasta is always a good idea.

    Jesse Szewczyk
    by Jesse Szewczyk

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Alice Yoo/BuzzFeed

    Pasta is always a great weeknight dinner option — especially when it can be made with just a handful of ingredients.

    So we rounded up 16 of our favorite pasta recipes made with five ingredients or fewer so you can spend more time eating and less time cooking.

    1. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    minimalistbaker.com

    Sure, this recipe is technically six ingredients if you end up using olive oil, but if your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil there's no need to add it.

    Get the recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    2. Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

    budgetbytes.com

    If asparagus isn't your thing, feel free to use another tender veggie instead. Zucchini, broccoli, or even chopped kale would all make great substitutions.

    Get the recipe: Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

    3. Cheesy Taco Pasta

    dinnerthendessert.com

    Just like the Hamburger Helper you grew up with, only kicked up a notch.

    Get the recipe: Cheesy Taco Pasta

    4. Spinach Parmesan Pasta

    twopeasandtheirpod.com

    If capellini pasta is not available in your grocery store, feel free to use angel hair. They are pretty darn close to the same thing.

    Get the recipe: Spinach Parmesan Pasta

    5. Italian Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti

    gimmesomeoven.com

    Because baked ziti is always a good idea — especially when it's this easy to make.

    Get the recipe: Italian Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti

    6. Pasta With Butter Tomato Sauce

    budgetbytes.com

    Fair warning: If you want to include the breadcrumbs, this recipe will require more than five ingredients to make — but it's totally worth it.

    Get the recipe: Pasta With Butter Tomato Sauce

    7. Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo

    plainchicken.com

    This recipe uses a generous amount of Cajun seasoning to make the cream sauce, but feel free to use less if you prefer a little less heat.

    Get the recipe: Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo

    8. Pesto Pasta Salad

    gimmesomeoven.com

    Using a jar of store-bought pesto makes this recipe a cinch to throw together, but you can totally make your own if you're feeling ambitious.

    Get the recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

    thekitchn.com

    OK, so maybe gnocchi is not technically considered pasta, but I'm giving you options!

    Get the recipe: Gnocchi With Spinach, Bacon, and Blue Cheese

    10. Simple Green Pasta Salad

    pinchofyum.com

    This recipe includes optional ingredients (like minced garlic and balsamic) you can add if you're feeling adventurous, but the base recipe is delicious all by itself.

    Get the recipe: Simple Green Pasta Salad

    11. Creamy Gorgonzola Orecchiette

    cookingforkeeps.com

    If you like blue cheese but aren't a fan of the super funky varieties, this is for you. The flavor is mild yet rich and isn't overwhelming.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Gorgonzola Orecchiette

    12. Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

    themodernproper.com

    Way better than the stuff that comes in a box — and not much harder to make.

    Get the recipe: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

    13. Creamy Pesto Pasta

    runninginaskirt.com

    Store-bought pesto + Greek yogurt + shredded parmesan = the easiest pasta ever.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

    14. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    sweetphi.com

    Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this pasta comes together in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    15. Blistered Tomato Pasta

    forkinthekitchen.com

    The trick to transforming cherry tomatoes into an indulgent sauce? Lightly smash them with the back of your spoon as they cook so they release their juices.

    Get the recipe: Blistered Tomato Pasta

    16. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

    themodernproper.com

    A jar of roasted red peppers gives this sauce a vibrant orange color and bright flavor with just the slightest kick.

    Get the recipe: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta