10 Simple Pasta Recipes With 10 Ingredients or Less (Easy, Delicious)

We’re always looking for quick, delicious recipes that make dinner a little easier. And this time of year, pasta is almost always the answer. With the kids away from school, warmer days ahead, and acquaintances A weeknight struggle to pull something togetherSimple pasta dishes are a reliable choice: easy to adapt, endlessly versatile, and always satisfying. So we did the research and put together a collection of really delicious pasta recipes to improve the usual dinner routine.

I’d happily say yes to a bowl of mac and cheese any day of the week, sometimes you want something that feels a little more inspired. The good news: There are many simple pasta recipes that deliver big flavor without complicated ingredient lists or long preparation times. And when spring and summer produce begins to appear, pasta becomes the perfect canvas. Think bright herbs, sweet peas, zucchini, tomatoes and all the colorful vegetables that make cooking especially fresh this season.

10 pasta recipes with 10 or less ingredients

Below, we’ve listed our favorite simple pasta recipes, each made with less than 10 ingredients. For those nights when dinner needs to be simple but still feel special, these pastas are ready for you.

Torn Tomato Pasta

This pasta is proof that a handful of smart ingredients can turn into something that tastes surprisingly special. The blend of cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a sauce that’s bright, jammy, and insanely delicious—without asking much from you in return.

Simple Zucchini Pasta

This is the kind of pasta we crave when the farmers’ market is full and dinner needs to be simple. With caramelized zucchini, bright lemon, rich Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s equal parts comforting and refreshing.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A good lemon pasta always earns a spot in our rotation. This one in particular seems worth repeating. It’s creamy, colorful, and packed with bright, layered flavors that keep dinner from feeling one-note.

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad with Olives, Artichokes and Bacon

This is the pasta salad we’ll bring to any spring gathering (hopefully we’ll be able to take leftovers home). It’s full of bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors: briny olives, artichokes, Parmesan, and a lemony green dressing that keeps the whole thing feeling fresh.

Cheesy Pesto Gnocchi Bake

When a recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and a pan, we’re instantly interested. This pasta bake offers all the creamy, bubbly comfort, with pesto and spinach while still being bright enough to feel balanced.

Miso Tomato Pasta

This pasta proves that even minimal effort can yield big benefits. Miso adds a salty-sweet umami depth that makes tomato sauce unexpectedly rich and memorable.

Green Chutney Pasta

For anyone who wants to eat more green vegetables without eating other salads, this pasta is the answer. The blended spinach sauce is vibrant and silky, with just enough lemon and Parmesan added to make it balanced and delicious.

One Pot Garlicky Mushroom Pasta with Sausage and Arugula

Rather than being overly rich, this recipe keeps things balanced in flavor. A dollop of Italian sausage adds plenty of flavor, while the mushrooms and green vegetables make it feel hearty, lively, and weeknight-friendly all at once.

Spaghetti with Garlicky Shrimp, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

“Garlicy shrimp” is my official favorite word pair. I often find that when pasta dishes include shrimp, the small protein-rich shellfish lacks serious flavor. Here, four cloves of garlic do the trick and make a big impact in this dish.

Pesto Pasta Primavera

This is the ultimate spring pasta dish. Looking at the color alone, you can immediately tell that the flavor is fresh and bright. Camille makes this recipe at least once a week, and everyone on Team CS is behind her in keeping it in our rotation.