4 Simple Pasta Dinners With Just Five Ingredients

Life gets hectic. Work is demanding, kids are demanding and dinner is just one more thing to add to the endless to-do list. 

But what if I asked you to believe there’s a way to get a delicious, healthful meal on the table in 15 minutes or less? No fancy ingredients. 

No complicated steps. Five pantry or fridge staples, that’s all. Here’s how four of our most remarkable pasta recipes can save your nights — and perhaps even your sanity.

Why Five Ingredients?

Five-ingredient recipes are the best. They’re fast, inexpensive and bursting with flavor. Most require fewer than 20 minutes to make. 

You’ll save time and money, and you’ll spare yourself the stress. And they’re great for those hectic weeknights when you’re feeling depleted but still crave something flavorful. 

Ready to dive in? These four pasta dinners will change your life.

Spinach Parmesan Pasta

When I’m short on time but craving a healthy meal, this is the dish I always make. It calls for only five ingredients: Spaghetti, butter, garlic, baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. 

Prep and cook time? About 15 minutes.

Here’s why I adore it: it’s quick and versatile. Don’t have spinach? Swap it for kale or arugula. 

The butter and garlic make for a luxurious base, and the Parmesan delivers a salty punch. Baby spinach wilts in nicely, adding color and nutrition.

From a nutritional standpoint, each serving is equal to approximately 320 calories, 13 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. 

People love this recipe as well — it has a 4.65/5 star rating out of more than 1,400 reviews. 

If you’re searching for something fast, nourishing and adaptable, here it is.

Cacio e Pepe

And no, I’m not just saying that because I live and work with one of its biggest fans, though I do. 

If you’ve never had Cacio e Pepe, you are seriously missing out. This Roman classic is made with five standalone ingredients: spaghetti, Parmesan, black pepper, butter, and salt. 

Prep and cook time? Just 10–15 minutes.

What makes this dish special? It’s all about technique. The starchy pasta water combines with Parmesan and butter to create a creamy sauce. 

Black pepper adds a gentle heat and salt heightening each bite. It is simple, but oh-so satisfying.

Each portion contains about 400 calories, 14 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat. With a user rating of 4.4/5 we can see that people definitely like this dish. 

If what you want is comfort with minimal effort, then Cacio e Pepe is a good choice.

Cheesy Tuna Pesto Pasta

This dish is made for those nights when your wallet (and pantry) feels a little too light. It requires only five things: pasta, tinned tuna, pesto, cheese, and, if you want them, peas or tomatoes. 

Prep and cook time? 15–20 minutes.

Here’s why I love it: it’s cheap and it’s full of flavor. The tuna provides protein and omega-3s, and the pesto supplies brightness. 

Cheese adds richness to the whole. And if you throw in some peas, or some cherry tomatoes, there’s added texture and nutrition.

Each serving clocks in at 350 calories and a whopping 18 grams of protein. With a 4.3/5 user rating, this dish is obviously not only tasty but also a good deal. 

If you want a dish that won’t empty your wallet but does fill your plate, this is it.

Boursin Pasta

This creamy, flavorful, surprisingly simple dish takes its cue from the viral feta pasta trend. 

It features just 5 ingredients: pasta, Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach and garlic. 

Prep and cook time? Approximately 40 minutes (including roasting).

What sets this dish apart? Broiling the tomatoes concentrates their sweetness, and they turn into a luscious sauce when combined with Boursin. 

The spinach provides freshness; the garlic, earthiness. The result? A creamy, decadent pasta with zero heavy cream.

Each serving is about 420 calories, 13 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat. 

It doesn’t have a user rating in particular, but its viral inspiration is telling. If you’re in the mood for indulgence without the whole rigmarole, this dish is going to be your jam.

Comparison Table

Recipe Name	Main Ingredients	Prep/Cook Time	User Rating (out of 5)	Calories (approx.)	Notable Benefit
Spinach Parmesan Pasta	Pasta, spinach, butter, garlic, Parmesan	15 min	4.65	320	Fast, nutritious, adaptable
Cacio e Pepe	Pasta, Parmesan, pepper, butter, salt	10–15 min	4.4	400	Classic, pantry staple
Cheesy Tuna Pesto Pasta	Pasta, tuna, pesto, cheese, peas/tomato	15–20 min	4.3	350	Budget-friendly, high in omega-3
Boursin Pasta	Pasta, Boursin, tomatoes, spinach, garlic	40 min	N/A	420	Creamy, viral-inspired

Additional Stats & Facts

Speed

Twenty minutes is all you need for 75 percent of five-ingredient pasta recipes. It’s perfect for weeknights or anytime you want an easy and fuss free side during the week.

Cost

Cooking five-ingredient recipes can save on a weekly grocery bill of 25%. Fewer ingredients = less waste and lower costs.

Popularity

Below are some of the most searched-for recipes online for weeknight dinners. More than a few have ratings over 4/5 stars. They’re beloved because they’re dependable and filling.

Nutrition

On average, most recipes offer 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber for every serving. That means they are not only fast, but also balanced and hearty.

Why These Dishes Are So Versatile

One of the reasons I love these recipes is how loose they are. It’s versatile: You can substitute the ingredients depending on what’s in your pantry. For example:

• Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Add veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Swap cheeses to match your preferences—cheddar instead of Parmesan, for instance.

They’re also excellent for meal prep. If two people are eating, make double the recipe and save the leftovers for lunch the next day. Easy peasy.

Final Thoughts

Five-ingredient pasta dishes are game-changers for us. They’re fast, delicious and budget-sensitive. 

Try one tonight — you won’t be sorry.