30 Delish Ways To Make Pasta With 6 Ingredients Or Less

Pasta is one of my absolute fave go-to’s for a family dinner. It’s basically like a blank canvas, right? Boil the noodles and then let the ingredients in your fridge and cupboards do the rest of the work! We all know there are bajillions of pasta recipes out there, but what I really love is having an arsenal of recipes that don’t require too many ingredients. I mean, sure, I love a complicated pasta recipe that requires half the grocery store to create, but let’s face it. I’m a mom. And when it’s dinnertime and my kids are hitting each other with pillows until the food is on the table, well, I need something a little simpler. Something I can easily make in 15-30 minutes with minimal ingredients.

If you’re a busy mom too, you are going to love this list of insanely delicious recipes, all of which use six ingredients or less (not including the basics we all have in our pantry: salt & pepper, olive oil, and the pasta itself). I’ve tried several of these, and my kids go nuts for the chicken spaghetti and even the shells with asparagus pesto and prosciutto! If those pique your palate, then check out this slideshow and get ready to find some delicious dinner ideas.

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30 Ways to Make Pasta with 6 Ingredients or Less

Butternut Squash Pasta

This yummy dish incorporates the sweet and earthy flavor of butternut squash with salty bacon and creamy goat cheese. Get the recipe at Kojodesigns.

Photo: Kojodesigns
Lemon Spinach Pesto Pasta

Nothing beats the flavor combo of lemons with spinach. The almonds and edamame add a delicious crunchy texture. Get the recipe at Laa Loosh.

Photo: Laa Loosh
Spaghetti with Radicchio, Ricotta & Breadcrumbs

The ricotta in this recipe takes the bite out of the Radicchio, and kids will love the crunch of breadcrumbs. Get the recipe at One Hungry Mama.

Photo: One Hungry Mama
5 ingredient Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad combines lots of arugula, mozzarella and pesto for a dish that is light, healthy, and delicious. Get the recipe at Two Peas and a Pot.

Photo: Two Peas and a Pot
Creamy Boursin Pasta With Mushrooms and Spinach

If you love Boursin cheese (and I do), you'll go crazy for this simple yet decadent pasta dish. Get the recipe at Amuse Your Bouche.

Photo: Amuse Your Bouche
Pasta Tritato

This easy to make pasta makes great use of what probably already have in the fridge. Yum! Get the recipe at What Katie Ate.

Photo: What Katie Ate
Pasta with Olive Oil, Garlic and Mushrooms

This is one of the simplest yet most delicious pasta dishes ever. You can't go wrong with garlic! Get the recipe from The Dinner Mom.

Photo: The Dinner Mom
Pasta Florentine Soup

This hearty stuffed-pasta soup is full of tangy, creamy flavors and it's a cinch to make. Get the recipe at This Perfect Mess.

Photo: This Perfect Mess
Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are simple, hearty and delicious. A must. Get the recipe at Iowa Girl Eats.

Photo: Iowa Girl Eats
One Skillet Baked Ziti

One pot means almost no cleanup. Gotta love that. Get the recipe at I Wash You Dry.

Photo: I Wash You Dry
Green Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Keep your pantry stocked with the ingredients for this one—it’s a keeper! Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Ranch Summer Pasta Salad

This summer pasta salad is a colorful, delicious crowd pleaser. Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Pasta with Browned Artichokes and Lemon

Healthy, healthy! Perfect for your next Meatless Monday. Get the recipe at WorldLifestyle.

Photo: WorldLifestyle
Baked Eggs in Pasta Nests

A complete one dish meal translates into quick and easy! Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes, Sausage & Ricotta

A true feast for just $15. Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Baked Pasta Casserole

ATTENTION! This dish costs UNDER $5! Get the recipe at Real Food Real Deals.

Photo: Real Food Real Deals
Bucatini all’Amatriciana

The mixture of prosciutto and crushed tomatoes makes this a great alternative to spaghetti and meatballs. Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Chicken Spaghetti

A hearty, satisfying cheesy meal that the kids will ask for again and again! Get the recipe at Pioneer Woman.

Photo: Pioneer Woman
Creamy Bacon Pasta

All it takes is 5 ingredients and 25 minutes for this ultimate comfort food that your whole family will love. Get the recipe at Dessert for Two.

Photo: Dessert for Two
Parsley and Fried Egg Pasta

Spaghetti tossed with olive oil, parsley, cheese and topped with a fried egg. In my world, an egg makes any meal more complete! Get the recipe at No Recipes.

Photo: No Recipes
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti

Fresh ricotta, lemon juice, a dash of zest and fresh pasta make for a for a simple, fresh dish. Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Gluten Free Spinach Pasta

Garlic and spinach make this recipe a keeper. Get it at Dear Avocado.

Photo: Dear Avocado
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

A summer hit! Sweet and savory...mmm. Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

Photo: Gimme Some Oven
5-Ingredient Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce

Just add pasta and love. Get the recipe at Eugenie Kitchen.

Photo: Eugenie Kitchen
Pan Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Spaghetti with Basil Breadcrumb Gremolata

Perfect for summer, when cherry tomatoes are in season. Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Lemon Pepper Pasta

A true pantry raider's delight. Get the recipe at The Talking Kitchen.

Photo: The Talking Kitchen
Asparagus Pesto and Prosciutto Pasta Shells

Even your vegetable haters will be tempted by this dish, made with fresh asparagus, almonds and ribbons of prosciutto Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon, Spinach and Lemon Cream Sauce

Gorgeous enough for entertaining, easy enough for every day. Get the recipe at Apartment34.

Photo: Apartment34
Creamy Pasta and Peas

A great way to introduce new vegetables to kids. Substitute almost anything for the peas! Get the recipe at Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
5-Ingredient Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

This recipe makes two servings, but no doubt you'll want to double or triple it - yum. Get the recipe at Tried and Tasty.

Photo: Tried and Tasty