When it comes to a quick and delicious meal, few things beat a plate of pasta. But sometimes, with our busy schedules, we don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen perfecting a sauce or cooking up a storm. That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 easy 3-ingredient pasta recipes that are perfect for busy nights. From creamy and indulgent to light and refreshing, these recipes use just three ingredients each (pasta, of course, included!) and can be whipped up in no time.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Quickly elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful garlic butter noodles recipe. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine with garlic butter sauce.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Basil Spaghetti
This classic Italian dish combines juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente spaghetti for a light and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chopped basil to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tomatoes release their juices.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the tomato mixture if it becomes too thick.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti and tomato sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Brighten up your mealtime with this tangy and creamy pasta dish! This Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the zest of lemon, the richness of parmesan cheese, and the simplicity of spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add lemon juice and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, lemon-garlic sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Avocado Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish that combines the nutty flavor of avocado with the comfort of a classic carbonara. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced avocado and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Pour into the skillet with the avocado and stir until well combined.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, egg-avocado mixture, and a pinch of black pepper in a large serving bowl. Toss until coated.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts
A classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of basil, garlic, and pine nuts with al dente pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below)
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto Sauce Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto sauce, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the pesto mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Olive Oil and Garlic Spaghetti
A classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to make, this olive oil and garlic spaghetti is a staple for any pasta lover.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
This classic comfort food dish combines tender pasta, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pot, steam broccoli florets until tender.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and steamed broccoli in the saucepan. Toss to coat with cheesy sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini
This recipe combines the flavors of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese with tender tortellini, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of cheese-filled tortellini (about 12 oz)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to the spinach mixture and stir until smooth.
5. Serve the tortellini with the creamy spinach sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Pea Pasta
A classic combination of crispy bacon and sweet peas, this pasta dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic. Cook until peas are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with peas and bacon.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Brown Butter Sage Fettuccine
Rich, nutty brown butter and fragrant sage combine to create a decadent yet elegant pasta dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped sage leaves. Season with salt to taste.
4. Add the cooked fettuccine to the saucepan, tossing to combine with the brown butter and sage mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato and Mozzarella Penne
This classic Italian recipe combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the creaminess of mozzarella cheese, all on a bed of al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
3. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Mushroom Linguine
A flavorful and aromatic pasta dish that combines the richness of garlic and mushrooms with the simplicity of linguine.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook until the liquid is almost completely reduced.
5. Combine cooked linguine with mushroom-garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Brighten up your meal with this zesty and flavorful shrimp pasta dish, infused with the citrusy goodness of lemon and the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine, fettuccine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Toss cooked pasta with shrimp and lemon-garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Noodles
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the richness of peanut butter with the simplicity of noodles. This creamy and savory dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun twist on a traditional pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles (such as linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine peanut butter, heavy cream, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk until smooth over medium heat.
3. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg and Cheese Spaghetti
Add a twist to traditional spaghetti with this creamy egg and cheese pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss until coated.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and aromatic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Combine cooked pasta, tomato mixture, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl. Toss to coat.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna and Olive Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this quick and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of tuna with the brininess of olives. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add flaked tuna and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
4. Stir in sliced olives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti and tuna mixture. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chili Flake Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian recipe gets a bold boost from chili flakes, adding depth and heat to the traditional garlic and olive oil combination. Perfect for pasta or as a sauce for bread.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 tablespoons chili flakes (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, combine garlic slices and olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until garlic is golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. Add chili flakes and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy Tomato Rigatoni
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy sauce, and al dente rigatoni.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz rigatoni
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in heavy cream and dried basil. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Combine cooked rigatoni with tomato sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Breadcrumb Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the savory goodness of garlic and breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add panko breadcrumbs to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Toss cooked pasta with garlic-breadcrumb mixture, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 20 easy and delicious 3-ingredient pasta recipes perfect for busy nights. From classic combinations like garlic butter noodles and tomato basil spaghetti, to creamy avocado pasta and pesto pasta with pine nuts, there’s something for everyone. Quick and simple, these recipes are designed to get you in and out of the kitchen fast. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for some inspiration, this collection of 3-ingredient wonders is sure to satisfy your cravings.