Top 10 Family‑Friendly Pasta Recipes with Few Ingredients
- Munchkin Meals
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Looking for simple, satisfying pasta dinners the whole family will love? Here are 10 delicious pasta ideas that use a short list of common ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and moms and dads on the go!
All of these pasta recipes are:
✔️ Low ingredient count — easy to make with pantry staples
✔️ Kid‑approved flavors — comforting and familiar
✔️ Quick to prepare — perfect for weeknight dinners
✔️ Flexible — easy to adapt (add chicken, veggies, etc.)
Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies, and you’ve got dinner on the table in no time!
A modern classic that’s become a weeknight staple. This one‑pan pasta cooks your noodles right in the sauce – cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, pasta, and water (or broth) all simmer together for a rich, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.
A creamy, comforting pasta that tastes like a cozy Italian dinner. With simple ingredients like pasta, marinara sauce, cooked chicken, and mozzarella, it’s a crowd‑pleaser that comes together quickly.
This elegant‑yet‑simple Roman classic uses just pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water. Kids and adults both love its creamy texture and peppery flavor – all without a complicated sauce.
Sometimes simple is best! Toss your favorite pasta with butter, garlic, a touch of olive oil, and Parmesan for a rich, buttery dinner in minutes.
A super easy recipe where everything (pasta, broth, milk, cheese) cooks in one pot for a creamy, cozy meal with minimal dishes to clean.
This One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe is so delicious, and only takes 45 minutes to make! If you're up for a little meatball rolling, this then becomes a one-pan "set and forget" meal.
A pantry‑friendly option that uses just pasta, canned tuna, pesto, cheese, and a splash of veggies if you like. Quick, protein‑rich, and easy.
Inspired by the Caprese salad, this pasta brings together cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and pasta cooked together for a fresh, crowd‑pleasing meal.
This comforting Italian dish combines pasta with sweet peas and Pecorino cheese. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for adding a veggie component without overwhelming picky eaters.
Kids love fun‑shaped noodles (like shells or bowties)! Toss them with store‑bought pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal prep.
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