Are you tired of the same old pasta recipes? Do you think pasta is too basic? Prepare to be dazzled when you try these seven special dishes tied together with an upscale twist yet still easy to make. To add to the appeal, these recipes require just five ingredients or less, minus basic salt and pepper. These meals are a taste of perfection for the whole family, even the little ones. Say goodbye to boring and embrace the magic of simple yet sophisticated pasta creations! Here’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a delicious, upgraded pasta meal that is perfect for both busy weeknight dinners and special occasions. So, get ready to turn those neutral noodles into impressive pasta!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce thickens.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Combine pasta and sauce.

Serve hot with extra Parmesan for garnish.

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

8 oz linguine pasta

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 lemon, zest and juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.

Add asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add cooked pasta, lemon zest and lemon juice.

Stir to combine.

Season with salt and red pepper flakes.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves.

Drizzle balsamic glaze over the mixture and gently toss to coat.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Serve immediately.

Pesto Shrimp Linguine

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup store-bought pesto sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, followed by the pesto sauce. Toss to combine.

Season with salt and black pepper.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

16 oz store-bought gnocchi

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8-10 fresh sage leaves

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add fresh sage leaves and cook until the butter turns brown and the sage leaves become crisp.

Add the cooked gnocchi to skillet and toss to coat with the brown butter and sage.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Bacon and Pea Alfredo

Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time 15 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup frozen green peas

1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Add frozen peas and cooked bacon to the sauce.

Cook until the peas are heated through.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Combine the pasta and sauce. Serve hot.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time 25 minutes and serves 4

Ingredients

12 large pasta shells

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and thawed spinach.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture.

Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.

Place the stuffed shells in the dish.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.