Quick and Easy Pasta Sauce Recipes with Few Ingredients

 Simple Ingredients, Big Pasta Flavor

Let’s be honest—some nights, we just don’t have the time (or energy) to cook an elaborate dinner. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland food. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful pasta sauce that feels homemade, hearty, and satisfying.

In this post, I’m sharing my go-to quick and easy pasta sauce recipes with few ingredients—perfect for busy evenings, lazy weekends, or when your fridge is looking kind of empty. These are low ingredient pasta sauces that deliver on flavor without overwhelming your grocery list.

 1. Classic Tomato Garlic Sauce

This is my version of the "I have nothing in the kitchen" sauce—and it always hits the spot.

What you’ll need:

• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt to taste

How to make it:
Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Add the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until it thickens slightly. Done.

Serve with: Spaghetti or penne, maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan if you have it.

2. Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

Comfort food in a bowl. Creamy, garlicky, and ridiculously easy.

What you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

How to make it:
Melt butter in a pan, toss in the garlic and cook for a minute or so. Add the cheese and a splash of the pasta water (save a little from boiling your pasta!). Stir until it’s smooth and saucy.

Serve with: Fettuccine or linguine. Add some spinach if you want to sneak in a veggie.

 3. Olive Oil & Herbs

This one’s super light and fresh, perfect for when you want something that doesn’t feel too heavy.

What you’ll need:

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Dried oregano or Italian herbs

How to make it:
Gently warm the olive oil, add garlic and herbs, and stir for a couple of minutes. Toss with pasta and maybe add a little lemon juice or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve with: Angel hair pasta or spaghetti.

 4. Spicy Garlic Chili Oil Pasta

For nights when you want bold flavor and minimal effort.

What you’ll need:

• Olive oil
• Garlic (sliced)
• Red chili flakes

How to make it:
Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and cook until golden, then stir in chili flakes. Toss with cooked pasta and a little reserved water.

Serve with: Linguine or capellini. Top with parsley if you have it.

 5. No-Cook Ricotta Sauce

This one’s great for summer—no stove required for the sauce.

What you’ll need:

• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest
• Salt & pepper

How to make it:
Mix everything in a bowl while the pasta cooks. Add some hot pasta water to help it blend into a smooth sauce. That’s it.

Serve with: Pasta shells, fusilli, or whatever noodle shape makes you happy.

 A Few Pasta Tips

• Don’t forget to save some pasta water—it’s perfect for thinning out sauces.
• A little lemon zest, chili flakes, or fresh herbs go a long way.
• Always taste and adjust—especially with so few ingredients, seasoning matters.

 Final Thoughts

There’s something kind of magical about turning a few ingredients into something comforting and delicious. These few ingredient pasta sauce recipes are perfect when you want good food without all the fuss. Try one tonight—you might be surprised at how good “simple” can taste.