Easy pasta recipes are a routinelifesavereven in the best of times.

(Also, consider any fresh herb garnishes to be more like loose suggestionsmore aspirational than necessary.)

Cacio e PepefromBon Appetit

Cacio e pepeis Italian for cheese and pepper.

Pasta aglio e olio on white plate

Chungah Rhee viaDamn Delicious

Alternate translations include freaking delicious and easiest dinner ever.

Spaghetti Aglio e OliofromDamn Delicious

Aglio e olio= garlic and oil.

Italian cooks know not to make dinner any more complicated than it needs to be.

Cacio e Pepe pasta on white plate

Use canned or cooked dried lentils.

Youll be serving this one on repeat.

Creamy Garlic ShellsfromIowa Girl Eats

Chicken broth adds some extra-savory depth to this quick and creamy dish.

Creamy Tuna Pasta with Peas and Parmesan

Simple CarbonarafromBon Appetit

A very grown-up way to eat eggs for dinner.

Bacon 100% optional.

The long list of possible substitutions lets you use literally whatever youve got on hand.

Garlicky Brown Butter Parmesan Noodles on white plate

you could use chunky tomato sauce or canned tomatoes.

Pantry pasta on white plate

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio on white plate

Red Pepper Lentil Bolognese in skillet pan

Pasta al Limone with lemons on plate

Black Olive Red Lentil Pasta in bowl

Pasta with 5 Ingredient Butter Tomato Sauce

Creamy Garlic Shells on white plate closeup

Pasta and Chickpeas and tomato sauce

Spicy Tuna Pasta Puttanesca on white plate

Hearty Spaghetti with Lentils and Marinara Sauce

Simple Carbonara pasta with bacon and parmesan

Farfalle with Creamy White Bean and Garlic Sauce

Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti in pot with tongs

Lemon butter spaghetti on white plate

Pasta Salad with broccoli olives tomato

Vegan Spaghetti alla Puttanesca in white bowl

Quick Garlic Pasta with Olive Oil and Parmesan

Tuna and Red Pepper Pasta in serving bowl

Quick One Pot Pantry Pasta in white bowl