Cheap One Pan Pasta for Two Recipe: Save Money, Skip the Dishes, Impress Your Date

Sometimes you just want a quick, cheap dinner that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes.

If you’ve ever opened your fridge and found it emptier than your bank account, you’re in the right spot.

This cheap one pan pasta for two recipe is perfect for when you’re hungry, tired, and only have one clean pot left.

You get tasty pasta, less mess, and happy bellies—what more could you want?

If you like meals that are easy on your wallet and even easier on your dishwasher, grab your fork and let’s get started.

Even the busiest weeknight can feel a little fancier with a simple, budget-friendly meal for two.

Equipment

Making a cheap one pan pasta for two doesn’t require any fancy gadgets.

If you own a big collection of tools, you can show off later. For now, you’ll just need the essentials!

Here’s your not-so-secret weapon list:

• Large deep skillet — A big pan with straight sides works best. The higher the sides, the less chance you’ll launch a piece of pasta onto the floor.
• Lid for your skillet — Even pasta likes a little privacy while it cooks.
• Wooden spoon or spatula — Use to stir everything, or just to point dramatically while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons — So you don’t guess your way into adding a pound of salt.
• Cutting board and knife — For prepping your garlic, onion, or any add-ins without losing fingertips.

If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, a large saucepan and some creative covering (hello, baking sheet) can step in.

Sometimes, you just have to improvise—it’s part of the pasta adventure!

Ingredients

Get ready for a shopping trip that fits in your smallest bag! This one pan pasta for two is wonderfully simple, yet tasty enough to make you say, “Why don’t I eat pasta every day?”

Here’s what you’ll need:

No ingredient here requires a trip to an exotic market, unless your nearest store is particularly fancy about tomatoes.

You can swap out the spaghetti for penne, linguine, or anything else hiding in your pantry.

Forgot the fresh basil? Your pasta will forgive you.

The magic of one-pan pasta is how little you need. If you feel extra, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice for zing.

If your fridge looks empty, you’re still set for dinner.

Now, gather your ingredients and prepare to look like a pro chef—with only one pan to wash.

For more ideas, check out these easy pasta recipes for two.

Instructions

• Grab your biggest, deepest skillet. If it’s not big enough, your pasta will rebel and escape.
• Toss in the pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion slices, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil sprigs, olive oil, salt, and a tiny bit of pepper. Yes, everything at once. Like a pasta party.
• Pour in the water and give it a loving stir so no ingredient feels left out.
• Turn on the heat to medium-high. Look confident—your pasta depends on it.
• Keep the mixture uncovered. Stir often so nothing sticks (even your pride).
• When the water starts to boil, lower the heat. Let everything simmer until the pasta looks tender and most of the water disappears. This usually takes about ten minutes.
• Taste the pasta. Need more salt? Add a little. Want it spicier? You know what to do.
• Remove any remaining basil sprigs, unless you’re into surprise leafy bites.
• Use tongs or a big ladle to serve right away. Breathe in, admire your creation, and dig in—with or without company.

For a detailed method and ingredient list, check out Martha Stewart’s one pan pasta for two.

What You Need To Know

First off, you don’t need to be a chef to pull this off. If you can boil water, you’re already halfway there.

This is the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes. Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction—honestly, that’s the dream, isn’t it?

The real beauty? You toss everything together, let it bubble away, and before you know it, dinner is ready. No juggling multiple pans, no staring at a pile of dirty dishes.

It’s easy to tweak for whatever’s in your kitchen, and you don’t need a culinary degree to make it taste good. If you want to impress someone (or just yourself), this is a solid pick.

For more easy ideas, check out other pasta recipes for two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking for two doesn’t have to break the bank or your back.

With one pan, simple ingredients, and smart tricks, you can bring tasty pasta to the table with ease and a little style.

What’s the secret to whipping up a wallet-friendly pasta affair for a duo without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone?

Use one big skillet to cook everything. Toss in your pasta, water, sauce fixings, and seasonings all at once.

Not only will you cut down on dishes, but cleanup takes minutes, so you’ll have more time for eating (and less for scrubbing).

How can two lovebirds enjoy a pasta night without spending a nest egg?

Shop for everyday ingredients like dried pasta, canned tomatoes, and garlic. Snag whatever cheese is on sale, and save those fancy cheeses for anniversary night.

With these basics, your budget stays intact and so does your relationship.

Can I twirl up a nutritious pasta plate for deux that won’t have me wrestling with a mountain of pots and pans?

Absolutely. Add sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil straight into the pan with your pasta.

Everything simmers together, which keeps the nutrients (and flavor) locked in while you only wash one pan. Your arms (and your diet) will thank you. Check out this one pan pasta formula for inspiration.

Is it possible to charm my dinner date with a cheap yet tasty pasta sauce, or is that just saucy daydreaming?

Totally possible. Use olive oil, garlic, and crushed tomatoes for a homemade sauce that’s big on flavor, not cost.

Toss in fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up. No reservations needed.

Got any clever tricks to serve up a pasta meal that’ll feed a small army…or at least a couple of ravenous roomies?

Use a deep skillet with straight sides so every noodle gets cozy in the sauce. If appetites are huge, throw in a can of beans or a handful of spinach for extra bulk and nutrients.

As a bonus, you’ll look like a pasta pro.

What’s the magic number of noodles needed to satisfy a couple of pasta-craving souls without leftovers for days?

Eight ounces of dried pasta seems to hit the sweet spot for two people. That way, you get your fill without staring down a mountain of leftovers the next day.

If you’re really hungry, you could always throw in a simple side like salad or garlic bread. Still, the pasta itself is definitely the star here.