Tired of the same old boring pasta dinners? We’ve all been there. But pasta doesn’t have to mean plain spaghetti or another sad box of mac and cheese. These recipes prove you can whip up a killer pasta dish without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, there’s a cheap pasta dinner here that’ll have you actually excited to skip the takeout.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish with bright lemon, fresh spinach, and tangy feta. This pasta feels light but packs enough flavor to make you forget it’s a budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a great alternative to the boxed stuff. Real cheddar, spinach, and peppers come together in 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Red lentil pasta paired with sautéed garlicky kale and topped with cheese makes for an easy, flavorful meal. It’s cheap but doesn’t taste like it, which makes it a win.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ready in under 30 minutes, this ground beef pasta tastes like it simmered for hours. A great weeknight option when you’re short on time but still want a meal that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
This classic Italian pasta dish uses just five ingredients, including Pecorino Romano and pasta water to create a creamy, rich sauce. It’s simple and budget-friendly but feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Sausage Mac and Cheese
Creamy and loaded with sausage, this homemade mac and cheese is perfect for both kids and adults. It’s comforting, cheesy, and a great upgrade from typical cheap eats.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
With only six ingredients, this Brussels sprouts pasta is a perfect quick meal. Adding bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes makes it feel fancier than your average budget dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, rigatoni, and fresh spinach make this a go-to meatless meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sesame Noodles
Wheat noodles tossed with ground pork and a sesame-based sauce full of garlic and ginger. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles
Soba Noodle Pasta
These simple soba noodles are an easy, budget-friendly option. Onions and a soft-boiled egg make this a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Doughy udon noodles and ground beef get tossed in a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce in this quick stir fry. It’s packed with flavor and comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Ramen Chicken Noodles
A homemade take on ramen with chicken, shirataki noodles, and avocado. It’s budget-friendly while still delivering a rich, hearty broth that feels anything but cheap.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
This pasta pairs garlic, olive oil, basil, and spicy Calabrian chilis for a simple but bold dish. It’s an affordable way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Best Lemon Pasta
This lemon pasta recipe is bright and refreshing. It’s quick to make and light on the wallet, perfect for those nights when you want something simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Tossed in a garlic butter sauce and topped with Parmesan, this pasta is simple but packed with flavor. It pairs perfectly with ham or stands on its own for a great budget meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta