Pasta is a go-to for quick and satisfying meals, especially on busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a variety of affordable pasta dishes that are both filling and easy to prepare. Here are 26 simple pasta dinners that will help you get dinner on the table in no time. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Cheeseburger Casserole is a simple and tasty dish that's great for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, onions, tomato puree, cheese, and some spices, you can whip up a hearty meal that everyone in the family will love. It's a comforting option that brings the flavors of a cheeseburger right to your table.
Spicy Vodka Pasta
This version of Vodka Pasta is packed with spice, creaminess, and plenty of flavor. It's a delicious dish that you can whip up quickly, and the best part is you can make it without any vodka at all. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.
Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
This soup is loaded with vegetables and filled with hearty pasta. It's a simple and quick meal that you can whip up in no time.
Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole
Johnny Marzetti is a simple baked pasta dish that combines ground beef and tomato sauce. It's topped with your choice of cheese for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is easy to make, making it a great option for busy nights.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simple and tasty pasta dish that brings together all the flavors of the classic recipe. It features pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, along with ham and chicken, all topped off with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that doesn't require much effort.
Baked Vegan Pasta
This creamy baked vegan pasta is simple to prepare and loaded with veggies. It's perfect for any meal and can be enjoyed hot or cold. This dish is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that won't break the bank. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that everyone will love.
Cajun Alfredo Pasta
This recipe gives a spicy kick to the traditional Alfredo sauce. Using just common powdered seasonings that you likely have in your pantry, it's an affordable choice when you're trying to save money. It's a simple way to enjoy a delicious pasta dish without spending a lot.
Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
This dish gives a fresh twist to regular pasta by featuring a mushroom spaghetti sauce with ground beef. It's a simple way to sneak in more veggies, even if mushrooms aren't your favorite. This is a satisfying meal that balances flavor and nutrition.
One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This dish features a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, making every bite satisfying. It includes tender kale and flavorful Italian sausage, adding a nice touch to the meal. It's a simple yet delicious option that brings together great ingredients for a comforting dinner.
Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty, perfect for a cozy meal. It's the kind of comfort food that hits the spot when you're looking for something satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful pasta that everyone will enjoy.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta
Sausage rigatoni pasta is quick and easy to prepare, taking just about 20 minutes with a few basic ingredients. It's a filling dish that everyone in the family will love, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal.
Crème Fraîche Carbonara
This is a delicious take on carbonara that packs in even more flavor than the traditional version. It's a simple dish that brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels special. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake
This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy nights when you need something simple and satisfying. You can throw everything together in the same pan, and there's no need to cook the pasta beforehand. With its cheesy goodness and delicious pizza flavors, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole
Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole is a great option for a weeknight dinner. It's hearty, cheesy, and packed with vegetables and tender chicken, creating a simple and enjoyable meal for everyone.
Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese
Creamy goat cheese mac and cheese offers a tasty twist on the classic comfort dish. The macaroni is enveloped in a rich goat cheese sauce, enhanced with herbs, and finished off with a crunchy layer of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal that feels special without requiring too much effort.
Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna
No-Boil Lasagna is a simple dish that you can prep in just 10 minutes, and there's no need to boil the noodles beforehand. This filling vegetarian meal is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It's so tasty that you'll want to keep it in your regular dinner lineup.
Creamy Pesto Pasta
This creamy pesto pasta is quick and easy, needing just three ingredients and only 10 minutes to prepare. The bright flavors of the pesto combined with Greek yogurt create a comforting dish that you'll want to make again and again. It's a simple meal that fits perfectly into your busy evenings.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is simple and comforting, taking just 10 minutes to prepare while the slow cooker handles the rest. With its bold Cajun flavors and tender penne pasta, it's a satisfying option for a family dinner during the week. It's a great choice when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
One-Pot Hummus Pasta
Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients. This recipe uses only five items and takes only 12 minutes to prepare, all in one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This creamy Tomato Pasta is a great option for dinner when you're short on time. It's rich and flavorful, offering a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great example of how simple ingredients can create something special. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a busy evening. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to another level.
Crockpot Taco Pasta
This dish has all those qualities that you look for in a cozy pasta meal. Hearty beef, a creamy cheesy sauce, and comforting pasta that warms you from head to toe. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to put together.
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all cooked together in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Using simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without a lot of work.
Baked Ricotta Pesto Pasta
Baked Ricotta Pesto Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that brings together fresh basil pesto, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked until it's nice and bubbly. With the addition of cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, this meal is packed with flavor and is great for a quick dinner.
Garlic Butter Pasta
This is a quick pasta dish that you can whip up using ingredients you likely have in your pantry. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying. With just a few items, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Leave a Reply