Pasta is a go-to meal for many, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a variety of simple and satisfying dishes that won't break the bank. Here are 26 easy pasta recipes that are perfect for any weeknight dinner. 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.
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.
Cheese Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Cheese ravioli is elevated with a simple sun-dried tomato sauce that adds a nice kick. With just a few easy ingredients, this dish comes together in 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights or when you're craving something warm and satisfying.
Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Pistachio Pesto Pasta features soft pasta coated in a flavorful homemade pistachio pesto, paired with sweet, juicy tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and fresh greens. It's a simple yet delicious dish that brings together a variety of textures and tastes. This is a great option for a quick meal that feels special without requiring too much effort.
Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Creamy Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is an easy and filling meal that everyone loves. It includes soft pasta shells stuffed with a rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and some hidden veggies. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to please the whole family.
Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo
This pasta dish is creamy, rich, and incredibly tasty. It's a simple one-pot meal that practically prepares itself, making it perfect for busy nights. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner 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.
Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It's full of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, bringing a bit of Mediterranean flair to your table. This is a great option for a laid-back dinner or a speedy meal during the week.
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.
Chili Mac
Chili Mac is a simple dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's made in just one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. This dish is gluten-free as it is, and you can easily make it dairy-free if needed.
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.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
This meatball casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings together uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce. Just layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. It's a great option for a quick dinner that doesn't require much effort.
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.
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.
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.
Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta
Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta is a great dish to use up leftover ham. It's simple to make and has a comforting flavor that everyone in the family will enjoy. This meal is quick to prepare, making it a solid choice for busy nights.
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.
Creamy Tortellini Soup
Creamy Tortellini Soup is filled with cheese tortellini, sausage, carrots, and spinach, all simmered in a tasty tomato broth. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy meal. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you've got a satisfying dinner.
Lemon Garlic Pasta
One-pan Pasta al Limone is a tasty dish that's simple to whip up for a quick weeknight meal. It's perfect for when you're pressed for time but still want something satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful pasta that won't take much effort to make.
Bolognese Pasta Bake
A Bolognese pasta bake is perfect for weeknights when you need to whip up something filling for a crowd. It's simple to make in big batches and can be stored in the freezer for future meals.
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.
Creamy Curry Pasta
Creamy curry pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's filling and can be adjusted to include your favorite proteins and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Pesto Cavatappi
Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious version of the popular dish from Noodles & Company. With fresh homemade basil pesto, it brings a wonderful aroma and flavor to the table. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family!
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is a great option for a family dinner during the week. It's simple to prepare, loaded with protein, and sure to satisfy everyone's hunger.
Baked Ham Penne Pasta
Baked Ham Penne Pasta is a family favorite for any night of the week. Penne pasta, savory ham in a rich and creamy garlic cheese sauce is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for leftover ham!
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.
Pasta with Potatoes
This potato and pasta dish is packed with great flavors and is simple to prepare. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It's a comforting meal that you'll want to enjoy again and again. Plus, it's naturally vegan, so it's a good option for everyone.
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