Finding easy and budget-friendly recipes can make mealtime a breeze. Here are 17 simple dishes that are not only affordable but also packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these recipes will help you whip up something delicious without breaking the bank. 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.
Marinated Chicken Legs

This recipe gives you chicken with a crispy skin and juicy meat. The outside is golden brown while the inside stays tender and flavorful.
Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

Pasta with pancetta and peas is a quick and simple dinner that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. Crispy pancetta combines with green peas and orecchiette pasta, all topped off with some grated parmesan cheese.
4-Ingredient Chili

This is a filling meal that won't break the bank, and you only need 4 simple ingredients to whip it up. It's perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time or money.
Cajun Alfredo Pasta

This Alfredo sauce has a spicy kick that gives a new spin to the classic recipe. Using just common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, this is a great option when you're looking to save some money.
Teriyaki Ham Stir Fry

This dish is a great way to use up leftover ham. Just chop it up, mix in some affordable ingredients, and you can have a tasty dinner ready in under 15 minutes for less than a dollar per serving.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables

This dinner comes together in under thirty minutes and is packed with mushrooms, leeks, kale, and more. It's a tasty one-pan meal that's perfect for a quick and easy evening.
Garlic Butter Pasta

This is a quick pasta dish that you can whip up using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.
Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a tasty meal that you can whip up in less than 45 minutes. The dish features a flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, making it a great choice for busy nights.
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a quick and easy dish that packs a lot of flavor. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.
One-Pot Hummus Pasta

Dinner can be simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy and affordable meal option that anyone can whip up.
Creamy Pesto Pasta

This creamy pesto pasta is quick to make with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to cook. The bright pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a simple and satisfying meal that you'll want to have regularly.
Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Cherry tomato basil pasta is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Sticky Tofu

This easy dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. It's a simple meal that won't break the bank and is sure to please everyone.
Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken

This crispy oven recipe uses only two main ingredients: barbecue sauce and chicken (plus a little olive oil, salt, and pepper) - to make the crispiest, most perfectly glazed, sweet, sticky, and juicy baked barbecue chicken you will ever have.
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

Slow cooker queso chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that's great for making quesadillas or sandwiches. It's an easy and affordable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ras El Hanout Chicken

This juicy Moroccan chicken is simple to prepare with just 4 ingredients. It comes out with a tasty, crispy skin that everyone will enjoy.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make. It's perfect for a quick meal that won't break the bank.





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