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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Cheap Pasta Dishes You Can Make Tonight

    Published: Jun 16, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Pasta is a go-to meal for many, and it doesn't have to break the bank. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a variety of delicious and satisfying dishes that are perfect for any night of the week. Here are 24 affordable pasta recipes that are easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. 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.

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

    Creamy lemon pesto pasta on a white plate.
    Photo Credit: Home Cooking Collective.

    This creamy lemon pesto pasta is a simple dish that uses a sauce made from fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, pine nuts, herbs, and lots of cheese, all without needing to cook anything. It's a quick meal that you can whip up in around 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Penne Arrabbiata

    Homemade penne arrabbiata served on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Christina's Cucina.

    This is a quick and easy spicy pasta dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking. You can whip it up in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it's a satisfying meal that won't take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish comes together quickly and easily. It features tasty noodles, vibrant pesto, and healthy vegetables, giving you a meal that feels like it's from a restaurant but can be made at home in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Photo Credit: Eating In An Instant.

    Chicken parmesan pasta in the Instant Pot is a simple and quick dinner option that combines pasta and chicken breast in one pot. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    Chicken pesto pasta salad is a great dish for spring and summer. It's a healthy and easy salad that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for BBQs and outdoor gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

    Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    15-minute Mongolian beef noodles are ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. This dish is easy to whip up and full of great flavors.

    Get the Recipe

    Tuscan Chicken Bake

    Tuscan Chicken Bake.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    The Tuscan chicken bake is a creamy and cheesy dish that's full of flavor. It combines chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach with pasta in a rich sauce made from coconut milk and cheese. This is a good dinner option for busy nights or a comforting meal on the weekend.

    Get the Recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Dutch oven with Cheeseburger Macaroni.
    Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    Cheeseburger macaroni is a simple and satisfying dinner option. It combines soft pasta with seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, creating a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese combine to create this super-tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodles dish is quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes, and everything cooks in one pot. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, it's a great option for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken casserole brings together ranch seasoning, creamy mac and cheese, tender noodles, rotisserie chicken, and crispy bacon, all baked into one delicious meal. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners and sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow cooker lasagna soup is a hearty meal packed with flavor. It uses simple ingredients to create a delicious dinner that requires minimal work. This comforting soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    20 Minute Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This 20-minute marry me chicken pasta is a simple and satisfying meal. With rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it delivers a rich flavor that feels like it took hours to prepare, but it's ready in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

    Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    This slow cooker spaghetti sauce is a simple way to enjoy a classic family dinner. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and let the slow cooker do the rest. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without putting in a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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