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
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
One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta
This one-pot dish brings together spicy sausage and bell peppers for a bold, flavorful pasta meal. It’s easy on the wallet and cuts down on cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Spicy Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
A quick skillet meal that combines taco flavors with pasta for a budget-friendly dinner. Cheesy, filling, and ready in a flash, it’s great when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
Easy Bratwurst Pasta
Bratwurst and pasta come together in this simple dish that’s big on flavor without a lot of fuss. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just making a quick weeknight dinner on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bratwurst Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
