35 Cheap Pasta Recipes
Pasta is the ultimate budget-friendly dinner hero, and these 35 recipes prove you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something truly delicious. From pantry staples to humble vegetables, we’ve gathered the most affordable and satisfying pasta dishes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
1. Aglio e Olio Spaghetti
Source: cookingwithayeh.com
This Italian classic requires just garlic, olive oil, and pasta—yet tastes restaurant-worthy with those perfectly toasted garlic chips.
2. Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Source: seriouseats.com
Creamy and peppery without a drop of cream; the starchy pasta water is your secret weapon here.
3. Buttery Garlic Egg Noodles
Source: saltandlavender.com
Toss hot noodles with butter, garlic, and an egg for a silky sauce that costs less than $2.
4. Tomato Paste Marinara
Source: allrecipes.com
Concentrated tomato paste creates deep, rich flavor when simmered with garlic and a pinch of sugar.
5. Pasta with Canned Chickpeas
Source: seriouseats.com
Chickpeas add protein and heartiness; sauté them with onion and garlic for a meal that actually fills you up.
6. Creamy Cauliflower Pasta
Source: simply-delicious-food.com
Blend steamed cauliflower into a sauce with garlic and broth for decadent creaminess minus the heavy cream cost.
7. Tuna and White Bean Pasta
Source: simplyrecipes.com
Canned tuna and beans are pantry MVPs that transform into a protein-packed dinner in 15 minutes.
8. Lemon Herb Pasta with Zucchini
Source: bonappetit.com
Zucchini season means budget produce; toss with lemon juice and dried herbs for bright, fresh flavor.
9. Spinach and Garlic Pasta
Source: loveandoliveoil.com
Frozen spinach wilts into hot pasta with garlic and a squeeze of lemon for an easy veggie boost.
10. Spicy Tomato and Lentil Pasta
Source: pickuplimes.com
Dried lentils are dirt cheap and cook into a thick, satisfying sauce with canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
11. Baked Beans Pasta Bake
Source: everydayhealthyrecipes.com
One-can wonder: baked beans mixed with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese creates an oven dinner for pennies.
12. Olive Oil Pasta with Breadcrumbs
Source: metropolitan-market.com
Crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs replace expensive proteins and add that satisfying crunch.
13. Carrot and Onion Pasta
Source: gardenofeydie.com
Caramelize carrots and onions low and slow until golden and sweet; comfort in a bowl.
14. Cabbage and Garlic Pasta
Source: bbcgoodfood.com
Shredded cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet when sautéed; the ultimate bargain-bin vegetable.
15. Bean and Tomato Rigatoni
Source: boldbeanco.com
Kidney beans or black beans add fiber and fullness without the meat price tag.
16. Garlic Butter Pasta with Peas
Source: thehungrywaitress.com
Frozen peas thaw in seconds and pair beautifully with garlicky butter and parmesan.
17. Mustard Cream Pasta
Source: foodandwine.com
A tablespoon of mustard mixed with yogurt or sour cream creates tanginess without heavy cream.
18. Pasta with Roasted Garlic
Source: allrecipes.com
Roasted garlic becomes sweet and mild; squeeze it into oil and coat your noodles for subtle luxury.
19. Bell Pepper and Onion Pasta
Source: italianfoodforever.com
Slice and sauté bell peppers and onions until caramelized; their natural sugars create sauce from nothing.
20. Canned Tomato and Herb Pasta
Source: lucyandlentils.co.uk
Crushed canned tomatoes with dried oregano, basil, and a bay leaf simmer into classic simplicity.
21. Peanut Butter Noodles
Source: simplyrecipes.com
A scoop of peanut butter mixed with soy sauce and hot pasta creates creamy Asian-inspired comfort.
22. Broccoli and Anchovy Pasta
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Anchovies dissolve into the oil for umami depth; broccoli adds bulk and nutrition cheaply.
23. Pasta with Ketchup and Tomato
Source: thehealthyhomecook.com
Nostalgic and honest: ketchup’s sugar and spices round out canned tomatoes for instant comfort.
24. Cottage Cheese Creamy Pasta
Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
Blended cottage cheese becomes a silky sauce without cream; budget-friendly and high-protein.
25. Mushroom and Thyme Pasta
Source: sprinklesandsprouts.com
Even the cheapest mushrooms develop deep, meaty flavor when sautéed with thyme and garlic.
26. Tomatillo Salsa Pasta
Source: mygourmetconnection.com
Jarred salsa (often on sale) becomes a zesty, bright sauce ready in minutes.
27. Turmeric and Coconut Noodles
Source: bonappetit.com
Turmeric adds color and health claims; canned coconut milk brings creaminess and warmth.
28. Pasta with Walnut Sauce
Source: the-pasta-project.com
Blended walnuts become a rich, nutty sauce; a bag lasts through multiple meals.
29. Green Lentil and Tomato Pasta
Source: cookieandkate.com
Green lentils hold their shape and cost pennies per serving; a filling veggie protein hybrid.
30. Garlic Bread Crumb Topping Pasta
Source: food52.com
Toast breadcrumbs with garlic and oil until golden for crunch that mimics expensive finishing salts.
31. Beet Greens and Garlic Pasta
Source: anediblemosaic.com
When beets are on sale, the greens are free; they’re tender and slightly earthy.
32. Chickpea Curry Pasta
Source: cookeatlivelove.com
One can of chickpeas, curry powder, and canned coconut milk create an aromatic, satisfying meal.
33. Cabbage and White Bean Pasta
Source: deliciousmagazine.co.uk
Two pantry staples simmer together into a thick, hearty dish that feels like home cooking.
34. Garlic Butter and Parmesan Pasta
Source: eatwell101.com
Sometimes the simplest formula wins: pasta, butter, minced garlic, and a fistful of parmesan.
35. Sweet Potato and Sage Pasta
Source: naturallyella.com
Mashed sweet potato becomes sauce when mixed with broth; sage adds earthy elegance for dollars, not dimes.