11. Garlic Butter Pasta
This simple yet flavorful dish can be made in under 20 minutes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that feels fancy.
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic butter, season with salt and pepper, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
12. Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a vibrant and colorful dish that showcases seasonal vegetables. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand!
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic and mixed vegetables until tender. Combine with the pasta, season, and garnish with fresh basil.
13. Tuna Noodle Casserole
This classic comfort food is perfect for a budget meal. It’s hearty, filling, and can be made ahead of time!
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. In a large bowl, mix the noodles, tuna, soup, peas, and half the cheese. Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
14. One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
This one-pot meal is perfect for those busy weeknights. Everything cooks together, making clean-up a breeze!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
In a pot, combine all ingredients except spinach and cheese. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked. Stir in spinach until wilted, then serve with Parmesan cheese on top.
15. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish adds a touch of elegance with minimal effort. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic pair perfectly with shrimp and pasta.
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cook the linguine according to package instructions. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add shrimp and cook until pink, then stir in lemon juice and zest. Toss with the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.
16. Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a quick and flavorful option that can be made with store-bought or homemade pesto. It’s a favorite for a reason!
- 8 oz fusilli
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Cook the fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and toss with pesto and cherry tomatoes. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
17. Pasta e Fagioli
This Italian soup features pasta and beans, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for colder days!
- 8 oz small pasta (like ditalini)
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
In a pot, combine all ingredients except pasta. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta and simmer until cooked. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
18. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is rich and satisfying, and it can be made for less than you might think!
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms until browned. Stir in cream, season, and toss with the fettuccine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
19. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish is made with just a few ingredients but delivers incredible flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add red pepper flakes, then toss with spaghetti. Garnish with parsley before serving.
20. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It can easily be made ahead of time and baked when needed!
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook the ziti according to package instructions. In a baking dish, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly.
21. Caprese Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad is fresh and perfect for summer gatherings. With mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the rotini according to package instructions. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season. Toss to combine and serve chilled.
22. Pumpkin Pasta
This seasonal dish is creamy and comforting, making it perfect for fall. It’s an unexpected twist on traditional pasta!
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. In a saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat until warmed through, then toss with the fettuccine and serve.
23. Cheesy Pasta Bake
This cheesy pasta bake is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or sausage (optional)
Cook the penne according to package instructions. In a baking dish, mix pasta, marinara sauce, and meat (if using). Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
24. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
This hearty meat sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti for a classic meal that’s both satisfying and affordable!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a skillet, brown the ground meat, then add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Serve over spaghetti and top with Parmesan.
25. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are like little pasta pillows filled with cheesy goodness. They’re perfect for a family meal!
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook the shells according to package instructions. In a bowl, combine ricotta and spinach. Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a baking dish. Cover with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
26. Cacio e Pepe
This Roman classic is incredibly simple but packed with flavor. It highlights the beauty of good ingredients!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water, then toss the pasta with cheese and pepper, adding pasta water gradually until creamy. Serve immediately.
27. Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with pasta!
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes. Cook the penne, then toss everything together with Parmesan cheese before serving.
28. Fettuccine Alfredo
This creamy classic is a favorite for a reason! It’s rich, indulgent, and can be made in under 30 minutes!
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in cream. Add Parmesan and season, then toss with fettuccine. Serve hot.
29. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cook the rotini according to package instructions. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, olives, and dressing. Toss well and garnish with fresh basil.
30. Simple Spaghetti Carbonara
This Italian classic is quick to prepare and only uses a few ingredients. It’s a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and cheese. Drain spaghetti and quickly toss with pancetta and egg mixture. The heat will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Season to taste and serve immediately.
Conclusion
These 30 cheap pasta recipes prove that delicious meals don’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and a few affordable ingredients, you can whip up satisfying dishes that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, these recipes offer a variety of options that fit within a budget. So grab your pasta, get cooking, and enjoy the flavors of these economical yet delightful meals!