21 Budget Pasta Dinner Ideas That Are Delicious & Easy on the Wallet

This creamy one-pot garlic parmesan pasta is one of the easiest budget pasta dinner ideas that's also comforting. Made with simple pantry staples like pasta, garlic, butter, milk, and parmesan, it's ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for a busy weeknight. The best part? Minimal cleanup! This is a low-cost dinner idea that works great as a main or side dish. You can expand the recipe by adding frozen beans or cooked chicken.

If you're looking for a fresh and affordable dinner, this tomato basil spaghetti delivers vibrant flavor on a dime. All you need are spaghetti noodles, canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh or dried basil. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings gourmet taste to your table without the hefty price tag. For an extra boost of protein, add cannellini beans or grilled chicken. This dish is perfect for low-income family meals and fits well into budget meal plans.

Baked ziti is a cozy, comforting classic—and when made with cottage cheese instead of ricotta, it becomes one of the most affordable pasta bake recipes. You’ll need ziti or penne, marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and shredded mozzarella. This hearty bake is freezer-friendly and great for meal prep. It's a hit with kids and adults alike. It also offers an excellent cost-to-yield ratio for meal prepping on a budget.

This creamy tuna pasta bake is a smart way to turn pantry staples into a delicious meal. Using canned tuna, elbow macaroni, a basic white sauce, and breadcrumbs, you’ll have a filling meal under $5. It’s perfect for busy nights and great for using up leftover cheese or frozen veggies. A great recipe for families trying to save money on groceries while still enjoying comfort food.

Protein-packed and entirely plant-based, this pasta with chickpeas and spinach is a wholesome, cheap vegetarian dinner recipe. It uses canned chickpeas, garlic, onions, pasta, and frozen spinach—ingredients you likely already have. It’s high in fiber and nutrients and costs less than $1.50 per serving. Perfect for frugal eating and plant-based meal prep.

Aglio e Olio is proof that delicious budget pasta dinner ideas don’t need to be complicated. All you need is spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a go-to for nights when you need something fast, cheap, and satisfying. This low-cost pasta recipe is a favorite in Mediterranean diets and can be paired with a side salad or crusty bread.

Spicy and smoky, Cajun sausage pasta brings bold flavor to your dinner table for just a few bucks. Use smoked sausage (often under $3), pasta, cream or milk, Cajun seasoning, and onions for a meal that feels gourmet. It’s a budget pasta dinner with high flavor and low cost, making it great for family meals. Optional veggies like bell peppers can stretch it further.

Turn instant noodles into a balanced meal with this ramen noodle stir-fry. Use pre-packaged ramen (discard seasoning), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and frozen stir-fry vegetables. It’s one of the most creative budget noodle recipes that saves time and money while satisfying your Asian takeout cravings. Ideal for students, families, or anyone on a tight budget.

Mac and cheese gets a nutrition boost with the addition of frozen broccoli. This comforting, creamy dish is a kid-friendly budget dinner idea that can be made in under 20 minutes. Use elbow pasta, shredded cheese, butter, milk, and steamed frozen broccoli to whip up a satisfying meal. It’s rich in calcium and perfect for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners.

Use up leftover or seasonal veggies to make this colorful, nutrient-packed roasted vegetable pasta. Toss pasta with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and carrots. This is a great way to reduce food waste and still enjoy a satisfying dinner. Perfect for vegan or vegetarian diets and one of the best cheap plant-based pasta dinners.

This hearty lentil Bolognese offers rich, meaty flavor without the expense of ground beef. Made with red or brown lentils, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and onion, it’s an ultra-satisfying and budget-friendly plant-based pasta recipe. Perfect for meatless Mondays or anyone seeking to eat more sustainably. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, and it freezes well for meal prep.

Cold pasta salads are perfect for meal prep, and this Greek-inspired version is packed with flavor. Use rotini or penne, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. You can substitute feta with a cheaper alternative or skip it altogether to cut costs. Ideal for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.

This simple pesto pasta with white beans is creamy, herby, and ultra-satisfying. White beans add texture and protein, making it a balanced, budget pasta dinner idea. Use homemade or store-bought pesto, and any pasta you have on hand. It’s perfect for vegetarians and a quick go-to meal under 20 minutes.

Eggplant is one of the cheapest and most versatile vegetables, and it shines in this baked pasta dish. Roast or sauté the eggplant, mix it with marinara, pasta, and cheese, and bake until bubbly. A great alternative to meat-based casseroles. Perfect for budget-friendly vegetarian family meals.

Give your taco night a twist with this cheesy taco pasta. Ground turkey or beans, taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese come together with pasta to create a Tex-Mex fusion that’s affordable and delicious. It's a budget-friendly comfort food recipe perfect for picky eaters and busy nights.

Mushroom stroganoff is a creamy, satisfying, and budget-friendly vegetarian pasta that feels fancy without the price tag. Use mushrooms, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), onion, garlic, and pasta for a filling dinner that costs under $2 per serving. Ideal for meatless meals.

A classic and quick lunch or dinner, this tuna mayo pasta salad is simple yet satisfying. Use canned tuna, mayo, pasta, and optional chopped veggies like celery or onion. Serve cold for a refreshing, budget-friendly summer pasta dish that works great for meal prep.

Skip the pancetta and use bacon bits for this ultra-satisfying carbonara. Eggs, parmesan, and garlic complete the creamy sauce, making this dish rich without being expensive. It’s a fast, affordable, and budget-friendly pasta dinner idea that always hits the spot.

This creamy tomato and spinach pasta combines pantry staples like canned tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic, and frozen spinach for a wholesome, delicious meal. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner under $10 that feels elevated while staying affordable.

Lasagna roll-ups are a fun and portion-controlled pasta bake that saves money and minimizes waste. Fill cooked lasagna noodles with a mix of cottage cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce, roll them up, and bake. A great freezer meal or make-ahead option.

This stir-fry pasta dish is perfect for using up leftover vegetables. Cooked pasta gets tossed with garlic, soy sauce, and whatever veggies are in your fridge. Quick, flavorful, and zero-waste friendly, this dish is great for families trying to cut food costs.