What are our favorite quick-to-fix dinner recipes that are both ridiculously delicious and cheap? Pasta recipes, of course.
39 Budget-Friendly Pasta Dinners
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Tortellini Carbonara
I’ve made this bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese pasta sauce for so many years and have always called it a carbonara. Low-and-behold, I recently found out it’s actually more like an Alfredo sauce. In either case, it’s absolutely heavenly! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Check out these cheap breakfast ideas, too.
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Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 431 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
If you’re on a budget, then you should definitely give these affordable dinner recipes a try!
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Ham Ravioli Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I based this recipe on a dish my husband likes to order when we go out for Italian food. Not only does he love it, but my daughter does too! —Jennifer Berger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 653 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
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Penne Pasta with Ground Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
5/39
Chicken and Bows
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this recipe when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry. —Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 536 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 very lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is always thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Nutty Cheese Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
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Spaghetti with Four Cheeses
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy and cheesy spaghetti dish is my mainstay whenever company's coming. The recipe, handed down from my aunt, is on the table in 30 minutes. As cook and hostess, I never feel hurried preparing this meal. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 470 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
9/39
Fiesta Ravioli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1342mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
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Meatball Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family comes running when I make this supper. It’s one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Beef Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tortellini dish is a one-skillet-wonder the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 566 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
13/39
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
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Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband and all these years later, he still enjoys every bite. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
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Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
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Taco Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty taco mac and cheese is just as yummy the next day. Simply warm it up and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and cheese. —JoLynn Fribley, Nokomis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 465 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1413mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
17/39
Beef Noodle Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck.—Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
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Pressure-Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a true comfort food! Cajun spice adds a nice heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add more or less seasoning depending on your preferred spice level. And nothing beats having to clean only one pot. The dish would also be tasty with shrimp or smoked sausage. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 717 calories, 40g fat (22g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
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Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
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Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
21/39
Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On lazy summer weekends, we like chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta. Add extra fresh grated Parmesan for a Sunday touch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 528 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
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Greek Tortellini Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said “Mmmmm!” after every bite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 543 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
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Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
24/39
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 375 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
25/39
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
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Taco Spaghetti
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
28/39
Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 455 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
29/39
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
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Ground Pork Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1.330 cups: 317 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Harvest Bow Ties
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti squash and bow ties make this meatless dish hearty and filling. Add a can of black beans if you'd like more protein, and switch up the tomatoes for variety. Try using Italian diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with mild green chiles. —Anne Lynch, Beacon, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 349 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
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Sausage Pasta with Vegetables
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for our pastor one night. He loved it so much we nicknamed it “Jason’s Pasta.” It’s a sneaky way to get our kids to eat more veggies. —Suzie Foutty Mansfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 392 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein.
34/39
Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At my house, this dish is known as Gus's Special Pasta. My oldest child claimed it as his own when he was 8, and I am always happy to oblige his request for this cheesy, garlicky, pungent meal. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 542 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
35/39
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
36/39
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
37/39
Macaroni and Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 317 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
38/39
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
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