If you’re anything like us, you know that gathering around the dinner table for a hearty meal can create some of the best family memories. But with busy schedules and budgets to consider, finding tasty, affordable recipes can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite cheap pasta recipes that are not only easy on the wallet but also guaranteed to please the whole family. From creamy classics to zesty dishes, these recipes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend feasts. Great meals and family moments shouldn’t break the bank!
Tips to keep in mind for affordable pasta recipes
1. Choose Store Brands
Opt for store-brand pasta and canned goods. They often taste just as good as name brands but come at a fraction of the price. Stock up on these staples when they’re on sale! Canned tuna is a great staple for pasta dishes!
2. Use Seasonal Vegetables
Incorporate seasonal veggies into your pasta dishes. They’re not only cheaper but also fresher and more flavorful. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, which can add great texture and nutrition to your meals.
3. Make a Big Batch
Cook in bulk! Preparing a larger quantity of pasta and sauce allows you to have leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. You can freeze portions for easy meals down the line.
4. Get Creative with Sauces
Instead of expensive store-bought sauces, try making your own! A simple garlic and olive oil sauce, or a fresh tomato sauce using canned tomatoes, can be made quickly and affordably. Plus, you can customize the flavors to your family’s liking!
5. Add Protein Wisely
Use less expensive protein sources, like beans or lentils, to bulk up your pasta dishes. They’re nutritious, and filling, and pair perfectly with a variety of sauces. Even small amounts of shredded chicken or sausage can stretch your meals further without costing a lot.
With these tips, you’ll be whipping up delicious pasta dishes that won’t strain your budget.
Pasta Recipes
Cheap pasta recipes the family will love!
This spicy tuna pasta puttanesca uses budget-friendly ingredients for a simple, satisfying dinner!
Creamy pastina makes a fabulous lunch, side dish, or base for a variety of proteins and is always a hit with the whole family! This simple recipe takes no time to prepare and can be customized just how you like it.
This Gluten Free Tuna Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food on a budget! Growing up my thrifty Mum was always thinking up new ways to make tasty dishes on a budget and this uses tinned tuna and a simple white sauce for a great family dinner. Of course the crushed crisps on top are both nostalgic and obligatory!
Easy and affordable, cream cheese pasta is a creamy and decadent budget meal. Here is how to make it!
Garlicky Spinach and White Bean Pasta Recipe — Registered Dietitian Columbia SC
This garlicky white bean and spinach pasta gets a boost of umami from a surprise ingredient - tinned anchovies! They melt into the garlic sauce, giving it a kick of nutty, rich flavor
My mother made Cheesy Tuna Pasta for me, my daughter loves it and I'm sure you'll love it too. Just a few pantry ingredients are needed and really quick to make!
You really only need 4 pantry staples for this Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino and it comes together in just 15 minutes!
Learn how to make spicy, zingy, tangy, cheesy, creamy, and viral Gigi Hadid Pasta in this simple recipe. Made with everyday ingredients.This pasta is quick to cook and is full of bold flavors and worth the hype.
easy, quick, one pot dish made in pressure cooker with just 5 main ingredients. recipe has step wise pics, tips, video.
With just 5 ingredients, this pasta casserole is affordable and easy-peasy (and an absolute lifesaver on busy nights)! It’ll be in the oven in no time flat – you can even mix it all up right in the pan (and you don’t even have to precook the pasta)! So cheesy and full of great pizza flavors! Your whole family will love it!
Lemon garlic pasta is a simple, quick recipe that you can throw together in less than 20 minutes. The fresh tasting lemon garlic sauce adds amazing flavor to the noodles that your family will love. When you want a fast meal, this pasta recipe is the one you will want to pull out.
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Pasta with Parmesan, Lemon and Garlic
This one will surprise you! It’s deceptively simple … just a few ingredients that add up to surprisingly big, big flavors! Oven-roasted cauliflower and broccoli make this easy pasta recipe deeply flavorful, and the addition of parmesan cheese, garlic and bright lemon juice are all you really need to round out the salty-umami-tangy symphony of tastes.
The meatballs can also be made a head to save you time the day you make the soup. Serve this hearty soup with rolls to make a fantastic dinner your whole family will love. Enjoy
Taking advantage of staples like mushrooms and ground beef, this spaghetti sauce is a perfect veggie-packed, budget friendly dinner!
Final thoughts on cheap pasta meals
In conclusion, making delicious pasta dishes on a budget is not only possible but can also be a fun and creative adventure for the whole family! By choosing affordable ingredients, getting a little crafty with sauces, and embracing seasonal produce, you can whip up satisfying meals that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering, these cheap pasta recipes are sure to bring smiles to the table without breaking the bank. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start experimenting—great flavors and cherished family moments await! Happy cooking!