15 Easy Pasta Recipes Under $10

If you were to take a peek into my pantry right now, you’d see a familiar sight. Tucked between the canned tomatoes and the chicken broth, there’s always a happy little collection of pasta in all shapes and sizes. It’s my weeknight dinner insurance policy.

There’s just something so comforting and reliable about pasta. A pound of spaghetti or penne rarely costs more than a dollar or two, and from that one box, you can feed the whole family. It has a fantastic shelf life, so I always stock up when it goes on sale, knowing it’ll be there for me on a busy Tuesday night.

Pasta is the perfect blank canvas for whatever you have on hand. A little bit of leftover chicken, some veggies from the crisper drawer that need to be used, or a simple can of tomatoes can be transformed into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a wonderful way to stretch more expensive ingredients, like meat or cheese, making a small amount feel substantial.

For me, a great pasta dish proves you don’t need a lot of money to eat well. With a little creativity, you can pull together delicious and easy pasta recipes under $10 that taste like a million bucks. It’s about being resourceful, and honey, that’s something we know a thing or two about.

Tips for Making Pasta Dinners Under $10

Keeping your pasta nights delicious and affordable is all about smart cooking. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that help me create fantastic meals without breaking the bank. These are my go-to strategies for making easy pasta recipes under $10 every single time.

First, always shop the sales. When you see your favorite pasta shapes or quality canned tomatoes on sale, grab a few. These pantry staples last for ages and having them on hand is half the battle on a busy night. Building a well stocked pantry is key to budget cooking.

Don’t be afraid of meatless meals. Pasta is incredibly satisfying all on its own or with a simple vegetable sauce. A classic marinara or a dish loaded with seasonal veggies can be just as filling as a meaty bolognese. When you do add meat, opt for less expensive options like ground turkey or Italian sausage, which pack a ton of flavor.

Here are a few more of my favorite tips:

• Make Your Own Sauce: A big batch of homemade sauce is almost always cheaper and tastier than store bought. My Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a perfect example. Make a large pot on Sunday and use it for quick meals all week.
• Use Seasonal Vegetables: Building your sauce around seasonal produce is a great way to save money and get the best flavor. Zucchini and tomatoes in the summer, or butternut squash and mushrooms in the fall are wonderful, inexpensive additions.
• Save Your Pasta Water: Before you drain your pasta, save a cup of that starchy, salty water. It’s the secret to creating a silky, restaurant quality sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle, and it costs you nothing!

Classic Tomato-Based Pasta Recipes

There is nothing quite like the aroma of a rich tomato sauce simmering on the stove. It’s pure comfort. A classic tomato-based pasta is timeless, satisfying, and thankfully, very easy on the wallet. It’s the foundation of so many of my favorite easy pasta recipes under $10.

A simple red sauce is a beautiful thing. It can be a quick marinara you whip up in under thirty minutes, or a slow simmered sauce that develops deep, complex flavors over an afternoon. Whether you like it smooth, chunky, spicy, or herby, it’s a recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket.

These recipes are some of my family’s favorites. They rely on the humble tomato to create something truly special, proving that simple ingredients can make for the most memorable meals.

• Easy Bolognese Sauce: A rich, meaty sauce that’s surprisingly simple to make. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day long but comes together much faster. Serve it over a wide noodle like fettuccine or pappardelle.
• Easy Baked Ziti: The ultimate comfort food casserole. This dish layers ziti pasta with a hearty meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella for a cheesy, bubbly bake that everyone loves.
• Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage: Crumbled Italian sausage adds so much savory flavor to this classic red sauce. It’s a one pot wonder that makes any spaghetti night feel special.
• Shrimp Pasta with Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce: For something with a little kick, this recipe is a showstopper. A splash of cream and a pinch of spice turn a basic tomato sauce into a luxurious meal.

Simple Creamy and Cheesy Pasta Dishes

Alright, let’s talk about indulgence. When I’m craving something truly decadent and comforting, I always turn to a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. There’s no problem a bowl of rich Alfredo or a perfectly baked mac and cheese can’t solve, at least for a little while!

Creamy sauces feel so luxurious, but they don’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can create a velvety, wonderful sauce with just a few simple ingredients like butter, cream, and good melting cheese. These dishes are perfect for a cozy night in and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

These are the recipes I turn to when I need a meal that feels like a warm hug. They are creamy, cheesy, and everything a proper comfort food should be. Best of all, they come together easily for a stress free dinner.

• Homemade Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce: Forget the jarred stuff! This copycat recipe is unbelievably creamy, rich, and so easy to make at home. Toss it with fettuccine for a classic meal.
• Panera Mac and Cheese Copycat: The secret to this ultra creamy mac and cheese is white cheddar. It’s a simple, stovetop recipe that tastes just like the beloved cafe version.
• Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Chicken Pasta: A complete one pot meal! Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach are coated in a delicious cream sauce.
• Grilled Chicken Tortellini Alfredo: Using store bought tortellini makes this dish come together in a flash. The smoky grilled chicken and a hint of spice from Calabrian chili paste make this Alfredo extra special.

Light and Easy Oil and Veggie Pastas

While I love a rich, hearty pasta, sometimes I crave something a little lighter and brighter. That’s when I turn to simple sauces made with good olive oil, fresh garlic, and plenty of seasonal vegetables. These dishes feel fresh and wholesome, perfect for warmer weather or a quick lunch.

An oil based sauce is elegant in its simplicity. It lets the other ingredients really shine through. You can taste the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the brightness of the lemon, or the earthy flavor of fresh herbs. These kinds of easy pasta recipes under $10 are all about using a few quality ingredients and letting them speak for themselves.

These recipes are my go-to when I want a pasta dish that’s satisfying but won’t weigh me down. They are packed with flavor and vibrant ingredients, making for a beautiful and delicious meal.

• Lemon Zucchini Pasta: This dish is summer in a bowl. Fresh zucchini, bright lemon, and parmesan cheese come together for a light and zesty meal that’s ready in no time.
• Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Tomatoes: While this recipe uses zucchini noodles, the simple sauce of garlic roasted tomatoes and herbs is absolutely perfect tossed with traditional spaghetti or angel hair pasta.
• One Pan Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta: A delightful mix of sweet and savory! This one pan wonder has a light yet creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
• Garlic Sesame Rice Noodles: For an Asian inspired twist, these noodles are fantastic. A simple sauce of soy, sesame oil, and garlic creates a light and incredibly flavorful dish you can serve warm or cold.

What to Serve with Budget Pasta (That’s Also Cheap!)

A great pasta dinner is wonderful on its own, but a simple side dish can turn it into a complete, well rounded meal. The key is choosing sides that are just as easy and budget friendly as the pasta itself. You don’t need anything fancy to make your dinner feel a little more special.

My number one rule for pasta night is that there must be bread. There’s nothing better than a warm piece of bread for sopping up every last bit of delicious sauce from your plate. Whether it’s a crusty loaf, soft breadsticks, or homemade focaccia, it’s an absolute must.

A simple salad is another perfect companion. A bowl of crisp greens with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to a rich pasta dish. You can also never go wrong with simple roasted vegetables. They are easy to prepare and add color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your meal.

• Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat: These soft, buttery, garlicky breadsticks are legendary for a reason, and they are so simple to make at home.
• Easy Focaccia Recipe: This simple Italian bread has a wonderfully chewy texture and is perfect for dipping in olive oil or scooping up sauce.
• Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette: Drizzle this sweet and tangy dressing over mixed greens for a quick and elegant side salad that complements any pasta.
• Easy Roasted Zucchini: A handful of zucchini, a little olive oil, and some simple seasonings are all you need for this delicious and healthy vegetable side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Pasta Recipes

When you’re focused on creating delicious meals on a budget, a few questions always seem to pop up. I get it, you want to make sure you’re getting the most flavor and value out of your ingredients. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I get about making easy pasta recipes under $10.

How can I add protein to pasta without spending a lot?

This is such a great question! Meat can be pricey, but there are so many other wonderful options. Canned beans, like chickpeas or cannellini beans, are fantastic tossed into tomato sauces. They add a creamy texture and are packed with protein and fiber. Lentils are another workhorse, they can bulk up a sauce and give it a hearty, meaty texture. Don’t forget about eggs! A fried egg on top of a simple garlic and oil pasta is a classic Italian trick. And of course, more affordable meats like Italian sausage or ground turkey offer a huge flavor payoff.

Is it really cheaper to make my own pasta sauce?

In almost every case, yes! A large jar of quality pasta sauce can be surprisingly expensive. You can buy a large can of crushed tomatoes for a fraction of the price and build a delicious sauce with pantry staples like garlic, onion, and dried herbs. The real savings come when you make a big batch. You can eat some now and freeze the rest in meal sized portions for future quick dinners. It’s a little bit of work upfront that saves you so much time and money later.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover pasta?

The golden rule for leftovers is to store the pasta and the sauce separately if you can. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy and absorbing all the sauce overnight. When it’s time to reheat, you have two great options. For sauced pasta, the stovetop is best. Add the pasta to a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring it back to life. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just use short intervals and stir in between to heat it evenly.

How do I keep my pasta from getting mushy?

There are three secrets to perfectly cooked pasta. First, use a large pot with plenty of water. The pasta needs room to move around so it cooks evenly. Second, generously salt your water. It should taste like the sea! This seasons the pasta from the inside out. Finally, cook it al dente, which means “to the tooth.” It should be tender but still have a firm bite in the center. It will continue to cook a little when you toss it with the hot sauce, so pulling it a minute early is always a good idea.

More Recipe Collections

Once you’ve mastered a few of these easy pasta recipes under $10, you’ll see just how simple and satisfying budget friendly cooking can be. It’s all about having a collection of reliable, delicious recipes you can turn to on any night of the week.

If you enjoyed these ideas, I have plenty of other recipe collections that are packed with easy dinner inspiration. Whether you’re looking for more one pan meals, slow cooker favorites, or creative ways to use ground beef, I’ve got you covered.

Exploring new recipes is one of my favorite things to do, and I love sharing my finds with all of you. I hope these collections help you get a delicious dinner on the table with less stress and more joy.

• Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas: A whole collection dedicated to delicious, budget friendly recipes that go way beyond pasta.
• 15 Easy One Skillet Meals: For nights when you want a fantastic meal with minimal cleanup, these recipes are a lifesaver.
• Crock Pot Chicken Recipes: Let your slow cooker do the work! These chicken recipes are perfect for busy days.
• Easy Ground Beef Recipes: A collection of creative and comforting ways to use that versatile package of ground beef in your freezer.

Finding easy meals on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult!