Hey there! Are you someone who loves pasta but is afraid to try out new dishes because it might burn a hole in your pocket? Fear not! Here are some easy-to-make, yummy pasta recipes that will make any weeknight special without breaking the bank 💰. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Looking for something simple yet delicious? Try out Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a hot meal that will soothe your taste buds. You will need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $6 to $8 for 2 servings and takes around 20 minutes to prepare.

A steaming plate of spaghetti Aglio e Olio

2. Vegetable Pasta Salad

Are you a salad lover? There’s no reason why you cannot make it your main meal. Toss in some fresh veggies with your favorite pasta, and you have a bowl of goodness. You can make use of any vegetables you want like cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. Pasta salads are perfect for a light dinner or lunch option. The recipe costs around $10 to $12 and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

A colorful bowl of vegetable pasta salad

3. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

If you’re a mushroom lover, why not try this creamy mushroom pasta recipe? You can get a pack of mushrooms for around $3, and the recipe requires minimal ingredients as well. This recipe costs around $8 to $10 for 2 servings and takes around 30 minutes to prepare. Let the taste of mushrooms dance in your mouth as you take a bite of this scrumptious dish.

A serving of creamy mushroom pasta topped with parmesan

4. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Are you craving a meaty sauce with pasta? Then try out the classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe. This recipe costs around $12 to $15 for 4 servings and takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare. You will need spaghetti, ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. It’s a perfect comfort food for those gloomy days.

A hot plate of spaghetti bolognese topped with grated cheese

5. One-Pan Pasta

Are you someone who likes to keep things simple and mess-free? Try out the one-pan pasta recipe. With just one dish, you can cook your pasta and sauce simultaneously. You will need pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $8 to $10 for 2 servings and takes around 20 minutes to prepare.

A one-pan pasta with sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves

6. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Who doesn’t love a creamy chicken pasta dish? And with just a few ingredients, you can make one at home. You will need pasta, chicken breast, garlic, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $15 to $18 for 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. Let the creaminess melt in your mouth as you savor this dish.

A creamy plate of chicken Alfredo pasta topped with chopped parsley.

7. Pesto Pasta

If you’re a pesto fan, then this recipe is perfect for you. You will need pasta, basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $8 to $10 for 2 servings and takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The freshness of basil in every bite is sure to light up your evening.

A delicious bowl of pesto pasta with fresh basil leaves

8. Tomato and Feta Pasta

If you’re looking for something with a tangy flavor, then try out this tomato and feta pasta dish. You will need pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $12 to $15 for 4 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. The salty flavor of the feta cheese combined with the tangy tomatoes makes for a lip-smacking meal.

A colorful plate of tomato and feta pasta

9. Beef Stroganoff Pasta

Want to add some Russian cuisine to your menu? Try out this classic beef stroganoff pasta recipe. You will need pasta, beef sirloin, onion, garlic, mushroom, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $18 to $20 for 4 servings and takes approximately 50 minutes to prepare. The creaminess and rich flavors of this dish will leave you feeling satisfied.

A plate of beef stroganoff with spaghetti noodles and mushrooms

10. Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta

If you’re in the mood for some Italian flavors, try out this Tuscan garlic chicken pasta recipe. You will need pasta, chicken breast, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $15 to $18 for 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy taste, and the creaminess of the sauce makes for a perfect combination.

A serving of creamy Tuscan garlic chicken pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes

11. Linguine with Clam Sauce

Want to add a seafood twist to your pasta? Try out this Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe. You will need linguine, clams, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $14 to $16 for 2 servings and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare. The buttery clam sauce is sure to give you taste buds a seafood trip.

A bowl of linguine with clam sauce topped with fresh parsley

12. Lasagna

Who doesn’t love a good lasagna? This recipe is sure to give you that cheesy goodness. You will need lasagna noodles, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $20 to $25 for 6 to 8 servings and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. It may take some time, but trust us, it’s worth the effort.

A hot and cheesy serving of lasagna

13. Carbonara

If you’re a fan of bacon, then try out this Carbonara recipe. You will need spaghetti, bacon, egg yolks, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $10 to $12 for 2 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. The combination of salty bacon and creamy eggs makes for a delightful meal.

A heavy bowl of Carbonara topped with crispy bacon

14. Gnocchi with Pesto

Want to try out something new? Why not try out Gnocchi with Pesto? You will need gnocchi, basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $10 to $12 for 2 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. The soft and chewy texture of gnocchi alongside the freshness of pesto makes for a perfect meal.

A bowl of Gnocchi with Pesto topped with Parmesan flakes

15. Penne alla Vodka

If you’re looking for a boozy twist to your pasta, try out this Penne alla Vodka recipe. You will need penne, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, vodka, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $12 to $15 for 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The vodka enhances the flavors of the sauce, and the creaminess makes for a luxurious meal.

A plate of Penne alla Vodka topped with Parmesan flakes

16. Creamy Avocado Pasta

Looking for a healthy pasta option? Try out this Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe. You will need pasta, avocado, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $8 to $10 for 2 servings and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare. The creaminess of avocado makes for a perfect yet healthy meal.

A serving of Creamy Avocado Pasta with sliced avocado on top

17. Vegetable Alfredo Pasta

Trying to add more veggies to your diet? Try out this vegetable Alfredo pasta recipe. You will need pasta, broccoli, cauliflower, heavy cream, garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $12 to $15 for 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The combination of veggies and creaminess makes for a delicious yet healthy meal.

A hot plate of vegetable Alfredo pasta topped with Parmesan cheese

18. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

If you’re a seafood lover, then try out this Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe. You will need pasta, shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $20 to $22 for 2 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. The buttery shrimp sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings.

A plate of Shrimp Scampi Pasta with diced parsley

19. Cacio e Pepe

A staple in Italian cuisine- the Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet elegant dish. You will need spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and salt to make this dish. This recipe costs around $7 to $8 for 2 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. This dish is sure to take your taste buds on a trip to Italy!

A serving of Cacio e Pepe pasta with black pepper and Parmesan cheese

20. Pasta Pomodoro

Saving the best for last- the simple yet delicious Pasta Pomodoro recipe. You will need pasta, garlic, canned tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make this dish. This recipe costs around $6 to $8 for 2 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. The freshness of tomatoes and garlic is sure to make you fall in love with this dish.

A plate of Pasta Pomodoro topped with fresh basil leaves

Time to Eat! 😋

There we have it! 20 mouth-watering pasta recipes that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

A table filled with different pasta dishes from every recipe