$10 Pasta Dinner Recipes: Quick and Delicious. Yummy and easy dinner on a dime. Budget-friendly entertaining ideas. Flavorful and frugal. Save big on flavor and experience with these cheap and delicious recipes. Economical and satisfying.
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$10 pasta dinner recipes are a fantastic idea. They allow you to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without spending more than $10, making them perfect for anyone watching their budget. Pasta dishes are generally simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
With countless variations, from classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, $10 pasta recipes can suit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. When paired with vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy sauces, pasta can be a balanced, nutritious meal that supports a healthy diet.
Many pasta recipes require only a few affordable ingredients, meaning you can whip up a great meal with what you already have in your pantry. Pasta is often considered comfort food, making these recipes a cozy, heartwarming option when you need something comforting. Pasta dishes often taste even better the next day, so you can stretch your $10 meal into lunch or dinner for the following day.
You can easily make a large batch of pasta and enjoy it throughout the week, saving time and money on multiple meals. Also, you can easily tweak $10 pasta recipes to suit your taste by adding your favorite spices, herbs, or extra ingredients, making them both economical and personalized.
Before we dive deeper, discover how these essential pantry staple condiments can take your cooking to the next level! Elevate the taste of your dishes with flavorful ingredients that are versatile and easy to use. Transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with our curated selection of must-have condiments. Great to keep on hand for enhancing rice, pasta, noodles, salads, and much more:
- SOY SAUCE. Adds depth of flavor to stir-fries, rice dishes, and marinades.
- OLIVE OIL. Essential for cooking, dressing salads, and drizzling over pasta.
- SESAME OIL. Great for Asian dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dressings.
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR. Perfect for salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables.
- SRIRACHA. Adds heat and flavor to almost any dish, from noodles to sandwiches.
- FISH SAUCE. Commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking to add savory umami flavor.
- HONEY. Balances out flavors in dressings, marinades, and glazes.
- DIJON MUSTARD. Adds a tangy kick to dressings, marinades, and sandwiches.
- MAYONNAISE. Classic for sandwiches and as a base for creamy dressings.
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE. Enhances the savory profile of meats, stews, and marinades.
- HOT SAUCE. Perfect for adding heat to various dishes.
- KETCHUP. Classic condiment for burgers, fries, and meatloaf.
- PESTO. Versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and as a marinade.
- CURRY PASTE. Adds depth and spice to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
- RICE VINEGAR. Essential for making sushi rice, dressings, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- SALSA. Great for dipping chips, topping tacos, or mixing into rice dishes.
- TAHINI. Ideal for making hummus, dressings, and sauces for grain bowls.
- BBQ SAUCE. Adds sweet and smoky flavor to grilled meats and sandwiches.
- PONZU SAUCE. Citrusy and tangy, perfect for dipping or as a salad dressing.
- CHILI PASTE/OIL. Hot chili peppers in oil are typically used to add heat, crunch, and depth.
$10 Pasta Dinner Recipes Your Guests Will Love
PRO TIP: With all these recipes, you can always add roasted chicken from Costco (or Walmart!) as the main protein!
PRO TIP #2: Always serve with bread and butter to ensure you are full and happy!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:
Indulge yourself in this velvety, creamy garlic Parmesan pasta that’s rich in flavor and easy on a budget. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal.
To make this delectable recipe, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:
An Italian classic that never disappoints, spaghetti aglio e olio combines garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil for a simple yet incredibly tasty pasta dish. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan and fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of elegance.
To make this recipe, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until the garlic turns golden and fragrant.
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic-infused oil, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh parsley for a quick and delicious aglio e olio pasta that’s sure to impress.
Tomato Basil Pasta: (one of our readers’ fave $10 pasta dinner recipes!)
Fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and garlic make this pasta dish a delightful option for a light and refreshing dinner. The secret lies in using ripe, seasonal tomatoes to enhance the flavors even further.
To make this recipe, cook your choice of pasta until tender. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add diced tomatoes and cook until they release their juices.
Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce, mix in chopped fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables:
Transform a humble pesto pasta into a wholesome and colorful meal by adding a mix of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The burst of flavors and textures will have you coming back for more.
To make this recipe, roast a selection of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook your choice of pasta until al dente, then toss it with store-bought or homemade pesto sauce. Mix in the roasted vegetables, add some grated Parmesan and pine nuts for extra texture, and serve for a delicious and wholesome pasta meal.
Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta: ($10 pasta dinner recipe that feels luxurious!)
Elevate your pasta dinner with succulent shrimp and a zesty lemon butter sauce. This dish offers a delightful combination of savory and tangy notes that you won’t be able to resist.
To make this recipe, cook your choice of pasta until tender. In a separate pan, sauté shrimp in butter and minced garlic until they turn pink and fully cooked.
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a dash of red pepper flakes to the pan, then toss the cooked pasta in the lemony butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving for a refreshing and flavorful shrimp pasta experience.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:
For a filling and budget-friendly vegetarian option, serve spinach and ricotta stuffed shells. Baked to perfection with a luscious tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to impress even the meat lovers in the crowd.
To make this recipe, cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and seasonings.
Stuff the cooked shells with the ricotta mixture, arrange them in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
Add a touch of spice to your dinner with creamy Cajun chicken pasta. With tender chicken, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, this dish delivers a burst of flavor.
To make this recipe, cook your choice of pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté seasoned chicken breast with Cajun spices until cooked through and slightly charred.
Prepare a creamy sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan, then toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan.
One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Macaroni:
Satisfy comfort food cravings with a one-pan cheesy beef and macaroni recipe. It’s a hearty and filling option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
To prepare this recipe, cook ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet until browned. Add uncooked macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings to the skillet, then bring it to a boil and let it simmer until the macaroni is tender and cooked.
Stir in shredded cheese until melted and gooey, and serve the cheesy beef and macaroni hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo:
This creamy and flavorful mushroom and spinach Alfredo pasta is a delightful option for vegetarians and omnivores alike. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and Alfredo sauce is simply divine.
To prepare this recipe, cook your choice of pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic until they are golden and tender.
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, then add a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Toss the cooked pasta in the mushroom and spinach Alfredo sauce, and serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage:
Try this mouth-watering baked ziti with Italian sausage is a dish that oozes comfort and warmth. Layered with zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and flavorful sausage, this baked pasta will have you feeling warm and cozy.
To prepare this recipe, cook ziti pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, brown Italian sausage with onions and garlic, then stir in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes with seasonings.
Mix the cooked ziti with the sausage and tomato sauce, layer it in a baking dish with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, garnished with fresh basil.
〰️ $10 pasta dinner recipes are a winning choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, budget-friendly meal without compromising on flavor or nutrition. These recipes offer the perfect blend of affordability and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, satisfying dish that’s both quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Wrapping Up
As you wrap up your culinary journey with these easy pasta recipes, remember that delicious meals don’t have to break the bank. Each pasta recipe is designed to deliver comfort food vibes without sacrificing flavor. From a creamy chicken pasta to a classic Italian spaghetti tossed in garlic and olive oil, you can whip up these dishes in just minutes. Don’t forget the magic of pasta water—it adds a lovely richness to your sauce.
Whether you prefer a hearty pasta bake or a refreshing pasta salad, there’s something here for every palate. Embrace the versatility of tomato sauce or explore the earthy notes of mushroom pasta. With these recipes, you can easily impress your guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in. So grab your apron, and let’s create some unforgettable pasta dishes together!
There you are lovelies! $10 Pasta Dinner Recipes Your Guests Will Love!
** This post has Amazon links and as an Amazon Associate, Peppermint & Co. Ltd. earns from qualifying purchases.
