19 Budget-Friendly Noodle Dishes You Can't Get Enough Of

Need something quick, comforting, and easy on the wallet? Noodles are always the answer. This list rounds up 19 craveable noodle recipes that are simple to make and loaded with bold, satisfying flavors. From cozy bowls of mac and cheese to spicy, saucy gochujang noodles, there's something here for every mood and every night of the week. Whether you're feeding a family or just need a fast meal that hits the spot, these dishes get the job done without draining your budget.

Quick & Easy Boursin Pasta

Saucy pasta on a plate. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Boursin cheese makes the creamiest pasta sauce with zero effort. Stir it into hot pasta for a quick meal that feels a little fancy. Try the truffle version if you want to go all in.

Get the recipe: Quick & Easy Boursin Pasta

Vegan Buttered Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with butter and parsley beside a plate of toasted bread. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Buttery noodles with garlic and parmesan? Yes, please. This one’s rich, simple, and done in under 10 minutes. Just three ingredients and a quick sprinkle of parsley — dinner’s basically ready.

Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles

Sesame Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with green onions and sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Need something fast and flavorful? These sesame noodles are a solid choice when time’s short and your pantry’s looking basic. Toss noodles with a few staple sauces and you're good to go.

Get the recipe: Sesame Noodles

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Baked pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish with melted cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This cheesy meatball pasta bake is the kind of dinner that feels way more effort than it actually is. Everything goes in one dish, and the result is cozy, saucy, and full of flavor. No boiling the pasta beforehand! Total win on busy nights.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pasta in a bowl topped with fresh dill. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Love pickles? Then this pasta salad's for you. Creamy dressing, dill, and briny pickle flavor mix with tender pasta for a summer side dish that always gets eaten first.

Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Cheesy pasta shells in a bowl topped with parsley. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This stovetop mac is ultra creamy, super cheesy, and ready fast. Keep it classic or add your favorite extras — corn, caramelized onions, or a little jalapeno kick. It’s hard to mess this one up

Get the recipe: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts

Pasta in a bowl, topped with walnuts and parsley. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Brown butter, toasted walnuts, pasta, and a little cheese. That’s it. Super simple and surprisingly flavorful, this one’s budget-friendly but tastes like it isn’t.

Get the recipe: Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with a lemon slice. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

One pot. Creamy pesto. Fresh veggies. That’s the dinner plan. No extra dishes and loads of cozy flavor — this one’s made for weeknights.

Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Gemelli

Pasta in a bowl topped with sage, pumpkin seeds, and shredded cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Pumpkin in pasta? Absolutely. This creamy sauce is a cool-weather favorite with sage, garlic, and a cozy texture that clings to every noodle. One pot, easy, and made from scratch.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Gemelli

One-Pot Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with parsley and lemon slices. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Soft zucchini, juicy mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in this simple one-pot pasta. It’s comforting, low-fuss, and great when you want something warm without too much work.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta

Gochujang Noodles

If you’ve got 15 minutes, you’ve got time for these spicy gochujang noodles. A little heat, a little sweetness, and a lot of flavor — thanks to cabbage and a bold Korean-inspired sauce.

Get the recipe: Gochujang Noodles

5 Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with oregano leaves. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This quick dinner idea brings roasted red pepper hummus and pasta together in under 20 minutes. It’s creamy, plant-based, and totally customizable with whatever veggies you like.

Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta

Instant Pot Sausage + Pasta

Pasta and sausage in a bowl topped with parsley. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Get a hearty, cozy pasta dish on the table in 30 minutes using your Instant Pot. Sausage, veggies, and tomato sauce all cook together with the pasta for a no-stress meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sausage + Pasta

Spicy Garlic Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with sriracha sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This noodle dish comes together in 15 minutes with crunchy veggies and a bold, spicy garlic sauce. It’s a little sweet, a little salty, and totally crave-worthy.

Get the recipe: Spicy Garlic Noodles

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Three bowls of pasta topped with black olives and basil. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This chilled pasta salad is fast, fresh, and perfect for hot days. Toss bowtie pasta with tuna, red onion, pesto, and olives for a no-fuss lunch or a potluck-ready side dish.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Lemon Pepper Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with basil, cheese, and lemon wedges. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This pasta is tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of peppery. It's an easy weeknight option that comes together fast and tastes bright and cozy all at once. Add spinach if you’ve got it.

Get the recipe: Lemon Pepper Pasta

Easy Sausage Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with cooked pasta, spinach, and sausage topped with melted cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This sausage pasta bake is all about easy comfort. Everything bakes in one dish — no boiling needed. Just toss it together and bake for a hands-off dinner everyone will love.

Get the recipe: Easy Sausage Pasta Bake

Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a bowl topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Let your Instant Pot handle dinner tonight with this creamy Gouda mac. Add a little Dijon for kick and top with seasoned panko if you’re feeling crunchy. It’s rich, easy, and always a hit.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Saucy pasta in a skillet and a bowl topped with a drizzle of white sauce and sliced green onions. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Taco night meets mac and cheese in this one-pot dinner. The pasta cooks right in with the bold taco spices for a creamy, cheesy meal the whole family will go for.

Get the recipe: One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese