Save time and money without giving up flavor. This collection of budget-friendly noodle recipes features quick, easy meals and side dish ideas made with everyday ingredients. From creamy stovetop mac and cheese to spicy garlic noodles, these dishes are proof that homemade dinners can be affordable, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or anyone looking for low-cost, high-reward dinners.
Instant Pot Sausage + Pasta
This Instant Pot sausage pasta is weeknight comfort at its best. Juicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce come together fast — just 30 minutes start to finish.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sausage + Pasta
Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
This cheesy meatball pasta bake is an easy one-pot dinner loaded with hearty flavor. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This garlic oil pasta is proof that simple ingredients can make the best meals. Toss spaghetti with golden sautéed garlic and a splash of starchy pasta water for a quick dinner that feels like it took way longer than 15 minutes.
Get the recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Vegan Buttered Noodles
These buttered noodles are pure comfort food, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Made with just 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
This stovetop mac and cheese is extra creamy, ultra cheesy, and easy to customize. Ready in minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort meal with optional add-ins like corn, onions, or pickled jalapenos.
Get the recipe: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Homemade Tuna Helper
This easy tuna noodle dish brings major comfort with pantry staples like pasta, canned tuna, and a creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dinner you throw together when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something cozy.
Get the recipe: Homemade Tuna Helper
Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts
This brown butter pasta with walnuts uses just 4 simple ingredients. Rich, nutty brown butter and crunchy walnuts take basic pasta to a crave-worthy meal that’s fast and budget-friendly.
Get the recipe: Brown Butter Pasta with Walnuts
Creamy Pesto Pasta
This creamy pesto pasta cooks everything in one pot—pasta, fresh vegetables, and all that pesto flavor. It’s an easy, no-fuss weeknight dinner the whole family will want on repeat.
Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta
Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Gemelli
This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce turns a pot of pasta into a cozy, hearty dinner. Made with pumpkin puree, garlic, and sage, it’s a simple, flavorful sauce perfect for fall nights.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Gemelli
Spicy Garlic Noodles
Craving a quick and flavorful meal? These budget-friendly spicy garlic noodles are ready in just 15 minutes! With crunchy cabbage, carrots, and rice noodles, they’re tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s hard to resist.
Get the recipe: Spicy Garlic Noodles
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Fresh cole slaw mix, toasted ramen noodles, and a simple tangy dressing come together for a salad that’s crisp, quick, and ready for any potluck or backyard BBQ. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and seriously easy to toss together in a big bowl.
Get the recipe: Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
Sesame Noodles
Need a fast and flavorful side dish? These sesame noodles come together in 15 minutes with simple pantry sauces and your favorite noodles—perfect for any busy weeknight.
Get the recipe: Sesame Noodles
One-Pot Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta
This one-pot zucchini and mushroom pasta is creamy, satisfying, and easy to make. Fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and pasta come together in a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a quick, comforting meal.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta
Gochujang Noodles
These Korean-inspired gochujang noodles are quick, spicy, and packed with flavor. Fresh noodles and sautéed cabbage get tossed in a bold, savory sauce for an easy dinner with a kick.
Get the recipe: Gochujang Noodles
Seasoned Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles are about as easy as it gets — hot pasta tossed in melted butter and a few seasonings. It’s the perfect lazy-day side dish that goes with pretty much anything. No fuss, just buttery goodness in every bite.
Get the recipe: Seasoned Buttered Noodles
5 Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta
This creamy hummus pasta is ready in 20 minutes with just 5 ingredients. Toss roasted red pepper hummus, sautéed veggies, and pasta together for an easy, customizable vegetarian dinner.
Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Cool down with this simple and flavorful tuna pesto salad. In just 5 ingredients, you’ve got a light, fresh meal that’s perfect for a busy lunch or a potluck hit.
Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Southern Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad keeps it classic with tender pasta, a creamy dressing, and just enough crunch from diced veggies. It’s a must for summer cookouts, and it tastes even better after hanging out in the fridge for a few hours. Simple, familiar, and always a crowd favorite.
Get the recipe: Southern Macaroni Salad
Lemon Pepper Pasta
In just 20 minutes, this lemon pepper pasta comes together for a zesty, comforting dinner. The lemon, garlic, and pepper give it a bold kick, and it’s budget-friendly. For a boost, throw in some spinach!
Get the recipe: Lemon Pepper Pasta
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This creamy dill pickle pasta salad combines tangy pickles, creamy dressing, and tender pasta for a bold, refreshing side. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Quick & Easy Boursin Pasta
This creamy Boursin pasta is rich, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes. Black truffle Boursin melts into a smooth, cheesy sauce for an easy weeknight meal that feels fancy with almost no effort.
Get the recipe: Quick & Easy Boursin Pasta
