Pasta is one of the most affordable and versatile ingredients you can use in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or a group, these cheap lunch recipes with pasta are budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and satisfying.

Why Choose Pasta for Cheap Lunches?

• Affordable: Pasta is inexpensive and can be bought in bulk.
• Versatile: You can create a variety of dishes by mixing it with different ingredients.
• Quick to make: Most pasta dishes take under 30 minutes to prepare.

1. Garlic Butter Pasta

A simple garlic butter pasta is quick, tasty, and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any variety) ($1.00)
• 2 tablespoons butter ($0.50)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)
• Salt, pepper, and parmesan to taste ($0.30)

Total cost: Approximately $2.00 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce and season with salt, pepper, and parmesan.
4. Serve hot for a quick, flavorful lunch.

2. Pasta Salad with Olive Oil and Veggies

A refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a light, cheap lunch that can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ($0.75)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.20)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)

Total cost: Approximately $2.55 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Combine cooked pasta, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

A one-pot tomato basil pasta is a delicious, no-fuss recipe that’s easy on the wallet.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta ($1.00)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup fresh or dried basil ($0.50)
• 1/2 onion, chopped ($0.30)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)

Total cost: Approximately $3.00 per serving.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the pasta, diced tomatoes, basil, onion, garlic, and enough water to cover the pasta.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender and the water has reduced.
3. Stir occasionally, and serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

4. Creamy Tuna Pasta

This creamy tuna pasta combines affordable pantry staples for a protein-packed lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta ($1.00)
• 1 can tuna, drained ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream ($0.50)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice ($0.20)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)

Total cost: Approximately $2.80 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the tuna mixture and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve cold or at room temperature.

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish, spaghetti aglio e olio, is made with simple ingredients yet bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spaghetti ($1.00)
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced ($0.20)
• 1/4 cup olive oil ($0.50)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ($0.10)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)

Total cost: Approximately $1.90 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté sliced garlic until golden.
3. Add red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic oil mixture and serve immediately.

Bonus Tip: Leftover Pasta Ideas

If you have leftover pasta from dinner, don’t let it go to waste! Here are a couple of easy ways to transform leftovers into a new lunch:

• Pasta Frittata: Mix leftover pasta with beaten eggs and cheese, then cook it like a frittata for a quick lunch.
• Pasta Stir-Fry: Toss your leftover pasta with veggies and a splash of soy sauce for an easy stir-fry.

Conclusion

These cheap lunch recipes with pasta are perfect for anyone on a budget who still wants a filling, delicious meal. From garlic butter pasta to creamy tuna pasta, these dishes are not only affordable but also easy to make with minimal ingredients. Try these recipes and enjoy a tasty, low-cost lunch that doesn’t compromise on flavor.