

$10 Pasta Dinner Recipes Your Guests Will Love. Delicious 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.
When it comes to hosting a budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing dinner party, pasta dishes are an unbeatable choice. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also offer a wide array of flavors that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, or even a mix of both, serving up pasta dinner recipes under $10 will leave your guests impressed without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll share a collection of delectable pasta dinner recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare. From classic Italian-inspired dishes to creative and flavorful twists, these recipes are sure to win over the hearts (and taste buds) of your guests without putting a dent in your wallet.
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$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 your guests are full and happy!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

Indulge your guests with a 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 quick and delicious entertaining.
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 for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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 for a delightful and satisfying meal.
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 your guests coming back for seconds.
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 your guests 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, for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:

Add a touch of spice to your dinner party with creamy Cajun chicken pasta. With tender chicken, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, this dish delivers a burst of flavors that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
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 for a satisfying and spicy meal.
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 for a delightful and family-friendly dinner.
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 for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage:

A crowd-pleasing 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 your guests feeling right at home.
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 hot, garnished with fresh basil, for a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will love.
〰️ Pasta dinner recipes under $10 offer a perfect balance of taste, budget-friendliness, and convenience for hosting an enjoyable dinner party.
From creamy and comforting to light and refreshing, these dishes cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a group of friends or hosting a family gathering, these budget-friendly pasta dinner recipes are sure to leave your guests satisfied and impressed.
Roll up your sleeves, prepare your favorite pasta dish, and get ready to create a memorable and budget-conscious feast for your loved ones!