Pasta is a go-to meal for many because it’s quick, tasty, and easy to make. But eating out or ordering fancy pasta can hurt your wallet. What if you could create delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home in under 30 minutes without spending a lot? This article brings you 12 budget-friendly pasta recipes that cost less than ₹150 per serving and are ready fast.
From garlic-chili spaghetti to creamy miso ramen-inspired pasta, these recipes use simple ingredients you can find at your local market. Perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone trying to save money while enjoying great food. Let’s dive into these wallet-smart dishes that don’t compromise on flavour or style.
1. Garlic-Chili Spaghetti
This classic Italian recipe is simple but full of punch. Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil, lots of garlic, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Garnish with fresh coriander or basil for an Indian twist. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a spicy and light meal that won’t cost more than ₹100 per plate.
2. Creamy Miso Ramen Pasta
A fusion of Japanese umami and Italian comfort, this creamy miso ramen pasta uses miso paste mixed with cream or milk and a little soy sauce. Cook your pasta and toss it with the sauce, adding spring onions and boiled eggs if you like. The taste is rich, comforting, and costs less than ₹130 per serving.
3. Tangy Tomato & Masala Penne
The simple tomato pasta gets a desi makeover with Indian spices like garam masala and red chili powder. Cook penne pasta and prepare a quick tomato masala sauce using onions, garlic, and chopped tomatoes. Combine both, then sprinkle with coriander. This spicy and tangy dish takes just 25 minutes and costs around ₹120.
4. Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas
Lemon butter pasta is light and refreshing with the zing of fresh lemon juice and pea crunch. Boil pasta and peas together, drain, then mix in butter, lemon zest, and a little cheese or paneer. An easy, quick meal costing under ₹100, perfect for summer days or whenever you want something simple yet flavourful.
5. Peanut Butter & Chili Pasta
For something different, try this creamy peanut butter and chili pasta. Peanut butter adds richness and protein without heavy cream. Mix cooked pasta with peanut butter, soy sauce, chili flakes, and a dash of lime juice to brighten the dish. It’s fast, filling, and costs about ₹110 per portion.
6. Spinach and Garlic Fusilli
This green delight combines fusilli pasta with sautéed spinach and lots of garlic. Cook your pasta, sauté garlic with spinach, toss together, and add a hint of black pepper and lemon juice. This nutritious, wallet-friendly meal costs around ₹120 and is ready in under 20 minutes.
7. Simple Masala Mac and Cheese
A popular comfort food with an Indian twist, this quick masala mac and cheese uses macaroni, milk, cheese, and a pinch of chaat masala or garam masala. Prepare the cheese sauce quickly and mix with cooked macaroni. A creamy, tasty dish that won’t exceed ₹130 per serving and takes only 25 minutes.
8. Quick Tuna Pasta
This easy tuna pasta uses canned tuna, onions, tomatoes, and cooked spaghetti or penne. Heat the tuna with onions and tomatoes, season well, then mix with cooked pasta. Affordable at roughly ₹140 per portion, it packs protein and flavour while taking just 20 minutes to prepare.
9. Masala Aglio Olio
Aglio olio is the Italian garlic and oil pasta. Add an Indian touch by mixing in some turmeric, cumin seeds, and chopped green chilies while sautéing the garlic. Combine it with spaghetti and garnish with fresh coriander. Ready in under 20 minutes with a cost around ₹110 per serving.
10. Mushroom and Bell Pepper Pasta
This colourful vegetable-packed pasta uses button mushrooms and bell peppers sautéed with onions and mild Indian spices. Toss the mixture with your pasta choice and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Healthy, affordable, and ready in 30 minutes for about ₹130 per plate.
11. Coconut Curry Pasta
A South Indian inspired pasta with creamy coconut milk, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and green chilies. Cook pasta and prepare a quick coconut curry sauce, then mix together. This flavourful dish costs around ₹140 and is perfect when you want something different from the usual tomato or cream sauces.
12. Egg and Spinach Spaghetti
This simple recipe combines boiled eggs, sautéed spinach, and spaghetti. Mix with mild spices like black pepper and garam masala for a comforting meal rich in protein and iron. Ready in 30 minutes, it costs just ₹120 per serving and makes a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
Eating well on a budget doesn’t mean boring food. These 12 pasta recipes prove you can enjoy rich, restaurant-worthy meals at home quickly and affordably. With common Indian ingredients and a little creativity, your pasta meals can be both wallet-friendly and delicious.
So next time you crave pasta but want to save money and time, try these recipes. They suit young people juggling busy schedules or anyone who loves tasty food without breaking the bank. Enjoy cooking and happy eating!
