19 Pasta Recipes That Save You Money And Taste Better Than Restaurants

Restaurant pasta might come with tablecloths and menus, but these 19 pasta recipes come with way less guilt when the bill hits. They’re the kind of meals that make you question why you ever paid so much for noodles in the first place. Each somehow ends up tasting like the kitchen had a secret.

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re looking for a filling dinner option, Marry Me Chicken Casserole is a great choice for family meals. It offers a warm and hearty combination that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. You can save money while enjoying a dish that feels like it came straight from a restaurant. Perfect for sharing or meal prepping for busy days!
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Artichoke Pizza

A pizza with artichokes, tomatoes and spinach.
Artichoke Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gather your friends or family together for a fun dinner with Artichoke Pizza that’s both easy and affordable. This recipe shows just how lovely pizza can be without ordering out. With its rich flavor, it brings a twist to the standard pizza night. It’s ideal for a casual dinner or even a special occasion at home.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke Pizza

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For something quick yet impressive, Marry Me Chicken Orzo gives you a nice blend of comfort food and elegance. It’s an awesome go-to when you don’t want to break the bank but still crave something different. The flavors pair beautifully with the soft texture of the orzo. A great dish to switch up your weekly meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Take your homemade desserts up a notch with Tiramisu, which balances simplicity and elegance. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and you’ll enjoy the rich layers that often taste better than store-bought versions. It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal but special enough for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the restaurant prices with Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta, which lets you enjoy your favorite dish in the comfort of your home. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to recreate a recipe that feels indulgent without the heavy cost. Great for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends. It’s a must-try for pasta lovers!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Change up your regular pizza night with Pizza Casserole, delivering all the best flavors in a baked, shareable dish. It’s easy to put together and makes good use of leftovers, saving you money along the way. You get the classic pizza experience with a fun twist that your whole family will enjoy. Perfect for potlucks or busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats Homemade Lasagna when you want something warm and comforting. This classic dish is surprisingly budget-friendly and packs layers of flavor that rival any restaurant. It’s great for feeding larger groups or saving portions for later meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving a simple pasta dish, Cheese Ravioli delivers big flavor without being overly complicated. It’s a great option for dinner, especially when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t take long. Save money by making it a regular part of your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet and refreshing, Fruit Pizza makes dessert feel fun and satisfying without stretching your budget. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for gatherings or a treat at home. You get a unique twist on pizza that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. A recipe worth sharing with friends or family for an enjoyable after-meal treat.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side.
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring restaurant-style pasta home with Chicken Alfredo, offering both affordability and flavor in one dish. It’s creamy and rich, perfect for dinners that feel homemade yet special. You can save some money while still enjoying something that feels indulgent. A recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy evenings in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it.
Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add some flair to your meals with Garlic Aioli, which works as a flavorful accent to sandwiches, wraps, or dipping sauces. Making it at home is not only affordable but also allows you to control the flavor intensity. It’s quick to whip up and usable in so many dishes. A handy recipe to have for everyday cooking needs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You’ll find Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara to be an excellent way to replicate restaurant-quality at home without breaking the bank. It’s just as flavorful and creamy as the original, with a homemade touch. Perfect for pasta nights when you want a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Satisfy your dessert cravings with Neapolitan Ice Cream, combining chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one delicious treat. This recipe is simple to make and great for large gatherings or casual sweets days at home. You can save on store-bought options while preparing something everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brighten up your meals with Best Lemon Pasta, which provides a refreshing vibe without being overly fussy to make. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings new life to pasta night with minimal effort and cost. Perfect for weekday dinners or adding variety to your regular rotation of recipes.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Ooni Pizza Dough

Someone sprinkling flour over pizza dough.
Ooni Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepare your own pizzas at home with Ooni Pizza Dough, giving you that perfect base for all your favorite toppings. It’s surprisingly easy to make and a rewarding way to enjoy pizza nights without ordering in. Save money and customize it to exactly how you like it. A must-try for anyone wanting a delicious homemade pizza experience.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple and inexpensive, Gnocchi makes for a comforting dish that works wonderfully on its own or with sauces. Making them at home feels rewarding and helps you cut back on buying pre-packed options. You’ll enjoy a soft, pillowy texture that pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treat yourself to something special with Penne Alla Vodka, offering both creamy charm and affordability. It’s easy to make while delivering great flavor, making it perfect for small gatherings or weekday dinners. You don’t need to spend much for something restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make your meals exciting and budget-friendly with Veggie Pizza, a fun recipe that showcases fresh toppings. Skip takeout and save money by preparing this colorful dish at home. Great for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. A nice way to change up your typical pizza night while sticking to your budget plans.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Looking for something indulgent yet affordable? Three Cheese Manicotti packs a punch in flavor without being complex to cook. The cheese-filled pasta delivers comfort that rivals restaurant dishes without the high price tag. Great for feeding a group or making ahead. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser for pasta lovers!
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *