When in Doubt, I Make Noodles: 16 Budget-Friendly Favorites

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Quick and Easy Fan-Favorites

These fan favorites are the noodle recipes readers have been making and remaking for years. If you’ve been cooking with us for a while, you’ve probably already made at least one of them already. 😊

Quick & Easy Garlic Noodles

These sweet-savory garlic noodles have been a longtime favorite in our readers’ kitchens since 2009(!) A short list of pantry staples like brown sugar, soy sauce, and lots of garlic mix with butter and angel hair pasta for an utterly addictive noodle dish. I love that it doubles as an easy side or a base you can dress up with proteins or veggies.

Our viral spicy sriracha noodles are THE dish for anyone that craves real spice. I’m talking fiery heat that’ll make you sit up and pay attention. They take about 15 minutes to make and use ingredients like soy sauce and sriracha to deliver bold flavor that’s way more exciting than a takeout order.

This simple fried cabbage and noodles combines sautéed onions, tender cabbage, and buttery egg noodles for a comforting bowl that really hits the spot. It’s a brilliant budget-friendly meal or hearty side with almost anything!

Belly Filling Noodle Soups

These noodle soups are all about comfort without complication.

The ingredient lists are small, hands-on time is minimal, and they’re built for real-life cooking. Honestly, I can’t think of a better kind of recipe to have on standby.

The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup is the kind of soul-soothing classic you’ll turn to when you want real comfort. A simple simmer of chicken, vegetables, herbs, and egg noodles creates a rich soup that’s far better than anything from a box, and it freezes like a dream.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

If hands-off cooking is more your style, try our slow cooker chicken noodle soup instead.

It’s made entirely from scratch using budget-friendly bone-in chicken breast, water, simple veggies like carrots and celery, and dried pantry herbs.

Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de fideo is a simple, comforting Mexican noodle soup made with toasted vermicelli simmered in a lightly spiced tomato broth.

It’s a fun and flavorful alternative to the usual noodle soups, but is still inexpensive and easy for a weeknight.

Meal Prep Noodle Soup Jars

These meal prep noodle soup jars are basically upgraded instant ramen in a jar! You just add hot water, shake, and you’ve got an easy lunch you can meal-prep for the week.

I’m obsessed with how customizable they are, and they’re such a clever way to keep noodle soup on hand without making a whole pot.

• 8. Coconut Curry Ramen

Coconut Curry Ramen

This coconut curry ramen is my favorite kind of instant ramen upgrade! It’s got 5 simple ingredients, only takes 10 minutes, and has a creamy coconut-curry broth that’s seriously satisfying.

It’s also perfect for using up whatever frozen mixed veg you’ve already got stashed away.

More Satisfying Full Meals

Here you’ll find noodle meals that go beyond being just a side. They’re satisfying, well-rounded, and made to keep everyone full!

Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles

These pork and peanut dragon noodles take about 25 minutes (from start to finish) and use just 7 ingredients total. That’s what I call a quick and easy noodle fix!

The pork adds bulk without costing a ton. However, you could definitely swap in your favorite vegetarian meat crumbles to make this dish meat-free. These peanut noodles with chicken bring together a creamy, savory peanut sauce and tender pieces of chicken for a meal that feels satisfying without being fussy.

I think you’ll like how this one turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels a bit elevated (perfect for those days when you want dinner to feel special but still EASY).

Easy Beef Stir Fry Noodles

OG Budget Byters might remember this one from way back in 2016. These 30-minute beef stir fry noodles stretch ½ pound of ground beef into 4 veggie-packed portions, which is hard to beat when you’re working with a tight grocery budget.

• 12. Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan noodles come from China’s Sichuan region, where dishes are known for bold sauces and thoughtful layering. Noodles are tossed in a spicy sauce, then topped with ground pork, peanuts, and green onions.

Lime Shrimp Dragon Noodles

I think it’s fair to say we love dragon noodles here, and these lime shrimp dragon noodles bring a bright twist to the lineup. These noods are layered with garlicky heat and fresh lime flavor, and the shrimp cook quickly, so dinners ready fast.

This tuna noodle casserole is made with egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, mushrooms, and a creamy homemade sauce, then baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping for the most nostalgic family dinner.

Noodle Salads

If you love noodles but want something lighter and a little crunchy, this is your section.

These salads bring big flavor and serious texture without feeling heavy! I make them on repeat for lunches, potlucks, and easy summer dinners.

This cold peanut noodle salad is perfect for summer potlucks, with chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that everyone loves. If you’re meal prepping, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until serving.

I also like to add edamame or tofu for a little extra protein! Okay, this is a fun one. In this ramen noodle salad, the ramen goes in uncooked, so it stays crunchy like little croutons, which gives the whole dish an unexpected and addictive texture.

I can’t get enough of using the sesame-soy vinaigrette on other salads either! Try these Bowls, too!

Noodle bowls are my answer to the “everyone wants something different” dinner dilemma. You can build them out based on your family’s preferences or whatever needs to get used up.

I often mix and match proteins, sauces, and veggies whenever I make these noodle bowls! I make these teriyaki noodle bowls when I want an easy vegetarian dinner using frozen stir-fry vegetables, though fresh veggies work just as well! You can also swap the homemade teriyaki sauce for a bottled version.

These bowls are delish as written, but go ahead and add some chicken, tofu, salmon, or tempeh if you fancy more protein!

Peanut Tofu Noodle Bowls

I could dip, drizzle, or toss everything in this creamy peanut sauce and never get tired of it!! These peanut tofu noodle bowls are chock-full of crispy tofu, crunchy veggies, rice noodles, and a rich peanut sauce.

SO good.

Cold Sesame Noodles

These cold sesame noodles are my latest go-to when I want something fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Inexpensive spaghetti is tossed with crisp bell pepper, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light sesame-soy dressing for a chilled noodle dish that’s nutty and bright!