Tired of searching for cheap Italian food options or sticking to the same repetitive meals?
I’ve been there, too. Everyone who studied away from home had to learn to eat well without spending too much.
And after a while, it turns out that you don’t need a fortune to enjoy good food. So here is my list of 5 cheap Italian foods that you can cook when you’re studying away from home.
During my university years I didn’t have a lot of furniture or kitchen objects available. For this reason I have selected foods that are easy to cook or to find, so that everyone can try them without too much effort. Enjoy!
Caprese Salad (A Fresh and Affordable Classic)
Caprese Salad is the simplest of all cheap Italian meals. It’s fresh, healthy, and requires no cooking, making it the perfect meal for hot days or when you’re in a rush.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 tomatoes
- 1 mozzarella ball
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
How to Make It: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, layer them on a plate, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Pro Tip: Grow your own basil in your dorm room! Basil is easy to maintain and enhances any dish with its fresh aroma. Plus, store-bought basil can’t compete with the flavor of homegrown leaves.
Uova Alla Contadina (Hearty and Quick)
“Farmer’s eggs” is a classic cheap Italian food that’s both comforting and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of tomato preserve
- Cheese cubes (optional)
- Olive oil, salt, and oregano
How to Make It: Fry the eggs in a pan with olive oil, add the tomato preserve, and cook for 5 minutes. Top with cheese cubes and oregano for a savory finish.
Fricantò (A Budget-Friendly Vegetable Dish)
Fricantò is a humble vegetarian dish from Le Marche, often made with simple, affordable vegetables. It’s Italy’s answer to ratatouille and one of the most flavorful cheap Italian recipes you can try.
Ingredients:
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 celery stick
- 3 eggplants
- 2 potatoes
- 2 peppers
- 2 zucchini
- 3–4 tomatoes
How to Make It:
- Dice the vegetables.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until golden.
- Add eggplants, potatoes, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes in 5-minute intervals.
- Cook until the vegetables absorb the water, creating a rich, hearty dish.
Pro Tip: Serve Fricantò with crusty bread to turn this vegetarian dish into a satisfying meal.
Lasagna (The Student Hack)
Traditional lasagna can be time-consuming and expensive, but frozen lasagna is a lifesaver for students. It’s a cheap Italian dish that requires no effort but still delivers comforting, hearty flavors.
How to Enjoy It: Simply thaw and heat the lasagna according to package instructions. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for an elevated experience.
Pasta with Beer Ragù (A Unique Twist on Tradition)
This simplified version of ragù bolognese is a flavorful, budget-friendly favorite for group dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- 1 lb minced meat
- 3 oz salami
- ½ can of pale ale
How to Make It:
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add minced meat and salami, cooking until they change color.
- Pour in pale ale and simmer until the beer is absorbed.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve hot.
Cheap Italian Food FAQs
What are some easy and cheap Italian meals to try?
Caprese Salad, Uova alla Contadina, and Pasta with Beer Ragù are simple, affordable, and packed with authentic Italian flavors.
Where can I find cheap Italian food near me?
Local Italian delis, casual pizza shops, and farmers’ markets are excellent places to find affordable Italian ingredients and meals.
Can I customize these recipes?
Absolutely! Swap ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, use vegan cheese in Uova alla Contadina or gluten-free pasta for the Beer Ragù.
Making the Most of Your Cheap Italian Food Experience
Elevate your Italian meals by exploring creative ways to customize these recipes. With just a few tweaks, you can make each dish uniquely your own while staying on budget.
Creative Variations
Take these dishes to the next level by adding your twist. Toss some arugula into the Caprese Salad, experiment with spices like paprika in the Beer Ragù, or top Fricantò with grated cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these dishes with budget-friendly sides like garlic bread or refreshing beverages such as iced tea or sparkling water. They’ll make your meal feel extra special without increasing costs.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Most of these dishes are perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze portions of Fricantò and Beer Ragù for easy reheating.
Enjoying the Best of Cheap Italian Food on a Budget
Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. These cheap Italian food ideas prove that you can enjoy delicious, hearty meals without spending a fortune. Try these recipes, experiment with your own variations, and let us know your favorites in the comments below. Check out more budget-friendly recipes on our website for more inspiration!
