Craving a comforting bowl of pasta without blowing your budget? Whether you’re after creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or a classic spaghetti and meatballs, it’s entirely possible to dine well without spending more than $15. From local trattorias to nationwide chains, there are countless spots serving quality Italian fare at prices that won’t leave your wallet empty.
Here’s how to track down the best pasta deals—and use cashback apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fluz to stretch your dining dollars even further.
Find Regional Pasta Deals with Yelp and The Infatuation
The easiest way to uncover pasta steals in your area is by turning to trusted dining platforms like Yelp and The Infatuation. Both platforms allow you to filter restaurants by price point, cuisine, and customer rating. Look for “$$” listings and browse user reviews for budget-friendly pasta dishes.
For example, in major cities you might find:
- Los Angeles: Handmade cavatelli at Uovo for under $15
- Chicago: Rigatoni alla vodka at Sapori Trattoria for $13.95
- Austin: Penne pesto at Patrizi’s food truck for around $12
- Philadelphia: Gnocchi specials at Monsú on weeknights
The trick is to look beyond the top-dollar spots and seek out local favorites with great lunch deals or happy hour pricing.
Use Rakuten for Cashback on Delivery Orders
If you prefer to enjoy pasta at home, Rakuten can help you earn cashback on your delivery or pickup orders. By clicking through Rakuten before ordering on platforms like Grubhub or Uber Eats, you’ll activate cashback on your purchase—no promo codes needed.
This is especially helpful when ordering from pasta chains like Maggiano’s or your favorite neighborhood Italian spot offering delivery through third-party apps.
Stack Grocery Savings with Ibotta for DIY Pasta Nights
If you’re making pasta at home, Ibotta is an excellent way to earn cashback on key ingredients like pasta, sauce, cheese, and olive oil. Just link your grocery store loyalty account or upload a receipt to claim offers on brands like:
- Barilla and De Cecco pastas
- Rao’s Homemade and Classico sauces
- Fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta
Ibotta even features occasional bonuses for building full meals, making it a great option for affordable Italian nights in.
Combine Apps with Restaurant Promos
When dining in, you can pair cashback apps with restaurant-specific deals to cut your total cost. For instance:
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers pasta dishes under $15 during weekday specials. Combine this with their Premier Rewards Plus program for extra points.
- Carrabba’s often runs $10 pasta bowls or lunch combos.
- Chain restaurants offering delivery or takeout may accept gift cards purchased through Fluz, where you can also earn instant cashback. For example, you can use a discount Carrabba’s gift card or a Maggiano’s gift card to reduce your total bill.
Tips to Maximize Pasta Value
- Order from lunch menus or early bird specials for the same portions at a lower cost
- Check for combo meals that include salad or breadsticks
Affordable pasta is everywhere—you just need the right tools to find it and the right apps to make it even cheaper.