11 Aldi Italian Foods That Are Better Than Takeout (For a Fraction of the Cost)

Are you craving a hearty pasta dish or a crispy flatbread? If so, don't call your local trattoria. Instead, head to Aldi to take advantage of its range of Italian-inspired dishes that rival takeout fare without the premium prices.

And when you pick one of these entrees and snacks, you get to save money at Aldi while indulging in an authentic Italian meal. From pasta salads to stuffed gnocchi and more, here are 11 of our favorites.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.69

Priced at about 19 cents per ounce, this cheese ravioli offers you a creamy blend of Asiago, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. The bag can easily feed five people, especially if you dress the dish up with some chicken or herbs.

At Olive Garden, a plate of cheese ravioli means spending over $18 for takeout. That means it pays to opt for Aldi instead, where you'll pay over $13 less.

Price: $7.65

When the Italian food craving hits, these meatballs are delicious on their own, but you can also combine them with the Priano ravioli for a more consistent weekday dinner. They're made of a mix of beef and pork seasoned with garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese.

For less than $8, this 32-ounce bag is more than plenty for four servings, especially when paired with pasta. By comparison, a serving of spaghetti and meatballs would set you back almost $20 at Olive Garden.

Price: $5.49

Pasta salad for dinner? Why not? Try this 20-ounce pasta salad, which blends mezzi rigatoni with sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, red peppers, mozzarella, and a fresh vinaigrette made with roasted garlic.

You can easily feed two people without running out, making this salad a solid dinner option without the high price tag of a sit-down or takeout dinner.

Price: $4.39

A quick lunch doesn't have to cost upwards of $15 or more. At the Cheesecake Factory, a similar flatbread costs $12.50, but this Garlic Provola Flatbread is less than $5.

The 10-ounce dish is a hearty lunch choice, especially paired with a couple of cherry tomatoes. With smoked provola cheese, pecorino, mascarpone, and Italian herbs, the crispy flatbread provides a well-rounded taste.

And if you choose to indulge in this snack at home, consider dipping it in pizza sauce for a snack or using it as a replacement for garlic bread for your main meal.

Price: $4.65

Few people can say no to chicken Alfredo. This Aldi offering adds broccoli, carrots, peas, and penne to the main protein for a hearty dinner option. At roughly 22 cents per ounce, this skillet is priced way better than even the cheapest delivery option. At Romano's Macaroni Grill, for instance, the chicken alfredo will cost you $24.

But what about the taste? According to Reddit user Neverhityourmark, it doesn't disappoint. They write that it's "high quality for how cheap it is. Spend the same amount on a frozen meal from Walmart or something, and you'll be lucky to get anything close to what's advertised."

Price: $3.49

Gnocchi are simple and delicious and shouldn't cost more than a few dollars when made from scratch. However, you can still enjoy tasty, affordable gnocchi when you're on the go with this Priano product.

Each piece of these gnocchi is stuffed with tomatoes and basil, making it a tasty morsel that can be enjoyed with butter or garlic. It's great as a vegetarian option, but you can also make it a full meal by adding sausage or chicken.

Price: $4.05

Sometimes you crave the taste of Mediterranean food without the pasta. This quinoa-and-brown-rice bowl offers a lighter take on Italian food, with seasoned chicken breast, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers.

At $4.05 for 10 ounces, this dish gives you great value. Better still, it's delicious, as Reddit user redcrowblue attests: "This is one of my go-tos for an office lunch. It's flavorful and filling, with an appropriate amount of chicken and vegetables. The meat is of good quality, and the vegetables taste fresh."

Price: $5.49

If you don't mind doing a little prep, this spinach and cheese manicotti can become your new Italian comfort food. The 19-ounce container can feed at least two people, filled with 10 manicotti shells containing Parmesan, ricotta, and Romano cheeses.

Layer it with marinara sauce and add some cheese on top, and you'll have a quick and tasty dinner that's easy to bake in the oven. Like Facebook user Jenna Jeanette puts it, "Their manicotti is my 'lasagna' cheat code for when I don't wanna do the whole shabang...nothing beats it."

Price: $6.39

Is lasagna one of your comfort foods? If so, you're not alone. But you may be put off by having to pay $18.99 for a decent plate of your favorite dish at places like Carrabba's Italian Grill.

Enter Bremer lasagna. This generous 38-ounce tray contains pasta sheets layered with meat sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. It's a solid budget meal that can feed at least four people. Add extra cheese (there's no such thing as too much cheese), and your comfort food has never tasted better.

Price: $5.75

Do you want a protein-packed dinner that mimics restaurant-style quality and flavors without the price tag? Try this chicken breast stuffed with a blend of artichoke, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. All you have to do is heat and serve.

You can't go cheaper than 44 cents per ounce. To further refine the flavor, consider adding herbs or pizza sauce. Pair this mouth-watering dish with salad or pasta and enjoy.

Price: $4.39

A delicious wrap is a great option for breakfast or lunch. This 8.2-ounce tortilla is filled with spicy ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, and an Italian dressing that adds zest to each bite.

The price and portion of this wrap are unmatched by takeout options that usually cost upward of $15 for six ounces. Want another reason to try it? According to Reddit user Low-Maintenance8969, "The Italian wrap I'd buy again no problem; it was spicy and meaty and the Italian dressing on it is really good."

With these grocery budget hacks, you can enjoy restaurant-style foods from Aldi every time you feel like ordering takeout. Whether you pick an option for lunch or dinner, you'll love the great flavors and quality.

To get the most out of Aldi, consider shopping the Aldi Finds aisle for limited-time specialty items, like gourmet cheeses or international foods. While the quality of these products is comparable to high-end brands, they still come with the affordable prices you've come to expect from Aldi.