In terms of cheapness as well as taste, I can’t see how your home-made pasta can win. In the first place, IK was under the impression that people ate instant noodles regardless of the knowledge that they are bad for you, simply because they taste good. After all, half a century has gone into making the “artificial-chicken-flavored water” taste good.

How bout jalapeno and tomato corn muffins?

Or you could stuff the jumbo jalapenos with big pieces of the tomatoes, roast that, then slice it and put the slices on top of toasted corn mini-tortillas, sprinkle with cheese and chopped cilantro, and broil it to brown the cheese on top

Some variation of this mini-quesadilla recipe looks nice to me – it’s attractive and fresh
http://janetishungry.blogspot.com/2008/09/crab-and-avocado-mini-quesadillas.html

http://www.grouprecipes.com/3334/jumbo-jalapeno-cheddar-rolls.html
You could make these rolls, slice them, put a slice of tomato on top and broil …

Some other ideas:
add tomato to these wild rice cakes?
http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/jalapeno-wild-rice-cakes

http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/jalapeno-and-shrimp-hush-puppies

This is unique – jalapeno and tomato chicken dip!
http://www.grouprecipes.com/1627/jalapeno-and-tomato-chicken-dip.html

Mini-chimichangas with potato — make small versions based on this recipe
http://www.great-salsa.com/mexican-appetizer-recipes-chimichanga-de-papas.html

Here are some other good ways to eat plenty of protein without spending much money:

Other canned fish, such as mackerel and salmon, contain a lot of protein for even less cost than canned tuna. For instance, in my area, several of the local dollar stores carry canned mackerel for $1. Each 15 ounce can contains FOUR servings that each provide 14 grams of protein.

Eggs are an excellent source of protein for little money. My local Aldi store is currently selling eggs for 88 cents/dozen. One large egg has 6 grams of protein. At this price, 3 eggs would provide 18 grams of protein for 22 cents.

Chicken is a good source of protein. The most recent time I bought chicken, I bought it at Marc’s for 39 cents/pound. That’s a VERY low price on chicken, but it’s not unusual to be find whole chickens on sale for 89 cents/pound.

Beans and rice, eaten together, or at least on the same day, add up to complete protein. Cook your own rice, soak dry beans and cook them, and you’ve got great protein for very little money.

Stronglift.com has a list that reminds me that MILK is a good source of inexpensive protein. The same article lists 9 other cheap sources of protein, and provides body-builders a meal plan for more than 200 grams of protein a day. Most people don’t need anywhere near that much protein, though. Between 60 and 90 grams of protein a day should be enough.

NutritionData.com has a Daily Needs Calculator that takes into account your personal situation for guidance about how much protein you may need, as well as calorie recommendations, vitamins, and minerals.