Easy and Affordable Pasta Recipes Under $2 Per Serving

Pasta is a beloved dish that doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover three delicious pasta recipes that are budget-friendly, each costing less than $2 per serving. Whether you’re craving a classic tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, or a simple aglio e olio, these recipes are perfect for a satisfying meal without overspending.

Key Takeaway:

Enjoy restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home for a fraction of the cost with these budget-friendly recipes under $2 per serving.

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1. Marcella Hazan’s Classic Onion Butter Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) peeled Roma tomatoes
• 1 whole onion, peeled and halved with root intact
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, a small pinch (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomatoes (with juice), onion halves, butter, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and crushing tomatoes against the pan.
3. Remove onion and adjust salt to taste. Serve over cooked spaghetti or bucatini.

Cost per Serving: Approximately $1.60 (without cheese).

2. Shockingly Affordable Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 1 lb fettuccine or other wide noodles

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Turn off heat and whisk in Parmigiano-Reggiano until smooth. Add garlic, black pepper, and salt to taste.
3. Toss cooked noodles with sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to emulsify if needed. Serve with extra cheese and black pepper.

Cost per Serving: Approximately $1.80 (without additional toppings).

3. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 7 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in heavily salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Add drained spaghetti to the pan with hot oil. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
4. Season with salt and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Cost per Serving: Approximately $1.50.

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Taste Test:

Each pasta dish offers unique flavors that rival restaurant quality:

• Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce: Simple, yet rich and balanced with a hint of sweetness from the onion.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, perfect for a satisfying meal.
• Aglio e Olio: Bold flavors of garlic and red pepper flakes with a fresh parsley finish.

These recipes prove that cooking delicious pasta at home doesn’t have to be expensive. Embrace simplicity, use quality ingredients, and enjoy homemade pasta that’s both affordable and flavorful.

Now, pick your favorite recipe, gather your ingredients, and start cooking delicious pasta dinners that won’t strain your wallet!