# Amazing Pasta for Less Than $5

Who says good food has to be expensive? This pasta dish is cheap, delicious, and ready in 20 minutes.

• Spaghetti (1 box): $1.50
• Canned tomatoes: $1.00
• Garlic (3 cloves): $0.20
• Olive oil: $0.30
• Parmesan cheese: $1.00

Total: $4.00 (feeds 4 people!)

For the pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water

For the sauce:

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Boil water with a generous pinch of salt.

Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes).

Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining!

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan.

Add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper.

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add drained pasta to the sauce.

Toss well, adding pasta water if too thick.

The starchy water helps sauce stick to pasta!

Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Serve immediately while hot.

• Buy pasta and canned tomatoes in bulk
• Store-brand tastes just as good
• Garlic keeps for weeks
• Use leftover Parmesan for other dishes

This base recipe works for variations:

• Add frozen vegetables ($1)
• Mix in ground beef ($2)
• Try different pasta shapes
• Add Italian seasoning

Eating well on a budget is totally possible!