Tomato Basil Pasta is a classic, affordable, and delicious meal that's easy to make, even on a tight budget. Perfect for college students or anyone looking for a tasty homemade dish with simple ingredients. Plus, you can add optional ingredients to level up the flavor while keeping it budget-friendly!
Shopping List
For this recipe, you will need:
- 300 g (about 3 cups) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you have) - $0.65
- 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes - $0.85
- 1 onion, diced - $0.40
- 2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.10
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you can splurge) - $0.15
- Salt and pepper to taste - $0.05
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) - $0.10
Optional budget-friendly extras:
- Grated cheese (parmesan or any cheese you like) - $0.50
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick - $0.05
- Fresh basil leaves (if you find some on sale) - $0.30
- A pinch of sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes) - $0.01
Preparation
- Cook the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the tomato basil sauce:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including the liquid). Stir in the dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if using. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors blend together.
- Toss the pasta with sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce, tossing until well coated. Let it cook for another minute or two so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Serve:
Plate the pasta and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with grated cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information (for the basic recipe, without extras)
Per Serving (serves 3):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~8 g
- Fat: ~8 g
- Carbohydrates: ~54 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
Price per Serving
Based on estimated costs, the total price for the entire Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is around $3.75, making it about $1.25 per serving! Here's a quick breakdown of the main ingredients' cost:
- Pasta: $0.65
- Canned diced tomatoes: $0.85
- Onion: $0.40
- Garlic: $0.10
- Dried basil and seasonings: $0.20
- Olive oil: $0.10
Optional extras will add a little more to the cost, but even then, it’s still budget-friendly!
Why This Recipe Rocks
Tomato Basil Pasta is the perfect recipe for when you're short on time and money. It’s super customizable with pantry staples and cheap ingredients you likely already have. You can also toss in leftover veggies, sausage, or chicken if you want to get creative!
