Introduction to Inexpensive Weeknight Cooking
Boxed pasta is an easy sell for so many reasons. For starters, you can find it just about everywhere. Even the tiniest grocery or camp store in the teeniest, out-of-the-way town is bound to stock it. It’s also really easy to prepare (just boil!) and even without a cookbook to guide you, pasta is incredibly versatile, lending itself to sauces and condiments — whatever happens to be stacked on a pantry shelf or needs to be used up in your refrigerator.
The Economic Advantage of Pasta
But perhaps most important in these trying economic times, that humble package of spaghetti, linguine or fettuccini is super inexpensive. That makes it a logical choice for budget-minded cooks who want to dish up something they know will satisfy friends or family while also saving a buck or two at the checkout counter. I know I’m continually on the lookout for deals when I’m pondering what to make for dinner, and you probably are, too. Cruising grocery store aisles in 2025 not only can fill shoppers with dread but also make them angry at how prices have soared for just about everything.
One-Pot Pasta: A Budget-Friendly Option
Which is a roundabout way of explaining how this one-pot pasta dish made with a 99-cent box of spaghetti became the lead in my latest dinner for two for $15 or less. Store-brand spaghetti is always a bargain. When a box is on sale for under a dollar (or just 25 cents per serving), that’s even better because it means adding a little bit of meat to the menu won’t feel like such a stretch. It also allows a few precious budget dollars for a seasonal appetizer to start the meal and a homemade dessert to finish.
Preparing a Fresh Spring Salad
With farmers markets still few and far between (many don’t open until June), I used half of a 5-ounce box of arugula and spinach mix that cost just $2.89 at my favorite grocery chain as the base for a fresh spring salad. For color and crunch, I added a handful of cherry “snacking” tomatoes ($2.29 for an entire container), and half of a 69-cent cucumber. The tangy citrus dressing made with fresh lemon, Dijon mustard and extra-virgin olive oil was cheaper still, with enough left over for at least two more meals.
Adding Protein to the Meal
To make adding ground beef to the simple tomato paste-based sauce more economical, I purchased a 3-pound package (it’s always cheaper to buy in bulk) and tucked the 2 1/2 pounds I didn’t need into the freezer for future meals. I also added a big handful of fresh mushrooms — just 85 cents for half a box — to give the sauce a little more heft. Two strips of bacon add a nice, slightly smoky twang.
Dessert on a Budget
At a time when a single box of cookies or pint of gourmet ice cream can cost $5 or more, I was delighted to find a fudgy, to-die-for brownie recipe online that cost roughly the same as a king-sized candy bar ($2.24). Made with pantry ingredients, the simple batter is baked in ramekins instead of a pan, and only serves two. But wow, is it ever good! It’s also easy to whip it up on a moment’s notice to tame a case of the munchies on movie night.
Total Cost and Savings
Total cost for this easy, breezy, satisfying meal for two: $14.30. That’s less than a burger or plate of nachos at most fast-casual restaurants, and I even had some leftovers for lunch. Don’t forget: Shopping your pantry and fridge before going to the store helps save money and cuts down on food waste. For this meal, that included garlic (which I always have on hand), mustard, honey (from my beekeeping niece) and vanilla and cocoa for the brownies.
Easy Spring Salad
This nutritious spring salad features a mix of baby spinach and spicy arugula tossed with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan for an umami finish. It’s lightly dressed in a citrusy homemade vinaigrette.
- 2 generous handfuls of arugula and baby spinach mix
- 1/2 cup sliced cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cucumber or green apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- For dressing: Juice 2 fresh lemons, 1 small garlic clove, grated, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Weeknight One-Pan Pasta with Meat Sauce
This one-pan pasta dish is on the meaty side, so even though it’s meant to serve just two, you probably can stretch it to also include lunch for one the next day. I used 80/20 ground beef and smoked bacon and baby bella mushrooms.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, trimmed and chopped
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- Table salt and black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces 80/20 ground beef
- 1 8-ounce can tomato paste
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Ramekin Brownies for Two
What a great recipe! It’s so easy to make and hits all the right notes — gooey in the middle, crispy around the edges and so chocolatey.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Conclusion
In conclusion, one-pot spaghetti is a versatile and budget-friendly option for weeknight cooking. By adding a few ingredients like ground beef, mushrooms, and bacon, you can create a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. And with the addition of a fresh spring salad and a rich dessert like brownies, you can have a complete meal for two for under $15.
FAQs
- Q: What are the benefits of using boxed pasta for weeknight cooking?
A: Boxed pasta is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and versatile, making it a great option for budget-minded cooks. - Q: How can I make one-pot pasta more economical?
A: Buying ingredients in bulk, like ground beef, and using pantry staples can help reduce the cost of the meal. - Q: What are some tips for shopping on a budget?
A: Shopping your pantry and fridge before going to the store, buying in bulk, and using coupons can help save money and reduce food waste. - Q: Can I customize the one-pot pasta recipe to suit my tastes?
A: Yes, you can add your favorite ingredients, such as different types of protein or vegetables, to make the recipe your own. - Q: How long does it take to prepare the one-pot pasta meal?
A: The meal can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for weeknight cooking.
By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
