The Best Pomodoro Pasta | Budget Friendly
Pomodoro Pasta is a classic, simple dish made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil, perfect for a budget-friendly meal.

This dish is simple, flavorful, and affordable, making it a perfect weeknight meal!

Here’s how you can make a version that feeds 4 people for under $10

Ingredients:
1 lb (16 oz) of spaghetti or any pasta ($1–$2)
1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes ($1–$2)
3–4 garlic cloves, minced ($0.30)
1/4 cup vegan butter ($1)
1/2 onion, diced ($0.40)
1 bouillon cube ($0.30)
2 tbsps sugar ($0.20)
2 tbsps nutritional yeast ($0.20)
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning ($0.20)
1 tsp crushed red pepper ($0.10)
Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)
Fresh basil (1 small bunch) or dried basil (optional) ($1–$1.50)
1/4 cup Parmesan ($1.50)

Total Estimated Cost: $9-$10

Directions:
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Drain and set aside.

Make the Pomodoro Sauce
In a large skillet or pan, heat butter over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes
Add in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes
Add your Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper, sugar and bouillon cube
Stir, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add nutritional yeast and Parmesan
Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
Add roughly 1/2 cup of pasta water
Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
Adding more of pasta water if too thick
Turn off heat
Serve with fresh basil

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