Noodles are almost always cheap. If you watch the sales, you can get them on buy one get one free sales which can lower the cost to less than 50 cents a pack. But who wants to eat spaghetti day in and day out? Here's an idea to use those spaghetti noodles and add some veggies to your diet too. This meatless cheap dinner is a favorite in my house. If you have a family of meat eaters you can add canned chicken or chunky ham to this recipe.
Pasta and veggies
Cook one bag of spaghetti, cook one bag of frozen veggies.
Make a white sauce for the veggies.
White Sauce
1 c. milk or Half and Half
2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Bring the milk to a simmer in a 2-quart saucepan over moderate heat. In a small bowl, blend the butter and flour together with a spoon to form a smooth paste.
Using a wire whisk vigorously beat the butter-flour mixture, 1 rounded teaspoonful at a time, into the hot milk.
Cook, stirring constantly, over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and thick.
Season with the salt and pepper. Makes 1 cup.
Add Parmesan cheese or substitute chicken broth for half of the milk to add more flavor
Add white sauce to the veggies then lightly toss with the spaghetti.
Costs: Veggies, $1.00; Spaghetti, .80; milk, .50; other ingredients assumed to be on hand. Total Costs: $2.30
See other inexpensive meal ideas
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