Name: Budget Pasta Recipes Under $2 Per Serving No Fail
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) Spaghetti or Linguine ($1.00); 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($0.50); 6 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced ($0.25); 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat) ($0.05); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast ($1.50); 1 tsp Salt (plus more for pasta water) ($0.05); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper ($0.05); 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or 1 tbsp Dried Parsley ($0.20)

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) Spaghetti or Linguine ($1.00)
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($0.50)
6 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced ($0.25)
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat) ($0.05)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast ($1.50)
1 tsp Salt (plus more for pasta water) ($0.05)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper ($0.05)
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or 1 tbsp Dried Parsley ($0.20)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is “al dente”—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This water is the secret ingredient for your sauce. Drain the rest of the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics – While the pasta boils, place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and the sliced garlic. Cook the garlic slowly for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the garlic to turn a pale golden brown and smell fragrant, but do not let it burn or it will turn bitter. Add the red pepper flakes during the last minute of sautéing to infuse the oil with a gentle heat.
Step 3: Create the Emulsion – Turn the heat under the skillet to low. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water. Whisk the oil and water together vigorously until they combine into a slightly cloudy, shimmering liquid. This emulsion is what coats the pasta perfectly without making it feel greasy.
Step 4: Toss and Incorporate – Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the oil and garlic. Use tongs to toss the noodles thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and parsley. If the pasta looks too dry, add more of the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.
Step 5: Plating – Twirl the pasta into deep bowls using a large fork or tongs. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cheese or a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.

Cook Time: 15 minutes