Print

Easy Budget-Friendly Loaded Pasta Bake Recipe Under 8 Dollars

budget friendly loaded pasta bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, affordable, and comforting pasta bake loaded with simple pantry staples, creamy cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) canned crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240g) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Stir in 1 cup (150g) frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  6. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Pour in 1 ½ cups (360ml) crushed tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes to blend flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and tomato-cheese sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  10. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
  13. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  14. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce cling better. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Can prep ahead and bake from fridge with extra baking time. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version. Substitute cheeses as preferred. Adding cooked meat or beans can increase protein and heartiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, budget-friendly, easy dinner, loaded pasta, cheesy pasta bake, quick meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-budget-friendly-loaded-pasta-bake-recipe-under-8-dollars/