Budget Stretcher
A hearty, budget-friendly tomato and spaghetti dish with simple flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying all the family on a budget.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil water, add chopped onions, tomatoes, and seasonings until onions are tender.
- Add broken spaghetti and cook until tender.
- Serve hot; tastes even better the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions in olive oil before adding them to the boiling water. You can substitute broken spaghetti with any short pasta like rigatoni for a different texture. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, toss them in during cooking for extra depth. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs beautifully with an Italian cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light side salad to complete the meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Italian steak.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors develop even more after a day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Budget Stretcher contains roughly 191 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2071mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Just make sure to cook them down until they break apart and form a sauce-like consistency before adding the spaghetti.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you're looking for a vegan option, just ensure that any additional seasonings or toppings are plant-based.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make it more filling, consider adding cooked beans like cannellini beans or lentils for protein. You could also mix in cooked ground meat or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. These additions will complement the flavors well and create a more substantial dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).