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Easy Budget Spaghetti Recipe Feeds 10 Under 12 Dollars Perfect for Crowds

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A simple, frugal, and delicious spaghetti recipe perfect for feeding a crowd of 10 people quickly and affordably using pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry spaghetti
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, avoiding browning.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup broth. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  4. While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta but do not rinse.
  5. Toss hot pasta with sauce in the skillet or pasta pot. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Save a cup of pasta water before draining to loosen sauce if needed. Simmer sauce low and slow for best flavor. Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water. Can be adapted with added vegetables, proteins, or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe, crowd feeding recipe, affordable pasta, quick spaghetti, simple spaghetti sauce

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