Cheap Meal Ideas For Two

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And let’s be real, your wallet’s looking a bit thin after that *ahem* ‘essential’ online shopping spree, right? Don’t you worry your beautiful little head, friend, I’ve got your back.

We’re diving into a dish that’s so ridiculously easy and cheap, you’ll wonder why you ever paid $20 for pasta at a restaurant. Prepare yourself for the humble yet glorious **Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta** – with or without sausage, because options are a chef’s best friend!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s break down why this little number is about to become your new weeknight hero:

• **Budget-Friendly AF:** Seriously, your bank account will send you a thank-you note. We’re talking pennies per plate here.
• **Fool-Proof:** Even if your culinary skills peak at instant noodles, you’ve got this. **If I didn’t mess it up, you won’t either.**
• **Customizable Chameleon:** Veggie? Meat-lover? Picky eater? This recipe is a chameleon, adapting to your desires.
• **Speedy Gonzales:** From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those “hangry” moments when patience is a luxury.
• **Minimal Cleanup:** Mostly one pot, if you play your cards right. Your future self (who hates washing dishes) will thank you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your troops! These are the basic soldiers for your delicious dinner:

• **Pasta (8 oz for two hungry souls):** Any shape you fancy! Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are great as they hold the sauce beautifully.
• **Canned Crushed Tomatoes (14.5 oz can):** The unsung hero of many a cheap, delicious meal.
• **Fresh Spinach (a big handful or two):** Gotta sneak in those greens! It’ll wilt down to nothing, promise.
• **Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced):** Because everything’s better with garlic. Don’t even try to argue.
• **Onion (half a small one, diced):** Adds that foundational flavor. Try not to cry.
• **Cream Cheese (2-3 oz, full-fat for maximum happiness):** The secret weapon for luxurious creaminess without all the fuss.
• **Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling, optional but highly recommended):** Because cheese. Always cheese.
• **Olive Oil (a drizzle):** Just enough to get things started.
• **Salt & Pepper (to taste):** The OG flavor enhancers. Don’t skip them!
• **Optional: Italian Sausage (2 links, casings removed, crumbled):** For when you’re feeling fancy, or meaty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we don’t judge). Let’s get cooking!

1. **Boil That Pasta:** Get a pot of generously salted water boiling. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it. **Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water!** It’s liquid gold for your sauce.
2. **Sauté Time!** While the pasta is doing its thing, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. If you’re using sausage, add it now and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside.
3. **Aromatic Magic:** Add the diced onion to the same skillet (add a tiny bit more oil if needed). Cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic is a no-go.
4. **Sauce It Up:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. If it looks too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water here.
5. **Creamy Dreams:** Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and lusciously creamy.
6. **Green Power:** Add the fresh spinach by the handful. Stir until it dramatically wilts down into the sauce. If you cooked sausage earlier, stir it back in now.
7. **Combine and Conquer:** Drain your cooked pasta (if you haven’t already). Add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is wonderfully coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if you need a looser consistency.
8. **Season and Serve:** Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. You earned it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes, but some are easily dodged!

• **Not salting your pasta water:** This is a cardinal sin. Unsalted pasta water equals bland pasta. It’s like building a house without a foundation.
• **Overcooking your pasta:** Nobody wants mushy pasta. **Al dente is your friend!** A slight chew is what we’re aiming for.
• **Burning the garlic:** Garlic goes from fragrant to foul very quickly. Keep an eye on it and cook it just until fragrant, usually about 30-60 seconds.
• **Forgetting the pasta water:** Seriously, this stuff is liquid gold. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives it an amazing silky texture. Don’t toss it all!
• **Skimping on the cream cheese:** It’s literally the “creamy” in “creamy tomato pasta.” Don’t be shy; embrace the glorious fat!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Or just missing an ingredient? No worries!

• **No cream cheese?** A splash of heavy cream or even some full-fat Greek yogurt (stirred in *off* the heat to prevent curdling) can work, but cream cheese really is the easiest for that smooth creaminess.
• **Spinach haters, rejoice!** Swap spinach for kale (add it earlier to soften) or even frozen peas (toss in at the very end). Or just… don’t use greens. Your choice, rebel.
• **Vegetarian delight:** Skip the sausage entirely! Or add some cooked chickpeas, white beans, or sliced mushrooms for extra bulk and protein.
• **Different cheese?** Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or even a good quality feta can be swapped for Parmesan. Get adventurous!
• **Spice it up:** A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a nice, subtle kick. FYI, it’s totally worth it.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual) answers!

• **”Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?”** Well, technically yes, but crushed tomatoes give you a smoother sauce texture. Diced will be chunkier, so it just depends on your preference!
• **”Is this good for meal prep?”** Oh absolutely! It reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You might need a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.
• **”My sauce looks too thin, what do I do?”** Let it simmer gently for a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a tiny bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water (*carefully*) to thicken it. Or just embrace the saucy goodness!
• **”What kind of pasta is best for this?”** Honestly, anything with nooks and crannies to catch that luscious sauce! Penne, fusilli, rigatoni are excellent. Spaghetti works too, but can be a bit trickier to mix evenly.
• **”Can I add other veggies?”** Heck yeah! Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Just add them with the onion and cook until tender.
• **”I don’t have fresh garlic, can I use powder?”** You *can*, sure. About 1/2 tsp garlic powder for every clove. But fresh garlic is *always* superior for depth of flavor. Just saying.

Final Thoughts

See? You’re practically a Michelin-star chef now, but without the pretentious tiny portions or the crippling debt. This Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta is your new go-to for those nights when you want something satisfying, delicious, and incredibly easy on the wallet (and your effort levels, IMO).

Now go impress someone – or just yourself, which is arguably more important – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it, you magnificent cheap-eats connoisseur! Enjoy!