Monday Budget Meals: Baked Pasta

Like we mentioned last week, the Wisconsin Test Kitchen is doing our "Baby Meals on Wheels" service for the next four weeks. One of the dishes we always make is our baked pasta; because it's creamy, satisfying and inexpensive to make.

Plus, this is the perfect dish to make when you can't decide between red or white pasta sauce- because it uses a jar of each!

Baked Pasta

1 16oz box penne pasta
1 16oz jar Alfredo sauce
1 24oz jar marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Once pasta is finished, drain and pour into a large bowl with marinara and Alfredo sauces. Add a few shakes of grated Parmesan cheese.

Once all ingredients are well combined, pour into prepared baking dish, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is warmed through and cheese is melted on top.

Cost Breakdown:

Pasta: $1.19 per box
Marinara Sauce: $3.00
Alfredo Sauce: $3.00
Mozzarella Cheese: $3.96

Total Cost: $11.15
Cost Per Serving (6 servings): $1.86

When it comes to fast, easy and inexpensive weeknight meals- it doesn't get much better than this. We hope you enjoy this budget meal as much as we do!

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew