Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic Bread and Salad for a Family of Four

In today's world, feeding a family of four on a budget without compromising on taste and nutrition is a challenging yet achievable task. One such economical recipe that ticks all these boxes is the classic Italian dish, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, paired with homemade garlic bread and a simple green salad. This meal is not only budget-friendly but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti: $1.50
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: $1.00
• 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced: $0.50
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: $0.25
• Salt and pepper to taste: $0.10
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: $0.50
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): $1.50

For Garlic Bread:

• 1 loaf of French bread: $1.00
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: $0.50
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced: $0.25
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional): $0.10
• Salt to taste: $0.05

For Simple Green Salad:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped: $1.00
• 1 cucumber, sliced: $0.50
• 2 tomatoes, diced: $0.75
• 1/4 cup olive oil: $0.50
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: $0.25
• Salt and pepper to taste: $0.10

Total Estimated Cost: $10.85

Instructions

For Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley and, if using, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

For Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

For Simple Green Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, and diced tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio hot, with a side of garlic bread and the simple green salad. This meal not only satisfies the taste buds but also keeps your wallet happy. The combination of hearty pasta, flavorful garlic bread, and a refreshing salad provides a balanced meal that your family will love.

This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal. With basic pantry ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a feast that feeds a family of four for under $11. Enjoy your meal!