Love our recipes? Show your support by following us — pretty please!🥺
FOLLOW ON PINTEREST
Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Quick and Easy One-Pot Pasta for Busy Weeknights
Hey, busy moms, broke students, and anyone who’s ever agonized over dinner decisions, this one’s for you! Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack: this creamy, dreamy one-pot pasta. It’s the perfect savory solution that satisfies without breaking the bank. Surprise your tastebuds with a meal that’s Under $2/serving! Yes, you read that right.
Why You’ll Love It
- Under $2/serving!
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Zero fancy kitchen gear needed
- Leftovers are even better the next day
- Easy to meal prep or double for later
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
💸 Want Free Cash Instantly?
Get paid up to $5,000 per offer for testing games, apps, and surveys. Over 140,000+ offers available now — with instant cashouts by PayPal, bank, crypto, or gift cards. Top users earned $6,000+ last month!
- Earn money for playing games (Dice Dreams, Clash of Clans, Netflix, TikTok…)
- Surveys, free trials, and more
- Instant withdrawals — PayPal, crypto, Visa, and more
- Over 201,000+ Trustpilot reviews (4.6/5 stars!)
Sign Up Free — Earn Your First Cash in Minutes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy base.
- Add the pasta, season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is al dente—around 10-12 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure pasta is covered and cooking evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Make Money While You Cook — Real Gigs That Paid Me
ChatJobs: Get Paid to Chat (No Experience Needed)
Earn up to $50/hour just chatting for companies like Amazon, TikTok, and Netflix. No phone calls, no video, and no sales required—just easy chat support jobs you can do on your phone or laptop. Gigs fill fast—apply now!
SocialPaid: Turn Scrolling Into Cash
Get paid $25–$50/hr posting memes, replying to DMs, and testing new features for brands on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. No followers needed—work from your phone, even while dinner simmers.
WritingJobs: Paid to Write from Anywhere
Earn $40–$100/hr for writing simple blog posts, reviews, or product descriptions. No degree or portfolio needed—just basic typing skills. Reader win: “Last week, one reader got her first paycheck in 3 days after signing up. Real talk!”
Keeping It Real
- This recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when time and ingredients are short but you still crave something hearty and homemade.
- While your pasta cooks, you can multitask — whether that’s folding laundry or earning some quick money with side gigs.
- Turn your evenings into productive sessions where you accomplish more, maximize your downtime, and still enjoy an incredible meal.
