Linguini is that pasta that goes well with so many sauces. Personally, I prefer it over spaghetti. I mean, it’s great with white sauce, butter and pesto, red sauce and especially with meatballs.

Speaking of marinara or red sauce, I have a recipe for you that is so simple and easy, you’ll never use jar stuff again. Well, never say never, I still use jar for my pita pizzas, but don’t tell anyone. Pita pizza night is usually under a time crunch and marinara sauce does take some time to cook. BUT….it’s all worth it! You’ll see.

Linguini with Turkey Meatballs and Homemade Marinara Sauce:

Meatballs:

1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey – $1.99
1 egg – $.33
1/2 cup crushed crackers (saltine or butter) – $.35
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce – pantry
1 Tbsp dried italian seasoning
2 tsps garlic powder – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry

Sauce:
1/2 a yellow onion, finely chopped – $.30
1 large can crushed or diced tomatoes – $.79
1 small can tomato sauce – $.25
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated – $.50
1 Tbsp Canola or Olive oil – pantry
1 1/2 Tbsp minced or crushed garlic – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
2 Tbsp Dried Italian herb mix (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram and Thyme) – pantry
1 Tbsp Dried Onion – pantry
1 tsp sugar – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry
1 tsp red chile pepper (optional) – pantry

Pasta:
1 package Linguini – $1.25

COST: $5.76

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. While oven is heating, prepare meatballs and cook linguini.

Cook linguini per package. Make sure and add a tsp or so of salt to water and cook to al dente. Do not overcook.

Mix ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, egg, crushed crackers, garlic powder, dried onion, italian herb mix, salt and pepper. Roll mixture into meatballs and place in baking dish greased with canola or olive oil. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.

While meatballs are baking, prepare sauce.

Heat a good size sauce pan over moderate heat. Add oil and chopped onion. Cook a few minutes. Just till onion is transparent. Add garlic and stir. Cook for just a minute or so. Add crushed tomato and tomato sauce, herbs, sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder and parmesan cheese. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and add baked meatballs. Fold balls into sauce, carefully. Continue simmering for 15 mins.

Cheesy Puffs:

3/4 cup flour – $.25
3/4 teaspoon baking powder – pantry
3/4 cup whole milk – $.50
1 egg, lightly beaten – $.33
1/2 cup cheddarella cheese, shredded – $.50
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – $.50
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil – I didn’t have any, so I used a little dried
1/4 tsp salt – pantry

COST: $2.08

Reduce oven to 375.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder. Mix in the milk and egg. Stir in shredded cheese and parmesan. Let sit while you grease muffin tin.

Pour batter into greased muffin cups. Bake 15 minutes, then top each with a brush or two of melted butter (optional). Return to oven for 5 to 10 mins more or until golden brown.

Serve linguini with a big ladle of sauce and at least 3 meatballs per plate. Sprinkle with a little more parmesan and add some steamed veggies ($1.75). Don’t forget the cheesy puffs. Those little things are so simple, but so yummy!

GRAND TOTAL: $9.59