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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Who says gourmet meals have to cost a fortune? This Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Pasta is rich, flavorful, and tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant—yet it costs just $3 to make!
The sweetness of slow-cooked caramelized onions, paired with savory mushrooms and a luscious pasta sauce, creates a dish that feels indulgent yet budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or just need a cheap, easy meal, this recipe will impress!
🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Cheap & Delicious – Costs less than $1 per serving!
✔ Deep, Rich Flavor – Caramelized onions add natural sweetness & umami.
✔ Easy & Fancy – Feels gourmet but requires no special skills.
✔ Meatless & Budget-Friendly – Perfect for vegetarians or a cheap meal night.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
🛒 What You’ll Need
This dish uses basic pantry staples and affordable fresh ingredients.
Main Ingredients:
✅ 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) 🛒 How to choose the best budget pasta
✅ 2 large onions, thinly sliced
✅ 8 oz mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced
✅ 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
✅ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
✅ ¼ cup pasta water (for silky sauce!)
✅ Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
👉 Want extra richness? Stir in 1 tbsp heavy cream or cream cheese!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
1️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add sliced onions and ½ tsp salt, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until onions turn deep golden brown.
4️⃣ If onions start to stick, add 1 tbsp water to prevent burning.
💡 Pro Tip: The slower you cook onions, the sweeter they get!
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms & Garlic
5️⃣ Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
6️⃣ Stir in garlic, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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- Frugal living hacks
- Budget-friendly meal ideas
- Creative side hustle tips
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Step 3: Boil the Pasta
7️⃣ While the onions & mushrooms cook, boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
8️⃣ Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
Step 4: Combine Everything
9️⃣ Toss cooked pasta into the pan with the onion-mushroom mixture.
🔟 Stir in ¼ cup pasta water to coat the pasta in a silky sauce.
🔟 Add more butter or olive oil for extra richness.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
🔟 Plate the pasta and top with Parmesan cheese & fresh herbs if desired.
🔥 Want extra flavor? Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice before serving!
💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pasta (8 oz) | $1.00 |
| Onions (2 large) | $0.75 |
| Mushrooms (8 oz) | $1.00 |
| Butter/Oil & Spices | $0.50 |
| Total Cost: | $3.25 (~$1 per serving!) |
🛒 Save more by:
✅ Using store-brand pasta & butter.
✅ Buying mushrooms in bulk & freezing extras.
✅ Skipping cheese or using nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
🍽️ What to Serve with Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Pasta
Pair this rich pasta with simple, budget-friendly sides:
🥗 Simple Side Salad – Homemade dressing ideas
🥖 Garlic Bread – Best easy garlic bread recipe
🍷 Cheap but Good Wine Pairings – Budget-friendly wine guide
❓ Common Questions
Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Yes! This works well with fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even egg noodles.
👉 Guide to choosing the right pasta shape
Can I Make This Vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap butter for olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Can I Add Protein?
✔ Chicken or Sausage – Sauté diced chicken breast or Italian sausage.
✔ Chickpeas or White Beans – Add extra protein for cheap!
✔ Eggs – Top with a soft-poached egg for extra richness.
How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.
👉 Best ways to store & reheat pasta
🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Pasta & Mushrooms
💡 Want to save even more? Try:
✔ Aldi & Walmart – Best deals on dry pasta & fresh produce.
✔ Farmers Markets – Often have cheap, locally grown mushrooms.
✔ Costco or Sam’s Club – Great for bulk pasta & onions.
🔗 More money-saving grocery tips:
🌟 Final Thoughts: Fancy, Fast & Cheap!
This Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Pasta proves that fancy meals don’t need a fancy budget! With simple ingredients and deep, rich flavors, it’s the perfect quick, cheap, and satisfying dinner for any night of the week.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
📌 Loved this dish? Pin it for later!
🔗 More budget-friendly meal ideas:
- 25 Cheap & Easy Pasta Dishes
- How to Cook Gourmet Meals on a Budget
- 10 Quick & Affordable Weeknight Dinners
