Name: Bowties and Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz. pasta ($1.00); 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets ($1.69); 3 Tbsp butter ($0.30); 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan ($0.31); Salt to taste ($0.05); Freshly cracked pepper to taste ($0.10); 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional) ($0.05)

This insanely simple dinner "cheat" is ready in minutes and will keep you full for hours. Bowties and Broccoli is my go-to lazy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

12 oz. pasta ($1.00)

1 lb. frozen broccoli florets ($1.69)

3 Tbsp butter ($0.30)

3 Tbsp grated Parmesan ($0.31)

Salt to taste ($0.05)

Freshly cracked pepper to taste ($0.10)

1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional) ($0.05)

Instructions

1 Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta. Boil until the pasta is al dente (7-10 minutes). Add the frozen broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water, turn off the heat, and let sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander.

2 Transfer the pasta and broccoli back to the pot (with the heat off) or to a bowl and add the butter. Toss until the butter has melted and coated everything. Add the Parmesan, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes, then toss to coat again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.