The pasta cooks right in the milk and broth, so its starch thickens the sauce and there's no colander to wash. Everything goes in one pot, it simmers for about ten minutes, and the basil and Parmesan go in at the end.
Ingredients and cost
Each cost is for the amount this recipe uses. Pantry items like oil, spices and soy sauce cost more on your first trip, then last for many meals.
| Ingredient | Price used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti1 lb | $1.38/lbBLS, Sep 2026 · priced as spaghetti and macaroni | $1.38 |
| Grape or cherry tomatoes2 cups, halved (¾ lb) | $4.16/lbUSDA, 2023 | $3.12 |
| Garlic3 cloves, minced | $0.06/cloveEstimate | $0.18 |
| Dried oregano1 tsp | $0.06/tspEstimate | $0.06 |
| Salt and black pepper1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper | $0.05/dishEstimate | $0.05 |
| Whole milk2 cups | $4.11/galBLS, Sep 2026 | $0.51 |
| Chicken broth2¾ cups | $0.07/fl ozEstimate | $1.54 |
| Fresh basil¾ cup leaves, torn (1 package) | $2.49/packageEstimate | $2.49 |
| Grated Parmesan½ cup (1¾ oz) | $0.50/ozEstimate | $0.88 |
| Total | $10.21 | |
| Per serving (serves 4) | $2.55 |
Directions
- Put the spaghetti (snap it in half if it doesn't fit), tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, milk and broth in a large pot or deep skillet.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn it down to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn't stick and the milk doesn't scorch, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the basil and Parmesan until the cheese melts.
- Let it stand 2 to 3 minutes to thicken, then serve with extra Parmesan if you have it.
Budget tips
- No fresh basil? Add 1½ teaspoons of dried basil with the oregano instead. That swap brings the whole pot down to about $7.80.
- Out of season, a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained, costs about $1.10 (USDA, 2023) against $3.12 for fresh cherry tomatoes.
- Two bouillon cubes and water cost about $0.26, against $1.54 for carton broth.
How we priced this recipe
- BLS, Sep 2026: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Price Data, U.S. city average, September 2026.
- USDA, 2023: USDA Economic Research Service, Fruit and Vegetable Prices, 2023 (the latest year published).
- Estimate: Food Butler estimate of a typical U.S. store-brand shelf price, October 2026. Neither BLS nor USDA publishes an average price for these items.
Your store's prices will differ. See all priced recipes.