Stretching a grocery budget? This creamy pasta bake feeds four for under $6 and tastes like something from Grandma’s kitchen. Boil one box of pasta (penne or rotini work great). Mix with one jar of marinara sauce, a splash of milk, and a half cup of shredded cheese.

Toss in a handful of frozen peas or leftover cooked veggies. Pour it into a baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs (optional), and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

The result? Warm, cheesy, comforting goodness. You can make it vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed with a few tweaks. Add canned tuna or shredded chicken if you want more filling. Kids love it. Adults go for seconds.

And it’s the kind of dinner that smells amazing while it bakes. It also keeps well for leftovers—if there are any. Cheap, cozy, and crowd-pleasing: this pasta bake is the weeknight MVP you’ll want on repeat.