Shrimp isn’t usually an ingredient that’s on my list when I’m trying to save money but it’s a family favorite and it’s a great break from chicken. Last week I was able to get a pound of tail-on, cooked, medium-sized, frozen shrimp for $7.99 to make Shrimp Pasta.
Ingredients
1/2 pound medium shrimp (that was about 4 per person for a family of 5)
1 cup chopped cooked chicken (optional, I had leftovers from a roasted chicken dinner earlier this week)
Box of pasta (I used whole wheat penne)
2 TBS of fat (I save chicken fat but butter would work)
2 TBS of flour
2 1/2 cups of milk
1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese plus some for finishing (I use the pre-shredded bagged variety)
1 TBS of Old Bay (or to taste)
1 tsp of red pepper flakes (optional if you like spicy)
- Peel and/or detail shrimp if necessary.
- Steam shrimp (if not cooked).
- Cook pasta.
- In a medium saucepan, melt fat and whisk in flour. Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to just a boil and then simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add Old Bay, Parmesan, and pepper flakes.
- Toss meat, pasta, and sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Serve with a veggie or salad.
Cost breakdown
Shrimp…$4
Pasta…$1.50
Parmesan cheese…$2.50
(Everything else I used was negligible or from my pantry stock)
Total…$8.
