This one’s for the pasta lovers! Whether it’s a busy school night or a lazy weekend meal, nothing beats a cheesy, saucy tomato pasta dish that feeds the whole crew. And the best part? You can make this using just a few simple staples from your $25 trolley.
At Lighthouse Care, we believe every family deserves hearty meals without the hefty price tag—and this one’s a crowd-pleaser that proves it.
What You’ll Use from Your $25 Trolley:
- 250g Good Food Fusilli Pasta (half a pack)
- 2 tbsp Good Food Tomato Paste
- ½ cup Four Farms Garden Peas or Corn
- ½ pack Stir Fry Vegetables (chopped small)
- Salt, pepper & mixed herbs (if available)
- Grated cheese (optional if you have it)
Method – Step-by-Step:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
- Add 250g (half the pack) of fusilli pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a large frypan, heat a splash of oil on medium heat.
- Add 1 cup of chopped stir fry vegetables and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and a splash of water to loosen it into a sauce.
- Add ½ cup of peas or corn and stir through.
- Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and mixed herbs if you have them.
3. Combine & Bake
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Pour everything into a baking dish.
- If you have cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Bake in the oven at 180°C for 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Dish up hot, straight from the oven. Add a side of toasted bread if you’ve got some left!
Lighthouse Tip:
Want to make it even heartier?
If you purchased the $20 Meat Pack Add-On, try this:
- Beef Mince: Brown 250g in the pan before adding veggies in Step 2. Adds protein and richness.
- Diced Ham: Stir through ½ cup with the pasta for a smoky-sweet hit.
- Chicken Sausages: Cook, slice and layer on top before baking for a rustic twist.
This dish is easy to stretch double the pasta, add more veggies, or serve with a salad to feed more mouths.
Stay tuned for more simple, tasty recipes coming your way from Lighthouse Care.
Let us know how your meal turned out or share your meal own inspiration by tagging @lighthousecare on social media.
