The price of pasta varies considerably depending upon the brand. There is no need to buy the expensive imported brand. Any variety made with semolina flour will work just as well. condiments ...

Rotini are corkscrew-shaped pasta. If they are unavailable or priced higher than other pasta shapes, you can substitute bow tie pasta or even elbow macaroni with excellent and delicious results. bacon ...

Rich ricotta cheese can really add to the total cost of this lasagna. To save both money and calories, substitute an equal amount of small-curd cottage cheese, either full fat or reduced fat. cheese ...

Sun-dried tomatoes are least expensive when purchased dry instead of packed in oil. Keep them tightly sealed in a container with an airtight lid to keep them fresh for up to 12 months. cheese ...

If white wine adds too much to the grocery bill, substitute chicken broth, or simply omit the wine. Or, if you keep dry vermouth or cooking sherry on hand, either will work perfectly. cheese ...

This pasta dish is great for a crowd. Simply double the recipe using the full 8-ounce package of mushrooms, half-pint of cream, 16-ounce package of pasta and doubling the remaining ingredients. condiments ...

Buying a large wedge of Parmesan and shredding it as needed can be a cost savings. Choose a piece that has even color. If the cheese is darker around the edges, it has already dried out. cheese ...

You can turn the less expensive store-brand sausage into flavorful Italian sausage by mixing 1 pound of it with 1 tablespoon fennel seeds and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes. No one will notice the difference. ...

Depending on the time of year, zucchini squash can be more expensive than yellow or crookneck squash. Using yellow squash will save money and taste just as good in this dish. broccoli ...

Ricotta cheese gives these noodles a rib-sticking quality. However, to cut the cost, use small-curd cottage cheese instead. Choose low-fat cottage cheese and save calories at the same time. cheese ...

This Italian classic is great for using that last lasagna noodle in the box. Break the noodle into small pieces, then cook according to package directions. One noodle equals about 2 ounces of pasta. beans ...

Mostaccioli, or little mustaches, is one of the many varieties of tubular pasta. Look for other tube shaped pasta such as, ziti, penne or even elbow macaroni. Macaroni is likely to be on sale, saving you a little money. ...