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 ...

Use leftover fettuccine for a second meal. Place pasta in a greased baking dish. Combine 2 eggs, 1 cup peas and 2 cups cottage cheese; spread over pasta. Bake at 350°F until set, about 30 minutes. cheese ...

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 ...

You can easily turn this macaroni side dish into a budget-stretching one-dish meal. Simply add 1 cup chopped ham, 1/2 cup corn kernels and 1/2 cup peas in step 2. Mix well and bake as recipe directs. bread ...

Canned clams are available minced, chopped or whole. Whole clams are the most tender but also the most costly. You can save money and use minced or chopped clams with equally good results. condiments ...

Saving money when serving shrimp is easy: the smaller the shrimp, the lower the price. For the best budget stretcher, you can use popcorn shrimp and serve this Italian favorite over linguine. garlic ...