Whole Wheat Pasta with Easy Clam Sauce

Makes 3 servings

I love this recipe because it looks and sounds fancy but is so easy to make. It’s also incredibly satisfying and cheap. This recipe is a great fueler-upper since canned clams provide about 12g of protein and only 26 calories per ounce. Unlike some other whole grain options, whole wheat fettuccine is as cheap as they come, making this recipe realistic as a weekly dinner.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (canola oil is ok) -  one quart extra virgin olive oil runs about $5 at most grocery stores and will last you a long time
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped -  I like to buy pre-peeled cloves to make my life easier. Approximately $1.50 for one bulb
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped -  a little less than $1
• 10 oz canned clams in water -  $2.50-4 (see photo below)
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice -  a little less than $1 for a fresh lemon or $2 for a bottle that will last you a long time
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional) -  a cheap $3 bottle works fine
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional) -  $2.50 for a small jar
• 1 package whole wheat fettuccine -  $2
• 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese -  Approximately $4 for 8 oz. (Splurge on the real stuff, it’s worth it!)

Approximate meal cost: $10, which makes 3 servings at $3.33 each
Approximate cooking time: 20 minutes

My choice for canned clams, any brand will do

Boil water for pasta. In a separate large sauce pan, heat two tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped garlic and onions to pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions become lightly browned and translucent and garlic is soft. Add clams and clam juice from can. Add pepper, lemon juice, white wine and capers. Stir and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until wine taste has been diluted from the sauce. Drain pasta and combine with sauce from pan. Stir and serve immediately with grated parmesan cheese.