Cost of living: The 'cheap and cheerful' 30p pasta dish made using M&S ingredients

As the nation feels the serious pinch of the cost of living crisis, people are frantically trying to slash their bills across all fronts. There are numerous groups on social media where people share money-savvy ways of getting by.

The ‘feeding a family on £1 a day’ Facebook group is no exception. There you can find some of the cheapest recipes around, which are great for those on a budget.

One of the most recent dishes looks delicious – a tasty pasta recipe which includes ingredients from Marks and Spencer. And better yet, it works out to ‘about 30p a portion!’

Pasta is known for being cheap and delicious

Natalie Maxwell said: “This is very cheap and cheerful and my little boy loves it! Literally any kind of pasta (Aprox 20p) and a can of Marks & Spencer‘s cream of tomato soup 55p. You can make a big pan for at least 2 to 3 portions. Add veg and meat / cheese if required although my boy just likes it like this.”

It must be a scrumptious meal as the comments section erupted with people vouching for it. “It’s also great as creamy version and add either tinned chicken or mushroom soup. Or make as a pasta bake. A couple of packets of crisps crumpled over the top. Topped with mozzarella and cheddar. Bake over until it’s brown. Great meal,” said Angelika Bickerton.

Claire Barnett seconded Natalie, adding her child adores the dish. She said: “My kid loves this too, usually with a bit of grated cheese. I’ve been looking for ways to add more protein to it but he doesn’t like frankfurters. Might see if he likes it with a bit of shredded chicken left over from a roast.”

And Joanne Newsons added that she takes this recipe one step further. She commented: “Love this with tuna mixed in. (Sounds not so great but I promise it’s divine!) If I’m really going to town I add finely chopped onion and red bell pepper which I fry off slightly with a good measure of cracked black pepper and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper!”