Day 2 - January 2, 2014: Pasta with tuna, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini

So, here's hoping that today's meal will actually be under $10... fingers crossed!

-1 package of pasta (I used a package of rotini and farfalle, both of which were half empty, and mized them): $1.00 (the store had a sale; 10 for $10 a while ago and I stocked up)
-1 can of tuna: $1.49 (I don't remember what I spent on this particular can, but, according to TJ's website, this other can of tuna (skipjack) is $1.49, so we'll go with that)
-1 can of garbanzo beans: $1.19
-1 zucchini: $0.50
-a couple of handfulls of cherry tomatoes: $2.00
-a shot of white wine: $0.40
-1/4 yellow onion: $0.20
-parmesan or romano cheese: $0.50
-s+p, evoo, various spices: negligible

Grand total: $7.28

Now, we're getting somewhere :o)

Recipe:
Cook pasta according to directions.  Sauté chopped onion in a little evoo, then add drained tuna.  If you like, throw in a little garlic, too.  Sauté for about a minute by itself, then add cut-up zucchini and a splash of white wine.  Cover and let steam for a few minutes to soften zucchini.  Add drained+rinsed garbanzo beans and tomatoes.  At this point, I added Italian herbs and salt+pepper.  Sauté for another minute or two, then toss everything with the cooked pasta.  Grate cheese on top and serve, like this:

Verdict:
Everyone loved it.  The kids ate it as is, my husband added smoked paprika spice to his, and I sprinkled some crushed red pepper on mine.  And there were leftovers.  My husband will take lunch tomorrow and my daughter will see her leftover portion as a cold noodle salad in her lunchbox when she gets to camp.  Dinner for 4 and lunch for 2, all under $8.00.  Yes!