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Chicken Pasta Family Dinner

craig — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 01:48:46 +0000

Easy-Peasy Chicken Pasta: A Family Dinner Favorite

Are you looking for an easy chicken pasta dinner recipe that your whole family will love? Look no further than our Easy-Peasy Chicken Pasta! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a meal quickly without sacrificing flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hot and satisfying meal on the table in no time. All you need is some penne pasta, frozen breaded chicken patties, alfredo sauce, broccoli, and a few pantry staples like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.

Measuring out ingredients accurately is key to making any recipe a success, and the OXO Good Grips 6 Piece Measuring Cup Set is a great tool to help you do just that! Use the cups to measure out the perfect amount of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for our chicken pasta recipe, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced and delicious meal every time. With easy-to-read markings and a comfortable grip, these measuring cups are a must-have for any home cook.

To start, you’ll cook the penne pasta according to the package directions, adding some salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll thaw the frozen chicken patties in the microwave and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You’ll also thaw some frozen broccoli florets and chop them into small pieces.

Once the pasta is cooked, you’ll combine it with the alfredo sauce, broccoli, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Then you’ll pour the mixture into a baking dish and top it with the chopped chicken pieces. Finally, you’ll sprinkle a mixture of parmesan cheese and Italian seasoned bread crumbs over the top and bake the dish in the oven until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

I highly recommend using the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Plastic Mixing Bowl Set to make this Chicken Pasta Family Dinner recipe. These bowls are durable and have a non-slip base that stays put while you mix. They’re also stackable for easy storage and come in three different sizes to fit all your mixing needs. Plus, the wide lips make pouring ingredients a breeze. Trust me, you’ll love using these bowls for all your cooking and baking needs.

One of the things we love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. For example, you could use a different type of pasta, add some extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap out the alfredo sauce for a tomato-based sauce. You could also try using different seasonings to give the dish a different flavor profile.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe makes several servings and can be easily portioned out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s also a great option for freezer meals. Simply assemble the dish up until the point of baking, then freeze it for later. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw the dish and bake it in the oven as usual.

Overall, our Easy-Peasy Chicken Pasta is a family favorite that we turn to time and time again when we’re in need of a quick and easy dinner. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Plus, with its versatility and meal prep potential, it’s a dish that will never get old. Give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious and easy our Chicken Pasta Family Dinner can be!

Easy-Peasy Chicken Pasta

This easy and comforting pasta dish combines tender penne pasta, fully cooked breaded chicken, and chopped broccoli florets in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Topped with a crispy layer of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, this quick and satisfying dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Baked in a 13x9 baking pan, this homemade chicken pasta is an ideal comfort food option.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword 13x9 baking pan, alfredo sauce, breadcrumbs, breaded, broccoli, chicken pasta, chopped, comfort food, crispy, easy pasta recipe, frozen chicken, fully cooked, garlic powder, golden-brown, homemade, italian seasoning, olive oil, oven baked, parmesan cheese, penne pasta, quick dinner recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Cost $15

Equipment

1 6 qt Dutch Oven
1 13x9 Baking pan
1 Cutting board

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties
2 15oz jars alfredo sauce
12 oz frozen broccoli florets
salt
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Boil water and cook 1 lb penne pasta per directions on box/bag. Don't forget to add a few dashes of salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and some olive oil.
1 lb penne pasta, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, olive oil
Meanwhile, thaw 4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties in the microwave using the thaw function for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties
While chicken is thawing, run the frozen 12 oz frozen broccoli florets under warm water until thawed. Chop the florets into small pieces, any size you want. Set aside.
12 oz frozen broccoli florets
Combine 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Add 2 tbsp melted butter and mix well so the bread crumbs are evenly saturated.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter
Once 4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties are thawed, chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties
Combine cooked penne, 2 15oz jars alfredo sauce, chopped broccoli florets, garlic powder, Italian seasoning into a large bowl and mix well. Pour mixture into a 13x9 baking pan. Top with chopped chicken, then the breadcrumb mixture.
1 lb penne pasta, 4 frozen fully cooked breaded chicken breast patties, 2 15oz jars alfredo sauce, 12 oz frozen broccoli florets, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Place in oven and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are evenly browned.

Notes

Be sure to boil the penne pasta until it's al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, to avoid overcooking it.
Thaw the frozen chicken patties before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. You can use the microwave's thaw function for this.
Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces of any size you want to ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the dish.
Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese with melted butter to create a delicious, crispy topping for the dish.
Mix the cooked penne, Alfredo sauce, broccoli, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning well before pouring into the baking pan. This ensures that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Top the mixture with the chopped chicken and breadcrumb mixture before baking in the oven.
Bake the dish at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are evenly browned.
Enjoy this easy-to-make and delicious Easy-Peasy Chicken Pasta recipe for a quick and tasty meal. Don't forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!

If you’re looking for another budget friendly family meal, check out my Asian-inspired Fried Rice recipe. It is sure to amaze your tastebuds.

The post Chicken Pasta Family Dinner appeared first on Struggle Meals.

Asian-inspired Fried Rice

craig — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:47:55 +0000

Easy Ground Beef and Vegetable Asian-inspired Fried Rice

Are you always on the lookout for easy, family-friendly meals that everyone will enjoy? Look no further than this Asian-inspired Fried Rice recipe! Not only is it quick and simple to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutritious veggies. When it comes to dinner time, gathering around the table as a family is so important. Not only does it give everyone a chance to catch up on their day, but it also provides an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal together. My own family absolutely loves this recipe, and my kids always ask for seconds!

To make things even easier, I like to cook the rice ahead of time in my rice cooker. It’s a great investment if you don’t already have one, as it takes the guesswork out of cooking rice perfectly every time. Once the rice is done, it’s easy to keep it warm until you’re ready to mix it in with the stir-fry.

To start the Asian-inspired Fried Rice, I first add 16 oz of frozen mixed vegetables to a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. I then add a dash or two of soy sauce and heat the vegetables until they are no longer frozen. It’s important not to overcook them, or they’ll become too soft. Once they’re heated through, I drain the vegetables and set them aside.

Next, I heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, I season 1 lb of ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and soy sauce. Once the oil is hot, I add the beef and cook it until it’s browned and cooked thoroughly. I leave the grease in the pan, as it adds flavor to the dish.

Then, I add the vegetables to the ground beef and continue to cook until the vegetables are cooked through. In a separate small skillet, I heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of fat from the ground beef over medium heat. I crack 3 eggs into the skillet and scramble them, being sure not to let them stick. Once the eggs are cooked, I add them to the ground beef and vegetables.

Finally, I mix in 4 cups of cooked long-grain white rice, several dashes of soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of stir-fry sauce. I stir everything together until it’s well mixed, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

And that’s it! My Asian-inspired Fried Rice is always a hit in my household, and I hope you’ll give it a try too. It’s a perfect example of a struggle meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. And with the rice cooker, it’s even easier to prepare ahead of time. Happy cooking!

Asian-inspired Fried Rice

This quick and easy Asian-inspired Fried Rice recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Made with fluffy rice, savory ground hamburger, and a colorful mix of vegetables, this dish is bursting with flavor. The addition of soy sauce and a delicious stir fry sauce adds a depth of umami taste to the dish. Whether you're looking for a comforting dinner or a tasty leftover dish, this Fried Rice recipe is sure to satisfy.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Keyword Beef, Fried Rice, Ground Beef, Rice, Sauce, Soy, Stir-fry, Vegetables

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

Author Craig Sharp

Cost 10

Equipment

1 Rice Cooker

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 or 85/15
4 cups Cooked Long Grain White Rice
Soy Sauce
16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables
3 tbsp Stir-Fry Sauce
3 Eggs Scrambled
Salt
Pepper
Onion Powder
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Prepare Frozen Vegetables: In a saucepan, add 16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables and enough water to cover them. Add a dash of Soy Sauce and heat until thawed. Be careful not to overcook. Drain and set aside.
16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Soy Sauce
Brown Ground Beef: Heat 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Ground Beef and season with Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, and Soy Sauce. Cook thoroughly and do not drain the grease for added flavor.
1 lb Ground Beef, Soy Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder
Cook Vegetables with Ground Beef: Add the thawed mixed vegetables to the wok or skillet with the cooked ground beef. Continue to cook until the vegetables are fully cooked.
1 lb Ground Beef, 16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Scramble Eggs: In a separate small skillet, heat 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil and 1 tbsp of ground beef fat over medium heat. Crack 3 Eggs into the skillet and scramble until cooked. Add the scrambled eggs to the wok or skillet with the cooked ground beef and vegetables.
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil, 3 Eggs
Add Rice and Sauces: Combine the cooked Long Grain White Rice with the cooked ground beef, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Add several dashes of Soy Sauce and 3 tbsp Stir-Fry Sauce. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
1 lb Ground Beef, 4 cups Cooked Long Grain White Rice, Soy Sauce, 3 tbsp Stir-Fry Sauce, 16 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Serve: Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Salt, Pepper

Notes

To save time, you can use leftover cooked rice for this recipe.
You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork, or use diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
If you prefer your vegetables to be crispier, you can reduce the cooking time or stir-fry them instead of boiling.
For a spicier version, you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the dish.
This recipe is also great for meal prep as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later use.
You can serve this dish with additional soy sauce, sriracha, or hoisin sauce on the side, or garnish it with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor and color.
Be careful not to overcook the eggs, or they will become dry and rubbery.
Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste, and feel free to add more vegetables or protein to the dish for a heartier meal.

The post Asian-inspired Fried Rice appeared first on Struggle Meals.