Navigating meals on a budget is a skill that can be both rewarding and practical. It involves making thoughtful choices, finding creative ways to prepare delicious and satisfying dishes without overspending. By prioritizing staple ingredients, planning meals, and making the most of sales and discounts, you can savor a variety of tasty and cost-effective options that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. Meals on a budget not only save money but also open up a world of culinary exploration and resourcefulness in the kitchen.
Here is a budget-friendly recipe packed with flavor: Chicken and Tomato Penne Pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth (preferably organic)
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Method
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and add salt.
- Cook the penne pasta until it’s perfectly done, then drain and set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and becomes a pleasant golden color. Cut the chicken into strips and set it aside.
- Sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet for about a minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Add the chicken to this mixture and mix.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- If you like, top your Chicken and Tomato Penne Pasta with some grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy.
