Dinner?

Sometimes we don’t have enough time in the day (ok most times) but there are weeks when we don’t buy/plan enough meals for one reason or another and end up ordering in just for convenience.  In an attempt to not do that, I've decided to utilize our pantry.

Last night I had planned to go to the grocery store but forgot we were picking up my mom's cat and I didn’t want to leave him in the car so I decided I would see if I would make a meal of the odds and ends we have at home.  Turned out to be one of my darlings new favorite meals and Bear gobbled it up too!

I made simple chicken parm, what "made" the meal was my 5 second attempt at red sauce when I realized we were out of the goodness in a jar we normally have.  I am listing the recipe below and will follow with a blog on “staple” items to keep on hand and what you can do with them last minute.

Quick Meal: Chicken Parm

Chicken Parm:

Thin sliced chicken breast (2 per person)

Italian Bread crumbs

1/4 Cup Milk

1 Cup Italian Cheese

Grated Parmesan (optional)

5 Second Sauce:

1 Can Diced Tomatoes

5 Fresh basil leaves (we have a garden)

1 Tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh or jar)

1 Box of Pasta - I buy the spaghetti called “pot ready” it’s shorter in length so it fits in the pot without getting spaghetti pieces all of over the kitchen.

Optional: Garlic Bread (I used leftover rolls/bread, sliced thin and stuck them under the broiler with butter and powdered garlic)

Turn your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.  Put ¼ cup milk in a bowl and bread crumbs on a place.  Dip each piece in milk then coat in the crumbs and place on the baking sheet.  Pop in the oven.

Put a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil, add pasta and follow box directions (usually about 10 mins).

While everything cooks, put the can of tomatoes, garlic and basil into a blender or food processor (we have a Ninja) and blend or pulse for 5 seconds. Pour into a sauce pan and let bubble on the stove to heat through (add salt if desired).

Pull out the chicken and top with the Italian Blend cheese and put back into the oven until melted and chicken is cooked through.  Drain your pasta and serve!