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).