Archive for the ‘PASTA’ Category
Bowtie Pasta with Fresh Tomato and Basil
July 27, 2016 Lee
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Bowtie Pasta with Fresh Tomato and Basil

This sounds really good! But I will add an optional ingredient of cooked shredded chicken. On my to try list.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams bowtie pasta, OR any bite size pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1-1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped, optional

Instructions
 

  • First, cook the pasta according to the package directions until the pasta is tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and then set it aside for just a couple of minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and yellow pepper to the pan and cook an additional 6-7 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, tomato mixture, basil, pepper, salt, and cooked chicken if using that. Lightly mix the ingredients using a large spoon. Then, gently stir in the mozzarella cheese until the cheese begins to melt and becomes very flavorful. Serve with a green salad.

Notes

Easily under $1 per serving, even with the chicken.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
One-Pot Pasta Curls with Bacon and Tomato
July 24, 2016 Lee
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One-Pot Pasta Curls with Bacon and Tomato

The name is deceptive, make this with any meat you have, chicken, pork, or beef. This sounds really good.
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Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 5 slices bacon, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 250 grams spiral pasta, OR any bite size pasta
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, finely chopped, 565 gram can, retain juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • salt, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a heavy-bottom pan, brown the bacon in a little olive oil. Once the bacon bits are brown, transfer them into a bowl and set this aside. In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 30 seconds. Add the minced garlic and cook a further 30 seconds. Add chicken stock. Use your spatula to gently scrape the bottom of the pan (OR use a non stick pan).
  • Finely chop the can tomatoes and juice (or use tomato puree) and add into the pan. Bring this to a boil and add the pasta. I used pasta curls but you can use any pasta you like.
  • Give everything a good stir, reduce the heat and simmer this for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked. The sauce would have thickened slightly as well from the starch that was released when the pasta was cooking. If the sauce is too tart, add a little sugar to balance the flavor.
  • Turn off the heat, season with salt (if needed), chili flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the bacon on the pasta and top with chopped parsley, as well as grated Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Minimal costs, easilly under $1 per serving. Now if you want to start adding chicken, pork or beef, yes the costs go up.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Penne Chicken Alfredo
July 23, 2016 Lee
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Penne Chicken Alfredo

Sounds delicious! On my to cook list for sure. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams Penne pasta, cooked per instructions, or any small pasta
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine, OR use chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • chicken stock, additional for thinning if required
  • Parmesan cheese, extra for topping
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until deep golden brown on both sides and done in the middle. Remove from the skillet, slice into thin strips, and set aside. Let the chicken rest to reabsorb liquids.
  • Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around the pan to avoid burning, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in wine (or broth), then let it bubble up and reduce for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add milk, cream, and extra salt and pepper as desired, whisking constantly until it's all combined. Allow liquid to heat up and thicken for a few minutes. If it gets too thick, you may thin it with a little chicken broth.
  • When the sauce looks good, remove it from the heat. Add Parmesan to the pan, then throw the hot pasta right on top of it. Toss it a bit. Add the chicken and continue tossing until it’s all combined. Again, if it gets too thick, splash in a little broth (you may return the pan to low heat if it needs it.)
  • Taste it, adjust seasonings, and top with minced parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Notes

Chicken breasts run anywhere from 60 to 75 Baht/kilo. 4 breasts should be less than that. The cheese would be about 150 to 180 Baht for 3/4 cup. This comes to about $1.25 per serving for 6 servings, less for 8 servings. Over all, not a bad cost.
Shortcut: Heavy Cream.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,PASTA
One-Pot Creamy Barbecued Pulled Chicken Penne With Cherry Tomatoes
July 23, 2016 Lee
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One-Pot Creamy Barbecued Pulled Chicken Penne With Cherry Tomatoes

Sounds like a great pasta dish. This recipe assumes you have already made the Smoky Barbecued Pulled Chicken, recipe link is in the steps.
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups BBQ pulled chicken
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 250 grams dry Penne pasta, OR any bite sized shaped pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 3/4 cup cream, OR milk
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, saute diced onion for a few minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and diced red pepper and stir to mix.
  • Add the chicken. Recipe is here http://thailand1dollarmeals.com/recipe/smoky-barbecued-pulled-chicken/
  • Once mixed, add the chicken stock and cream. Bring this to a boil and add the pasta. Give the pasta a stir. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember to give the pasta a stir occasionally. If the water level is too low, add a little more chicken stock. The starch in the pasta will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  • Once the pasta is tender, the dish is ready. Season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve the pasta, topped with cherry tomatoes, Italian parsley, chili flakes if desired, and Parmesan.

Notes

Well under $1 per serving since the chicken was cooked in another recipe.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
One-Pot Garlic Black Pepper Chicken Pasta
July 23, 2016 Lee
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One-Pot Garlic Black Pepper Chicken Pasta

Sounds really good! I like everything about this recipe. I had to put anchovies on my shopping list, I have seen many pasta dishes that ask for this to make a great sauce.
Print Recipe
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons all purpose flour
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 250 grams fresh mushrooms, sliced, King Oyster, Shiitake, Straw mushrooms, etc
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets
  • 1/2 cup white wine, OR use chicken stock
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 500 grams spaghetti, or pasta of your choice
  • coursely ground black pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken with salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Toss with a little flour. In a pot or large skillet, brown the chicken in batches in a little olive oil. Once the chicken pieces have been browned and cooked through, transfer them into a bowl. Set them aside.
  • In the same pot or skillet, add a little more olive oil. Saute the garlic over medium heat for about 30-40 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the red pepper and stir to mix. Add mushrooms and the anchovy fillets. Mush the anchovy fillets – they will disappear into the sauce and impart the most amazing savory flavor to the dish!
  • Return the chicken into the pot or skillet and stir to combine. Transfer all the ingredients from the pot into a bowl. Set this aside.
  • Add white wine (or replace with the same quantity of chicken stock if you want to omit wine) into the pot. Bring this to a boil. Using your spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the pan to dislodge the brown bits of flavor. Add the additional chicken stock, bring this to a boil then add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, turn the heat to low and cover the pot. The pasta will cook and soften. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is done.
  • Return the ingredients into the pot, add more black pepper if you like, and toss to combine. Sprinkle chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

Chicken breasts run anywhere from 60 to 75 Baht/kilo. 4 breasts should be less than that. This is about $1 per serving for 4 servings. Very reasonable and inexpensive meal. I need to locate anchovies so I can better price this.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
July 22, 2016 Lee
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One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Pasta in a cheese sauce with chicken? I am in! This is a must try. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 600 grams chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, or thighs, cut into bite size pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream, OR make from a shortcut
  • 500 grams dry Penne pasta, OR any bite sized pasta
  • 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and in a skillet, brown the chicken in a little olive oil. There is no need for the chicken to be cooked through as it will be cooked with the sauce later.
  • Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the chicken stock, cream, and pasta, mix this and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally, if the liquid is reducing, add a bit more stock and cream.
  • When the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper as desired, garnish with parsley if desired, serve.

Notes

Chicken will run 60 to 75 Baht/kilo, you will need just 600 grams of chicken for this. Parmesan cheese on the other hand is about 280 Baht/200 grams. For 4 servings, this comes out to about $2.35 per serving. High cost for a good meal, much higher than our standard of $1 per serving. Maybe not a recipe to put on the weekly planner but sounds great on the monthly planner.
Shortcut: Heavy Cream.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,PASTA
One-Pot Spaghetti With Chicken Parmesan
July 22, 2016 Lee
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One-Pot Spaghetti With Chicken Parmesan

Sounds really good, and I really like on pot dishes.
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Seasoning for the Chicken

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2-3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Ingredients

  • 500 grams chicken breasts, OR thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 can tomatoes, chopped, reserve the juice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder, OR water
  • 350 grams pasta, Spaghetti, Penne, or Sprial would work well
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken with items listed for chicken seasoning, Toss to combine and coat the chicken. Cook the chicken in large pot in batches, in a little olive oil until brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  • In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, saute the onion for a minute or two to soften them. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Open the can of tomatoes, I use Brook brand whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice, drain the juice into the pot, chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot. Add the chicken stock or the water, bring to a boil. Add the pasta then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, time will vary so keep an eye on the pasta, stirring once ever so often, until the pasta is cooked.
  • When the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and add the Parmesan cheese and mix until combined, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Pour this into a large serving dish, top with the chicken and garnish with parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve.

Notes

Chicken breasts run anywhere from 30 to 38 Baht/500 grams. Easily less than $1 per serving for 4 servings. Very reasonable and inexpensive meal.
Provided by The Domestic Goddess Wannabe and the link to this recipe is here.
Singapore.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Pasta Shells with Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
July 7, 2016 Lee
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Pasta Shells with Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Sounds really good, on my to cook list!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 400 grams fresh brussel sprouts, OR frozen, they would work also, thawed
  • 1 cup chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 red onion, diced, or just go with a small yellow onion
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 250 grams medium pasta shells, OR just go with Penne pasta
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and diced

Instructions
 

  • Cut the brussel sprouts into quarters from the top to the step, set aside.
  • In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon each butter and a splash of olive oil over moderate heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and just done, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut into small pieces.
  • In the same pan, heat the a splash of olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Brussels sprouts, stock, and red-pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook covered, until the Brussels sprouts are just done, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon juice, parsley, Parmesan, and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove from the heat.
  • In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain and toss with the sauce. Serve.

Notes

Chicken would cost about 40 Baht, everything else is low cost or on hand, easily well under $1 per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Cheddar Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta
June 30, 2016 Lee
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Cheddar Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta

Sounds great! This is a must try and seems easily tailored to your liking. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams Penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • spring onions, chopped, green and white parts, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water until done, drain, set aside.
  • Meanwhile, cook the the bacon in a large non stick pan until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside. In the same pan, add the chicken, butter, and salt and pepper to your liking, cook until no pink remains.
  • Add the flour to the chicken and stir and cook for a few more minutes. Add the ranch dressing mix and the milk. Stir and cook for a few more minutes to make nice sauce. Remove from heat and add the bacon and stir to combine, then add the cheese stir to combine, then add the pasta and stir to combine. Plate and sprinkle with chopped spring onions for garnish. Serve.

Notes

Two chicken breasts is minimal, well under $1 per serving without even doing the math.
Variants: Include adding some yellow or red diced bell pepper, or even some fresh mushrooms, this dish screams of using sliced Shiitake mushrooms.
Shortcut: Dry Ranch Dressing Mix.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Mike Early.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Skillet Lemon Chicken Pasta I
June 29, 2016 Lee
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Skillet Lemon Chicken Pasta I

This sounds very easy, one pan to wash, and sounds tasty, on my to cook list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 3 cups dry Penne pasta
  • 5 cloves garic, smashed and minced
  • 3 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 lemons, medium size, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, more if you like cheese
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese, OR Cottage cheese made from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup spinach, loosely packed, sliced thinly
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced, for garnish, optional
  • olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat a splash of olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Toss in chicken and saute until just browned. Stir in chicken broth, water, and uncooked pasta to pan. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low. Cover the pan and cook on low for about 12-15 minutes, stirring pasta with tongs often so it does not stick to bottom of pan. Remove cover when pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed and allow to simmer for 5 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, parsley, basil, Parmesan and Ricotta cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and garnish with lemon slices and additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Notes

Chicken breasts will run about 35 Baht/500 grams. This is easily less than $1 per serving.
Shortcut: Cottage Cheese.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA