A few weeks ago, the appliance repair guys were here to finally (finally!) repair the refrigerator light. It broke during the move in August and we have had no light in the refrigerator since then. I think it was just about six weeks all told. I hated every time I opened the refrigerator, peering into the dark space trying to figure out what was there, what wasn’t there, and where everything was. I nearly kissed the appliance guys with joy when they repaired the light. Cue the chorus of angels, a round of Hallelujah was in order.
While they were fixing the light, they commented on how full the fridge was. I get that alot, and it never fails to puzzle me. I mean, isn’t that the point? Houseful of people, therefore we need food and drink. And the frequent cooking certainly adds to its fullness. But I will admit, it was a little fuller than usual. Even for us. And so began my little challenge.
I decided I was going to forego any upcoming trips to the grocery store for as long as I could, in an effort to use what I had on hand first. It seems like it’s all too easy to run out and buy ingredients for a new recipe, instead of being creative to use what’s already there. Today is Day 10, and I have only spent $7.38 at the grocery store since I began, deeming Diet Coke, Snapple and milk necessities. Hey, a family has needs!
While I was making my way through the freezer last week, trying to see what we had available, I spied a package of chicken tenderloins and a container of homemade marinara sauce. And then I remembered a recipe for Chicken Parm that I had just seen in a magazine. A plan quickly came together. The recipe was actually part of an ad for Prego pasta sauce. What I liked about it is that this version was slightly different in that the chicken isn’t breaded at all, so it’s not only making a faster version, it’s healthier to boot. Using the tenders also sped up the recipe too. Honestly, as soon as the spaghetti was done, dinner was ready. A healthy, homemade dinner using ingredients I had on hand, that was kid-friendly to boot … that’s my kind of meal.
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Recipe courtesy of Campbell’s Kitchen
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 6
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 cups Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce OR Prego® Organic Tomato & Basil Italian Sauce (I used homemade marinara sauce)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (4 to 6) (I used boneless chicken tenderloins)
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)
Stir 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese into the pasta sauce in a small bowl.
Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until it’s well browned on both sides.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, turning to coat with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Top with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Hey this seems like the perfect recipe for me to make and reheat all week! I’ll add it to my file. It looks great. I love using stuff I already have on hand. Thanks for sharing – it looks delicious!
I actually had an intense craving for chicken parm over pasta just the other day. I ended up making chicken marsala instead because my brother can’t (won’t?) eat tomatoes. But the craving is still there. This recipe is exactly what I need!
I love the idea of this challenge. I only grocery shop for items I need that week for a given set of recipes, so I don’t really have stuff sitting in the fridge to be able to do this (this is what happens when you cook for one) but it seems like so much fun!
I love skillet chicken parm — so easy and so fast. It’s a favorite here when the weather starts to get chilly out.
My mom always comments when she visits that we have so much food in the freezer and pantry….this from a woman who never has anything!lol
Anywho I have also been trying to be better about using up so stuff…good luck to use both!
Thats my kind of recipe too! By the time I get home from work, spend time with my dog and running around getting done what needs to be done I like fast and easy recipes. I love that challenge you’ve given yourself too! I may just have to try that.
I love chicken parmesan and finding a great easy recipe will come in handy!
Yum! Great recipe. Thanks!
Ours is full too. Funny I started trying to do the same thing. Too out several packages of mystery food from the black hole (aka the freezer) on Sunday.
Oh well, the chickens enjoyed some of it because I don’t know what possessed me to freeze it in the first place.
Ramona
i’ve been trying to use what i have on hand too, my “pantry” is getting a bit out of control :) this looks delish!
What’s the point of having a fridge if there’s nothing in it? Cate, I’m so glad to see someone else has a fridge that looks like mine. My hero accuses me of not being able to fit a business card in ours.
Karen
Yum! Good recipe ;-) Don’t feel bad, my fridge looks like that too… it’s so full it takes reservations…
Yum, that looks really good. My fridge is never full! The top two shelves are usually filled with water bottles, water pitcher, beer, a few bottles of wine, and either milk or orange juice, but other than that, I really don’t have too much else in the fridge!
this chicken parmesan is making me hungry :)
Sounds delish! I love chicken parm, it was always my favorite growing up.