I received a box that included a pound of penne pasta, a can of green beans, a small container of Kraft Parmesan cheese, a bottle of McCormick California Style Garlic Powder and Prego Tomato Basil and Garlic Sauce. With these ingredients to be used, I began thinking of the different ways I could use them. Based on the ingredients on hand, I went with a dinner that could go together quickly and without the need to refer to a recipe. Not that hard to do since a large portion of the meal was made up of products that were provided by Prego.
I decided that I would use some Pillsbury Bread Sticks that I had on hand and seasoned them with the Garlic Powder and sprinkled each with the Parmesan cheese. Then just to make them more interesting, I "tied" them into mini knots, and baked for about 12 minutes. The seasoning was very flavorful and could be used in many different ways, but if you don't like garlic go a bit lighter on this one. Everyone in my family enjoyed these quite a bit. They were also delicious dipped in the Tomato Basil sauce.
Next, I decided that I'd cook up the pasta and heat the tomato sauce in a separate pan so that we could each add the amount of sauce we like. Everyone has a different preference in my family, and that's a simple thing to accomodate. I also like to add chicken or some other protein to dinner each night. So, I used two chicken breasts and sliced them into very thin pieces. I liberally seasoned them with my favorite Italian seasoning - Tuscan Sunset from Penzey's. After a saute in extra virgin olive oil, they were cooked up in no time at all.
With only the addition of some bread sticks and chicken, this was a complete dinner for a little over $10. Everyone enjoyed each part of it. The sauce was delicious, even though it was slightly sweeter than others that we frequently purchase. I was even told by My Boys that they liked it so much, we should have this meal again. I'm sure I'll accomodate them since it was a simple dinner to make and it made everyone happy. You also can't beat the price!
13 comments:
It is always nice to have a free meal!
What an interesting concept.
What a fun challenge. And yummy results!
It was definitely an interesting challenge... as I don't use a ton of prepared ingredients that often. I was curious how the sauce would taste, and was pleasantly surprised... turns out my family liked it as well.
With the economy looking rather grim, it is nice to be offered something FREE and delicious! I've been away from the US for so long, I did not know Pillsbury had bread sticks "giggles"
A bargain meal that also sounds delicious. Can't beat that!
I got the value pack also. I'm going to get mine up sometime soon.
See-we really are reading each other's minds! PB cookies and Prego value packs too!
I love having leftovers to send for Josh's lunch! Looks like a great dinner...and lunch the next day!
That is such a great idea, to turn the breadsticks into knots. I wouldn't have thought to do that. That's what I call Crayola Creativity at work!
Dinner for just over $10 is definitely a steal - especially since it gave you lunch the next day!
Impressive bargain in today's economy! I'm thinking this was a success!
Yah Patsy,
Mine is in the mail as we speak. I can't wait to make some fun things. It looks like a great pack. Your recipe looks really yummy!
I love your garlic knots! Great idea!
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