Welcome to the ultimate guide to Passionate Penny Pincher recipes! Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a cozy dinner, or looking for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this article has you covered. We’ll explore two fantastic recipes: Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad and Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. Both dishes are perfect for any occasion and will impress your family and friends.
Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad
Introduction
Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with the comfort of pasta. It’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a satisfying dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients meld together to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing salad.
Ingredients from Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes
- Grilled Chicken: 1 pound, cut into bite-size pieces
- Orzo Pasta: 1½ cups uncooked
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: 6 oz jar, drained
- Cucumber: 1½ cups diced
- Grape Tomatoes: ½ pint, halved
- Kalamata Olives: ½ cup, sliced
- Feta Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled
- Red Onion: ¼ cup, diced
- Greek Dressing: ¾ cup (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Orzo:
- Bring a pot of water with salt to a boil.
- Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the cucumber and halve the grape tomatoes.
- Slice the Kalamata olives and dice the red onion.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo, grilled chicken, marinated artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Pour Greek dressing over the salad and toss to combine.Modify the amount of dressing according to your taste preference.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
Reviews
- Sarah J.: “This Mediterranean salad is a hit every time I make it. The flavors are vibrant and it’s so easy to prepare!”
- Mark R.: “I love how versatile this recipe is. I’ve used leftover grilled chicken and it still turns out fantastic.”
Community Tips and Praise for Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes
- Anna L.: “Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.”
- Jake M.: “If you want to make it a bit more filling, add some chickpeas.”
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup from Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes
Introduction
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight that rivals the popular restaurant version. Made in a slow cooker, it’s a perfect meal for chilly days and is remarkably easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Butter: ½ cup
- Yellow Onion: 1½ cups, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 6 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Evaporated Milk: 2 cans (12 oz each)
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: 5 cups
- Broccoli Florets: 5 cups (fresh or frozen, cooked and drained)
- Dried Thyme: ½ tsp
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup
- Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 12 oz
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 oz
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Roux:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté diced onions until transparent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Pour the roux mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add chicken broth, cooked broccoli, and dried thyme.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover and cook on high for 2½–3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with homemade bread or bread bowls.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Reviews
- Lisa P.: “This soup is creamy and flavorful, just like the Panera version but with a lot less hassle.”
- Tom K.: “My family loved this soup! It’s so easy to make and perfect for a cold day.”
Community Tips and Praise
- Emma B.: “For a keto-friendly version, replace the flour with cream cheese or arrowroot powder.”
- David S.: “Pair this soup with a crisp salad for a balanced meal.”
FAQs of Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in the Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup from Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes ?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just make sure to cook and drain it properly to avoid excess liquid in the soup.
Can I make the Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better after it has been chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
How can I store leftovers of the Broccoli Cheese Soup?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and add extra dressing if needed.
Conclusion of Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes
Both the Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad and the Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup are excellent additions to any meal plan, providing delicious, comforting, and budget-friendly options. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also versatile and loved by many. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a potluck, these dishes are sure to impress.
Try these recipes and experience the joy of cooking with affordable, flavorful ingredients. Happy cooking and enjoy your meals!
Enjoy Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes.
