passionate penny pincher recipes
Healthy Recipes

Passionate Penny Pincher Recipes

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

  • 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

  1. 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. 
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Dice the cucumber and halve the grape tomatoes.
    • Slice the Kalamata olives and dice the red onion.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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

  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in the Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup? 

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

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!

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