Italian on a Budget

I made a delicious dinner tonight for less than $3 per serving (if the math is too much for you, that is a complete dinner for less than $20!).  And, honestly I am not talking about a box of dry pasta and a jar of sauce!  Chicken with Mushrooms, Creamy Orzo Pilaf and Fresh Steamed Broccoli.   I used chicken thighs, on sale for a mere $2.99 per lb.  Boneless, skinless thighs are packed with flavor, easy to cook and although, slightly higher in calorie than white meat, so worth it with the extra flavor and texture!
I am a believer in making a side dish with as much attention as the main dish.  Sides on a plate should not be an after thought.  The creamy orzo side with the fresh steamed broccoli set this chicken dish to a higher level.
Both of these recipes are easily switched up to taste.  Add some green pepper to the chicken or switch up to a Greek twist with oregano and olives in the chicken.  The only rule for tonight's dish-1 cup orzo to 2 cups liquid, beyond that have fun!


From the Shop 'n Save Sale Flyer:
chicken thighs
chicken broth
diced tomatoes
fresh mushrooms
fresh broccoli
garlic
sour cream (I didn't see this in the flyer but noticed it marked down in the store!)

Pantry Items:
Spices
Flour
Orzo Pasta
Butter
Onions (sweet and red onions on sale; but I used simple yellow onions)
Grated Parmesan
Olive oil
Dry white wine-you could use water, I just happened to have on hand-oh yea, that is right, I always have open wine on hand :)


Chicken with Mushrooms
printable recipe

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 T. All Purpose Flour
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 T. olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 tsp. minced garlic
3/4 c. dry white wine or water
1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 cups sliced white mushrooms
Grated Parmesan

In a medium bowl combine the flour, salt and pepper.  Dredge the chicken pieces, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a heavy bottom skillet.
Brown chicken, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from pan and set aside.
Add onions and garlic to the pan and saute until soft.

Add the leftover flour from the chicken dredge to the pan.  Stir to combine.

Add wine and and cook until absorbed.

Stir in tomatoes, broth and spices.

Add mushrooms and nestle the chicken down into the pan.

Simmer uncovered 20-30 minutes until cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with grated Parmesan sprinkled on top.


Creamy Orzo Pilaf
printable recipe

1 medium onion, chopped
2 T. butter
2 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper
1 cup dried orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
2 T. sour cream

Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Add the onion and basil.  Saute until onion is soft.

Add the orzo pasta.  Toast pasta for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the chicken broth.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cover pan.

Cook for 15 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the sour cream.