Meijer Money-Saving Meal: Chicken Parmigiana

A special thanks to Rachel for putting this budget meal together!

Chicken Parmigiana with Garlic Green Beans

• 4 Tyson chicken patties (approx $1.50)
• 1 box Meijer pasta ($.59)
  Try to choose one with "lines" as the pasta sauce will stick to the noodles better. Look for any short cut pasta with "rigate" meaning "ridges."
• 1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers green beans ($.29)
• 1 jar PREGO sauce ($1.03-$1.36)
  I like to use varieties with meat or basil.
• 4 oz Sargento Mozzarella or Italian Blend Cheese ($0.81)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 small handful brown sugar
• fresh ribboned basil (optional)

Total price for meal: approximately $4.21 for 4 servings

1. Finely chop or grate all 3 cloves of garlic. 1 clove will be used on the green beans, and the remaining 2 will be for the sauce.
   
   
2. Finely dice the onion.
   
   
3. In a large sided skillet, add about 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chopped onions on medium heat. Allow them to begin to break down and become translucent. Add 2 cloves chopped garlic. Once these have had a chance to cook, add the jarred sauce. Stir in the brown sugar. I like to use brown sugar because it has molasses in it, giving the sauce a richer flavor. Simmer on low until the remainder of the meal is ready to serve.
   
   
4. In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. "Fry" up the Tyson chicken patties. I like to start them DEFROSTED to avoid the spatter! Once these are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil.
   
   
5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt your water when it comes to a boil. This is the ONLY chance you have to flavor the pasta itself.
   
   
6. Cook Green Giant green beans according to package directions. In the same skillet that the chicken patties were cooked, add about 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining 1 clove garlic. Allow butter and garlic to come together. Toss in the green beans, turning heat to low.
   
   
7. The meal is ready to come together. Plate chicken patty, topped with sauce and cheese, green beans, and pasta, topped with more of the sauce. Remember to top with cheese immediately, so it melts down over the sauce.
   
   
8. OPTIONAL: roll a few fresh basil leaves and chop them into "ribbons" to toss onto the meal for a beautiful finish!