What's For Dinner? 7 Meals of the Week!
Recipes in this Video
Chicken Parmesan, or Pollo alla Parmigiana, hails from Southern Italy, where it was originally made with veal. This dish embodies the Italian tradition of transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal, often served with pasta or a salad. Today, Chicken Parmesan is a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike, with variations that include different cheeses and sauces.
Ingredients
- ●chicken breasts
- ●bread crumbs
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●mozzarella cheese
- ●marinara sauce
- ●eggs
- ●flour
- ●olive oil
- ●basil
- ●oregano
- ●garlic powder
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- 3Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- 4Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- 5Dip chicken in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- 6Coat chicken in bread crumbs, pressing to adhere.
- 7Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 8Fry chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 9Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- 10Place fried chicken in the dish and top with marinara sauce.
- 11Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- 12Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
- 13Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated pecorino
Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
mozzarella cheese
Healthier: part-skim mozzarella
Cheaper: provolone
Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining texture.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is healthier.
bread crumbs
Healthier: panko
Cheaper: crushed crackers
Panko gives a lighter texture, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●400g spaghetti
- ●4 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ●1/4 cup olive oil
- ●1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- ●1/4 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute.
- 5Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
- 6Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- 7Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- 8Serve immediately.
Equipment
The Reuben Sandwich is a classic American deli staple, believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly in New York or Nebraska. It combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread, symbolizing the melding of immigrant culinary traditions. Today, the Reuben is celebrated across the U.S. and has inspired numerous variations, including the use of pastrami or turkey, appealing to diverse palates.
Ingredients
- ●rye bread
- ●corned beef
- ●sauerkraut
- ●Swiss cheese
- ●Russian dressing
- ●butter
Instructions
- 1Butter one side of each slice of rye bread
- 2Lay one slice butter-side down on a skillet
- 3Layer corned beef evenly on the bread
- 4Spread sauerkraut over the corned beef
- 5Place Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut
- 6Drizzle Russian dressing over the cheese
- 7Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up
- 8Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes
- 9Flip the sandwich carefully
- 10Cook until the second side is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes
- 11Remove from skillet and let cool for a minute
- 12Slice in half and serve warm
Ingredient Alternatives
corned beef
Healthier: turkey pastrami
Cheaper: roast beef
Turkey pastrami reduces fat while maintaining flavor.
Swiss cheese
Healthier: low-fat cheese
Cheaper: American cheese
Low-fat cheese cuts calories while providing creaminess.
Russian dressing
Healthier: hummus
Cheaper: mayonnaise + ketchup
Hummus offers a healthier spread option.
rye bread
Healthier: whole grain bread
Cheaper: white bread
Whole grain bread adds fiber and nutrients.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Dorito Taco Salad emerged in the United States during the 1980s, combining the flavors of traditional taco ingredients with the crunch of Doritos. This dish is often served at potlucks and parties, celebrated for its vibrant presentation and ease of preparation. Its playful nature has led to numerous variations, making it a beloved choice for gatherings and casual meals alike.
Ingredients
- ●taco seasoning
- ●ground beef
- ●lettuce
- ●tomatoes
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●black olives
- ●sour cream
- ●Doritos
- ●green onions
- ●jalapeños
Instructions
- 1Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2Drain excess fat from the cooked beef.
- 3Stir in taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes.
- 4Chop lettuce and place it in a large serving bowl.
- 5Dice tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
- 6Shred cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the salad.
- 7Slice black olives and add them to the mixture.
- 8Add cooked ground beef to the salad bowl.
- 9Top with crumbled Doritos for crunch.
- 10Drizzle sour cream over the salad.
- 11Garnish with sliced green onions and jalapeños, if desired.
- 12Toss gently to combine all ingredients before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: canned beans
Ground turkey is leaner, while beans are budget-friendly and vegetarian.
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: plain yogurt
Greek yogurt provides similar creaminess with fewer calories.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: reduced-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often cheaper.
black olives
Healthier: kalamata olives
Cheaper: no olives
Kalamata olives offer a richer flavor, while omitting them reduces cost.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As