Dinner on a Dime

I was browsing through one of my favorite websites, A Few Short Cuts for something quick and simple to make for dinner tonight.  This could not have been more simple and was actually really good.  The kids LOVED it!  Which says a lot because I can never seem to please them both at the same time ;)  Add a side salad and garlic bread to complete the meal and dinner was done in no time.

Baked Chicken Pasta Parmesan

• Chicken Nuggets (I used about half of a bag)
• 1 pkg pasta (your choice, I used Rotini)
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 1 package mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)
• Optional Ingredients (Mushrooms, Pepperoni, Onions, Peppers)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Prepare Pasta as directed on the package

In a casserole dish layer half of each the cooked pasta, sauce, nuggets, and cheese (and any optional ingredients you are using). 

Prepare one more layer ending with the rest of the cheese on top

Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly

Cost

1 package Ronzoni Garden Delight Rotini

44 cents

1 Jar Preggo Heart Smart Traditional Pasta Sauce

$1.27

1 Package Kraft Mozzarella with Philadelphia

Free

Approximately 1/2 bag Tyson Chicken Nuggets

$2.00

Total Cost:  $3.71 or approximately 62 cents per serving!

This is an incredibly versatile and simple dish that can be made to suite your taste.  I have made this with ravioli and meatballs as well.  Use what you have on hand and enjoy!