Cooking in college can be tough. As college students, we don’t have a lot of time to spare between classes and studying, nor do we have extra money to spend on luxury food items. Cooking at home is cheaper, and a lot healthier than eating out. Here are three easy meals that can be made quickly and on a budget.
Cornflake-crusted Baked Chicken
This easy baked chicken recipe is perfect for college students. By using cereal (cornflakes for the breading) this recipe is a no brainer, your roomies will be sure to be impressed with this one, and begging you to share. Adapted from Martha Stewart.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water. In a large bowl, mix cornflakes with oil, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Working with one piece at a time, dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat with seasoned cornflakes, pressing flakes to help them adhere. Transfer coated pieces to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Tip: If you don’t have cornflakes try toasting bread extra crispy then chopping it up to make bread crumbs. Serve with a baked potato or a fruit salad.
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Pasta Bake
Do you love lasagna? I do too, but sometimes there are way too many steps. This easy pasta bake recipe tastes exactly like lasagna except is much easier. Just mix everything together and you have an easy cheesy pasta meal! Adapted from Stephanie’s Cooking,
Ingredients:
- ¾ jar of pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 pound box penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cupped shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, add ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add pasta sauce to sauce mixture with cooked penne. In a greased casserole dish, spread 1/3 of the pasta mixture. Top with about 1/2 of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with pasta and sauce mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 minutes longer. To crisp the cheese, place under the broiler for 5 minutes, watching carefully.
Tip: Homemade garlic bread: Take a piece of bread (hamburger bun or sandwich bread) and spread butter on it. Sprinkle garlic powder and Kraft Parmesan cheese. Pop into broiler or toaster oven for 5 minutes
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Elevated Top Ramen/ Mock Pad Thai
This recipe comes straight from Martha Stewart. Top ramen is a staple in many college dorms and with a couple extra ingredients you can have a creamy pad thai in no time. This is one of my personal favorites because it takes less than 5 minutes. Adapted from Martha Stewart
Ingridients:
- 1 package Ramen noodles
- 1 pack noodle flavoring
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
- 1/2 a scallion, thinly sliced (optional)
Directions:
- Boil noodles with flavor pack and drain off most liquid. Toss with soy sauce, peanut butter. Garnish with scallion. Eat immediately.
Tip: Make sure to eat a veggie on the side either a fresh salad or some steamed veggies. Try broccoli, which is full of Vitamin C.
Looking for more easy meals: Check out this pinterest board!
Want some advanced meals? Here are some of my favorite food blogs:
Let us know if you try any of these meals!