Are you dreaming of a keto lifestyle but worried about the cost? Many assume keto is expensive, filled with fancy supplements and imported ingredients. Think again! This blog post is dedicated to proving that delicious and healthy keto meals can be made on a budget. We'll explore simple, satisfying recipes that are both wallet-friendly and perfectly keto-compliant. Get ready to discover the joy of homemade cooking and easy recipes that won't break the bank!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Zoodles
This recipe is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that's both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious. It uses inexpensive ingredients and delivers a burst of flavour that will satisfy your taste buds without exceeding your budget.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into zoodles (or use 1 package of zucchini noodles)
Instructions:
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Add the chicken and zoodles: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender-crisp. Don't overcook the zoodles!
- Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Make it creamy: For an even creamier sauce, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese at the end.
- Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for several days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Net Carbs: Approximately 5g
- Fat: Approximately 35g
- Protein: Approximately 35g
This recipe provides a great balance of macronutrients while being easy on the wallet and the time you spend in the kitchen. By utilizing simple, readily available ingredients, you can create delicious and satisfying keto meals without sacrificing flavour or your budget. Explore the world of affordable keto cooking – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you! Remember to adjust serving sizes based on your individual dietary needs. Enjoy!