Tired of staring at leftover chicken and pork, wondering what to do with them? Don't let those precious proteins go to waste! This blog post is packed with delicious and easy recipes to transform your leftovers into exciting new meals. From quick weeknight dinners to flavorful lunch ideas, we've got you covered with simple, healthy, and homemade cooking solutions. Get ready to elevate your leftovers game!
Creamy Chicken and Pork Pasta
This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken and pork, creating a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cooked pork, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked chicken and pork. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken and pork when initially cooking them. The leftover bones can be used to make a flavorful broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, to this dish.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
Chicken and Pork Fried Rice
This easy recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice along with your chicken and pork.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cooked pork, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add diced chicken and pork and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and carrots and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Push the chicken and vegetable mixture to the side of the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble.
- Add cooked rice to the wok and stir-fry until everything is well combined.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a spicier dish, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, Creamy Chicken and Pork Pasta):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
These delicious and easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and will help you minimize food waste. Enjoy!