Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you're in the right place! This post is all about elevating your weeknight meals with the unexpected versatility of Pillsbury pie crusts. We'll explore easy recipes, healthy options, and quick dinner ideas that will surprise and delight your family. Get ready to discover a whole new world of homemade cooking possibilities!
Savory Chicken Pot Pie with a Crispy Crust
This recipe takes the classic comfort food and gives it a fun, easy twist using ready-made pie crusts. It's a perfect example of how a simple ingredient can transform a weeknight meal into something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 (14.1 ounce) Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in peas, corn, thyme, salt, pepper, and cooked chicken.
- Assemble the pie: Pour chicken mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Top with one pie crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Quick and Easy Pizzadillas
Looking for a quick dinner idea? These pizzadillas are ready in minutes and are a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14.1 ounce) Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Unroll the pie crust and cut it in half.
- Spread pizza sauce over each half of the crust.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
- Fold the crust in half to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a healthier option: Use whole wheat pie crust or reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables to your pot pie for extra nutrients.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different pizza toppings for your pizzadillas, or add different herbs and spices to your pot pie filling.
- Make it ahead: The chicken pot pie filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving of Chicken Pot Pie):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
These Pillsbury pie crust recipes offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy quick and easy dinners. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen! Enjoy!