3 Great Nutritious Meals You Can Prepare in 20 Minutes

Enjoying the less-work-and-worry lifestyle of an independent living community includes the freedom to whip up a home-cooked meal in your own kitchen before you head out for a fun activity. Here are 3 great nutritious dinners you can prepare in 20 minutes – or less!

Breaded Chicken Cutlet

Ingredients

• 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs
• Italian breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Whisk eggs in a plate bowl.
2. Spread breadcrumbs evenly over a large plate.
3. Rinse chicken thoroughly under running water.
4. Cover the chicken with the whisked eggs. Make sure both sides of the chicken slices are covered thoroughly.
5. Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs.
6. On a pan, cook with a low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes on each side.
7. Serve with broccoli or rice and enjoy.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli chopped into smaller pieces
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced cloves garlic
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the broth and milk.
5. Add the broccoli and cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. Add the cheese and stir until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste
8. Serve and enjoy with crackers

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 5 ounces of coarsely chopped baby spinach
• 8 ounces regular or whole-wheat spaghetti
• ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
• ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Put spinach in a large colander in the sink.
2. Boil a saucepan of water and cook spaghetti according to directions.
3. Drain pasta over the spinach and toss to wilt.
4. Meanwhile, heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add tomatoes and onions and stir for about 3 minutes until soft.
6. Add the crushed pepper, garlic, salt and pepper and cook stirring for about 1 minute.
7. Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the broth.
8. Continue cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half.
9. Stir in parmesan cheese, sour cream and butter.
10. Add spinach/spaghetti mixture and coat well.
11. Enjoy with a hunk of crusty Italian bread.

Luxurious Independent Living at MorningStar

Looking for predictable budgeting and the security that comes from living in an independent living community? Our job is to take care of the day-to-day details of home maintenance inside and out, giving you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or playing and relaxing, contact us to learn more.