Feed 6 – 8 people for $5 with this Dollar Tree Dinner Hack!
2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken ($1.25 x2)
1 can Swanson’s Chicken a la King ($1.25 – I have two cans pictured but I only used one)
1 package Potato Gnocchi ($1.25)
Cook the gnocchi according to package and set aside. Heat cream of chicken according to directions on stove (I mix with milk but you can use water or broth or whatever you prefer), add gnocchi and let simmer for 5 minutes, add chicken a la king. Add your seasonings (I use salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, & parsley). Let simmer for 5 more minutes and dinner is served!
* I added Parmesan to mine in the last video lol
Creamy Gnocchi Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup ($1.25 x 2)
- 1 can Swanson’s Chicken a la King ($1.25 – one can is sufficient)
- 1 package Potato Gnocchi ($1.25)
- 2 cups milk (or water/broth for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Gnocchi: Cook the potato gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cream of Chicken Base: In a large pot, heat the Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup according to the package instructions, using milk for a creamier texture. You can also use water or broth if you prefer a lighter option.
- Combine Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy soup mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Introduce Chicken a la King: Stir in the Swanson’s Chicken a la King into the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season to Perfection: Season the dish with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer and Blend: Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy gnocchi delight into serving bowls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Enjoy Your Budget-Friendly Feast: Your Dollar Tree Dinner Hack is ready to be enjoyed by 6-8 people, and you’ve created a delicious and budget-friendly meal for just $5!
Feel free to get creative with additional toppings or variations based on your preferences. Enjoy your affordable and tasty dinner!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) – Creamy Gnocchi Delight
Q1: Can I use a different type of soup instead of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken? A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cream-based soups based on your preference. Mushroom soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or cream of celery are some alternatives you can try.
Q2: Can I substitute the Potato Gnocchi with another type of pasta? A2: Certainly! While gnocchi adds a unique texture, you can use other pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine if you don’t have gnocchi on hand.
Q3: How can I make the dish lighter? A3: You can opt for water or a low-sodium broth instead of milk for a lighter version. Additionally, choosing a low-fat or skim milk can help reduce the overall calorie content.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time? A4: Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Gnocchi Delight ahead of time. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
Q5: Are there any alternative seasonings I can use? A5: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Thyme, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a different dimension to the dish.
Q6: What are some suggested toppings besides Parmesan? A6: Get creative with toppings! Chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors.
Q7: Can I add vegetables to the dish? A7: Certainly! Sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or peas can be excellent additions, providing extra color and nutrients.
Q8: How long does it take to cook the Gnocchi? A8: Follow the package instructions for cooking the gnocchi. Usually, it takes around 2-4 minutes to cook after the gnocchi floats to the surface of boiling water.
Q9: Can I freeze the leftovers? A9: While the texture may slightly change upon reheating, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients or variations! Enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly meal!
