In these tough financial times, many people are all looking for ways to make meals on tight budgets. A filling dish of Chicken Alfredo can be prepared without the high expense found in some chicken recipes. Unlike many recipes for Chicken Alfredo that call for using chicken breast, this guide page offers instructions for using chicken thighs, a less expensive cut of meat. Thighs give the dish more flavor and the grocery budget a much needed break Follow these instructions to learn how to make cheap Chicken Alfredo. http://www.sheknows.com/articles/806683

Using more frugal ingredients and substituting items for more expensive portions of recipes allows a meal plan to contain gourmet type recipes even on a tight budget. Cooking from scratch can seem daunting to those who have not learned to do so previously. However, it is less inexpensive and a healthier way to feed a family. The following Chicken Alfredo recipe is just one of the many ways to help save grocery dollars and feed a family on a tight budget in hard economic times. This recipe can be added to a rotational meal plan for your family, adding another low cost meal option. Chicken Alfredo can also be served when guests come to dinner as it gives the elegant meal feel without a high cost to accompany it.

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, boned or boneless
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (or make your own)
• 16 ounces pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Suggested Pasta Types:

1. Egg noodleshttp://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1725,159162-236207,00.html
2. Penne or rotinihttp://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=934495&m=9345548
3. Lasagnahttp://www.topchickenrecipes.com/baked-chicken-recipes/chicken-alfredo-lasagna-recipe/
4. Fettucinehttp://heartofacountryhome.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/chicken-broccoli-fettucine-alfredo/

1. Cook pasta of choice in boiling water until al dente
2. While pasta is boiling, place oil and chicken in skillet
3. Brown chicken until done. Turn chicken frequently enough to make sure it does not burn. Be sure the chicken is cooked in the center
4. Heat Alfredo sauce in a sauce pan or microwave safe container until hot but not boiling
5. Place servings of pasta on plates, like a nest
6. Place a chicken thigh in the middle of each nest of noodles
7. Ladle Alfredo sauce over each thigh and pasta

Alternative Directions:

1. Cut thigh meat into chunks before cooking
2. Brown meat, mix with sauce and serve over pasta

1. A cheap Chicken Alfredo can also be a quick dinner. Prepare the recipe in a slow cooker while doing other things. http://busycooks.about.com/od/chickenthighrecipes/r/crockptchickenalfredo.htm
2. If no pasta is in the pantry, serve over potatoeshttp://www.recipe.com/chicken-alfredo-potatoes/
3. Add broccoli for a more nutritious meal and to stretch the servings further.http://heartofacountryhome.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/chicken-broccoli-fettucine-alfredo/
4. Rachael Ray’s Alfredo sauce uses a cream cheese base.http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/Fettuccine-Alfredo
5. Chicken Alfredo can be served with a salad and a garlic bread.
6. As the main course item Chicken Alfredo can be served for under $5 for 6 people.
7. Chicken Alfredo can be made with canned chicken if fresh is not available or not within the grocery budget.
8. In the toughest of financial times, cut the amount of chicken in half, shop when meat prices are reduced, or serve the Alfredo meatless.