We’ve all faced those busy evenings when a homemade meal feels out of reach yet we’re craving something delicious. That’s where Progresso Recipe Starters shine – these versatile cooking bases from a trusted brand transform simple ingredients into flavorful dishes with minimal effort.
In our kitchen we’ve explored endless possibilities with Progresso options like creamy tomato or hearty mushroom starters. They’re not just convenient they’re packed with rich flavors that elevate everyday recipes making mealtime exciting again.
Ingredients
We love how Progresso Recipe Starters add rich flavors to our busy-weeknight meals making them both effortless and delicious. In this section we highlight the essential ingredients for two simple yet satisfying recipes using these versatile bases.
For a Classic Chicken Recipe
For our classic chicken dish we start with the Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter as the flavorful base that infuses everything with a hearty tomato essence. Here’s the ingredient list ordered as we use them in preparation:
- 1 can (19 oz) Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter: This forms the savory foundation; shake well before opening.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total): Slice into even 1-inch strips for quick even cooking.
- 1 medium onion: Dice finely and sauté first to build aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic: Mince fresh for added punch; add after the onion.
- 1 bell pepper (any color): Chop into 1-inch pieces to mix in next for crunch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halve them to release juices and stir in towards the end.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Sprinkle this in while cooking for an herby boost.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste right before simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use for browning the chicken initially.
- Fresh basil leaves: Tear a handful for garnish just before serving.
For a Vegetarian Pasta Dish
- 1 can (19 oz) Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter: Pour this in first as the core sauce; stir to heat through.
- 8 oz dried pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): Boil separately until al dente then drain.
- 1 medium zucchini: Slice into thin rounds and add early to soften.
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms (button or cremini): Quarter them for texture and toss in next.
- 2 cloves garlic: Crush and include after the veggies start cooking.
- 1 small bunch spinach (about 2 cups): Roughly chop and wilt in towards the end.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Stir in half during the final simmer for creaminess and reserve the rest for topping.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Add for a optional spicy kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust seasoning just before combining with pasta.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Melt this first to sauté the vegetables.
- Fresh parsley: Chop a handful for a bright finish on top.
Instructions
We love how Progresso Recipe Starters simplify weeknight cooking, turning basic ingredients into flavorful meals with minimal effort. Let’s walk through the steps for our two favorite recipes: the Classic Chicken dish and the Vegetarian Pasta dish.
Prep Work
For the Classic Chicken dish, start by gathering and prepping your ingredients as follows:
- Chop 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 bell pepper into fine pieces to release their fresh aroma.
- Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juicy sweetness.
- Slice 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts into even 1-inch strips to ensure even cooking.
For the Vegetarian Pasta dish, prepare your components with these quick steps:
- Dice 1 zucchini and 8 ounces of mushrooms into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic to enhance its pungent flavor.
- Wash and roughly chop 2 cups of fresh spinach to maintain its vibrant green color and tender texture.
Cooking Steps
Begin with the Classic Chicken recipe by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant, savory scent that fills the kitchen.
Next, for the Classic Chicken, stir in the 1-pound sliced chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden and juicy. Pour in the Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter (one 19-ounce jar) and the halved cherry tomatoes, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a rich, velvety consistency that coats every piece perfectly.
Shift to the Vegetarian Pasta recipe: In a separate pot, boil 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add the diced zucchini, mushrooms, and minced garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and emit an earthy, irresistible aroma.
For the Vegetarian Pasta, incorporate the drained pasta, 2 cups of chopped spinach, and Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter (one 19-ounce jar), then stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a hearty, creamy blend that highlights the mushrooms’ robust taste.
Assembling and Serving
To assemble the Classic Chicken dish, transfer the cooked mixture to a serving platter and sprinkle ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, herbaceous finish that adds a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
For the Vegetarian Pasta, toss everything together in the skillet one last time to evenly distribute the ingredients, then divide into bowls. Top with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the dish’s visual appeal and taste. We recommend serving it hot to enjoy the comforting warmth and layered textures at their best.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our flavorful recipes with Progresso Recipe Starters to life efficiently, we rely on a selection of essential kitchen tools that streamline preparation and cooking. These items ensure that whipping up the Classic Chicken or Vegetarian Pasta dishes becomes a seamless part of your weeknight routine.
Tools for Classic Chicken Recipe
For this hearty dish featuring the Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter, we recommend the following tools to handle sautéing, simmering, and serving:
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for browning chicken and vegetables over medium heat, allowing flavors to develop evenly.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: Used to chop onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with precision.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and ensuring the Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter integrates smoothly into the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate portions of Italian seasoning and other ingredients to maintain the dish’s balanced taste.
Tools for Vegetarian Pasta Recipe
When creating the satisfying Vegetarian Pasta with Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter, these tools help with boiling, sautéing, and combining elements for a quick meal:
- Large pot for pasta: Necessary for boiling pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring it pairs well with the sautéed vegetables.
- Skillet or sauté pan: Great for cooking zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and spinach until tender, then mixing in the Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter.
- Colander or strainer: Used to drain pasta effectively, preventing excess water from diluting the rich flavors.
- Grater: Handy for shredding Parmesan cheese to top the dish, adding a fresh, nutty finish.
By using these tools, we enhance the ease of incorporating Progresso Recipe Starters into everyday cooking, making busy evenings more manageable and delicious.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our busy weeknights even easier with Progresso Recipe Starters, we can prepare key components of our Classic Chicken and Vegetarian Pasta recipes in advance. This approach saves time while preserving the rich, flavorful profiles that these starters deliver. Below, we outline step-by-step instructions for each recipe, focusing on prep, storage, and reheating to ensure meals remain fresh and delicious.
General Tips for Make-Ahead Success
Before diving into specifics, here are our top strategies for maximizing convenience:
- Chop and store vegetables: Prepare onions, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms up to 2 days ahead. This keeps the vibrant colors and textures intact.
- Portion proteins and seasonings: Marinate chicken or measure out herbs and spices in advance to streamline assembly.
- Use airtight containers: Store prepped items in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss from Progresso Recipe Starters.
- Reheating guidelines: Always reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking and preserve the creamy, hearty essence of the starters.
If you’re tracking storage times, refer to the table below for optimal durations:
| Item | Make-Ahead Time (Refrigerator) | Freezer Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped vegetables (e.g., onions, garlic) | Up to 2 days | Not recommended | Keeps crispness for sautéing. |
| Raw chicken (marinated) | Up to 1 day | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge before use. |
| Cooked pasta | Up to 3 days | Up to 1 month | Toss with oil to prevent sticking. |
| Assembled sauce mixtures | Up to 2 days | Not recommended | Includes Progresso Recipe Starters for best flavor. |
Make-Ahead for Classic Chicken
For our Classic Chicken recipe featuring Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter, we focus on prepping the base to capture its bold, tangy flavors without last-minute rush.
- Prep the ingredients: Start by slicing 1 medium onion, mincing 2 cloves of garlic, and dicing 1 bell pepper. Combine these with 1 pound of cubed chicken in a bowl, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This step takes about 10 minutes and allows the flavors to meld.
- Store the mixture: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetables to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 day to let the aromas intensify, ensuring the fresh basil remains vibrant for later garnish.
- Assemble and cook: When ready, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the prepped mixture, and stir in the Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a rich, velvety consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Reheat for serving: If preparing fully ahead, cool the cooked dish, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and reheat on the stove with a splash of water to restore its glossy sheen and fresh basil notes.
Make-Ahead for Vegetarian Pasta
With Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter in our Vegetarian Pasta, we emphasize quick assembly to highlight its earthy, savory depth.
- Prepare the vegetables: Begin by slicing 2 zucchinis, chopping 8 ounces of mushrooms, and mincing 2 cloves of garlic. Sauté these lightly in a skillet for 5 minutes to enhance their natural sweetness and umami, then let cool.
- Cook and store the pasta: Boil 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions, drain, and toss with a bit of oil to avoid clumping. Combine the pasta with the sautéed vegetables in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 3 days to lock in the fresh, garden-like flavors.
- Incorporate the starter: When it’s time to eat, heat the mixture in a large pot, stir in the Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter, and add 1 cup of spinach along with ½ cup of grated Parmesan for a creamy, comforting blend.
- Final touches: Reheat on the stove for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain the dish’s tender texture and parsley-flecked finish, making it as inviting as when first prepared.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed exploring how Progresso Recipe Starters elevate our weeknight meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. These starters make it simple to whip up delicious, homemade dishes that fit our busy lives without sacrificing taste.
As we continue experimenting, we’re confident you’ll find them just as transformative in your kitchen. Let’s keep making mealtime effortless and exciting—your next favorite recipe awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Progresso Recipe Starters?
Progresso Recipe Starters are versatile cooking bases that simplify meal prep by adding rich flavors to everyday dishes. They come in options like creamy tomato and hearty mushroom, turning simple ingredients into delicious meals quickly.
How do Progresso Recipe Starters make cooking easier?
These starters save time on busy evenings by providing a flavorful base that eliminates the need for multiple seasonings or sauces. Just add basic ingredients, and they help create tasty dishes like chicken or pasta in minutes, making weeknight cooking enjoyable and stress-free.
What recipes can I make with Progresso Recipe Starters?
You can make simple yet flavorful meals like Classic Chicken using the creamy tomato starter or Vegetarian Pasta with the hearty mushroom one. Both recipes combine everyday veggies, proteins, and herbs for quick, satisfying dinners.
What ingredients are needed for the Classic Chicken recipe?
For Classic Chicken, you’ll need chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and Progresso Creamy Tomato Recipe Starter. Sauté the ingredients, add the starter, and simmer for a rich, flavorful dish.
How do I prepare the Vegetarian Pasta recipe?
Start by cooking pasta and sautéing zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and spinach. Mix in Progresso Hearty Mushroom Recipe Starter and Parmesan cheese, then simmer briefly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a hearty, veggie-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Can these recipes be made ahead of time?
Yes, both recipes are great for prep ahead. Chop veggies and marinate chicken for Classic Chicken up to a day in advance, storing in airtight containers. For Vegetarian Pasta, prepare and refrigerate for up to three days, then reheat to keep flavors fresh.
What kitchen tools are recommended for these recipes?
For Classic Chicken, use a large skillet, cutting board, sharp knife, wooden spoon, and measuring cups. For Vegetarian Pasta, you’ll need a large pot, skillet, colander, and grater. These tools help streamline the process and make cooking with Progresso starters effortless.