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5 Trader Joe’s dinners for $84! (Recipes+Grocery list)

5 Recipes
5 Trader Joe’s dinners for $84! (Recipes+Grocery list)

Hi friends! Here’s another round up of five recipes using ingredients from Trader Joe’s. The dishes this week is based around chicken and shrimp, and they are all delicious! Check your fridge, pantry, and freezer for what you already have at home and then grab this grocery list and head to Trader Joe’s. I hope you have a great week!

Produce

  • 1 lemon

  • 2 cups baby spinach

Meat & Seafood

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works)

  • 24 oz TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage (2 x 12 oz, used across two recipes)

  • 16 oz raw shrimp

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 Boursin cheese (5.2 oz)

  • 7 oz TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread

  • 4 oz TJ’s butter with Parmesan, garlic and herbs

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 2.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • Parmesan, optional for serving

Dry Goods & Pantry

  • 3.5 cups basmati rice

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

  • 1/2 lb spaghetti

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • Garlic powder

  • TJ’s Cuban-style citrusy garlic seasoning blend

  • Red pepper flakes, optional

  • Olive oil

Frozen

  • 14 oz frozen bell peppers and onion mix

  • 2 cups frozen broccoli

Cold / Refrigerated

  • 6 oz mango pineapple pico de gallo salsa​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Note: Meal prices reflect the portion used in each recipe. Buying the full grocery list may cost more.

Unexpected Cheddar Mac and Cheese

1. Unexpected Cheddar Mac and Cheese

$14.46 - 4-5 servings

If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar cheese spread yet, you’re missing out. It is so good, and it’s perfect for pasta dishes, it really creates that pasta sauce kind of moment without much effort. I made this with macaroni, chicken sausage, and spinach, and the cheese spread is really what makes it creamy. It has a mac and cheese feel, but it tastes a little more grown up. My kids both ate it, so I’m calling that a win.

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Boursin Chicken and Rice Bake

2. Boursin Chicken and Rice Bake

$21.03 - 4 servings

I almost didn’t post this cause it’s such a simple dump and bake dish but I’ve made it a million times and it’s so good! So great when you need a quick dinner 🥘

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Shrimp Parmesan Butter Pasta

3. Shrimp Parmesan Butter Pasta

$14.48 - 4 servings

Seriously don’t sleep on the Butter with Parmesan and garlic and herbs from TJ though! I can think of so many delicious uses for this butter and it makes this meal so EASY to make 🫶

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Creamy Chicken Sausage & Rice Skillet

4. Creamy Chicken Sausage & Rice Skillet

$21.73 - 4 servings

Calling this a recipe feels generous, but here we are and it’s delicious. Been cooking this for years and it heats up great for leftovers. If you want to you can sub the cream for another cup of broth. 💛

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Citrusy Garlic Chicken and Rice

5. Citrusy Garlic Chicken and Rice

Here’s a simple dinner idea that will be ready in 20 minutes, and actually taste good! Citrus garlic chicken, jasmine rice, mango pineapple pico. that’s it.
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