Easy Dinner Ideas Using Knorr Sides

Need some quick and easy meal ideas? Try these Knorr dinner ideas using a packet of Knorr rice or pasta sides!

Need some dinner inspiration this week? Let me help you make easy everyday meals using one key ingredient: Knorr dinner sides.

Now, this isn’t a sponsored post. This is me wanting to share recipes that’ll help you get dinner on the table quickly. And these Knorr packets can help you do that!

In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite flavors and how you can turn a packet into a main dish. Keep reading to get the full details and easy meal ideas!

Different flavors

My favorite part about these is the HUGE variety. I can make so many styles of meals in just a few minutes.

There are two main types: Knorr Rice Sides and Knorr Pasta Sides.

Here are just a few examples of what’s available:

• Teriyaki noodles
• Cheesy cheddar pasta
• Stroganoff
• Chicken flavored fried rice
• Cheddar broccoli rice
• Creamy garlic shells
• Taco rice

Ingredients

One reason why some people don’t buy these is because of the ingredient list. They say that almost anything that comes in a package is unhealthy.

You have to do what fits your lifestyle. For the most part, these packets have no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and no added MSG.

Here is a list of some of the ingredients in the Creamy Garlic Shells:

• Pasta (Durum flour, wheat flour)
• Whey protein concentrate
• Corn starch
• Corn syrup solids
• Garlic powder
• Maltodextrin
• Olive oil
• Potassium Chloride (a vital nutrient)
• Disodium Guanylate (Salt)
• Disodium Inosinate (Salt)
• Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
• Ferrous Sulfate (Iron)
• Folic Acid

Some of those ingredients sound scary, right? But if you do research, you’ll find that some of them are just the scientific names for vitamins.

These packets can be fortified with iron, vitamin B, and other nutrients we need. So while we can certainly get those nutrients elsewhere, it’s not a bad thing to eat these!

How many packets do you need for one meal?

Most of the packets have about 2 servings inside. I’m feeding a family of 3 and hope to get leftovers, so I use two packets with the meals.

Are the Knorr sides a frugal option?

In my area, these packets cost between $1.00 and $1.39, depending on whether I can get them on sale. If one packet serves 2 people, that would make each serving a little over 50 cents.

You would honestly get more for your money if you bought a bag of dried rice and cooked/seasoned it yourself. But the fact that these are so easy to make can make them a nice pantry staple.

How to cook Knorr sides

There are two main ways to cook the Knorr side packets: On the stovetop, and in the microwave. The times and cups of water /milk will vary depending on the packet, but here are the basic instructions taken straight from the packet.

Stovetop Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring water (and sometimes milk) and 1 tablespoon margarine (optional) to a boil.

Stir in contents of package and return to a boil. Reduce heat and continue boiling gently for x number of minutes or until pasta/rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

Let stand at least 2 minutes. Stir, serve and enjoy!

Microwave Directions

In 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine water (and sometimes milk), 1 tablespoon margarine (optional), and contents of package.

Microwave uncovered at HIGH for x number of minutes or until rice/pasta is tender, stirring halfway through. Let stand at least 2 minutes. Stir and serve.

How to make healthy dinners with Knorr sides

Now, you might notice a pattern with these meals. I combined the packets with frozen vegetables and a protein for a quick and complete meal.

Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy! It can be as simple as throwing those ingredients together. The below meals are just suggestions, so feel free to substitute any ingredients you love.

Knorr Stroganoff

I think this one was my favorite. Here’s what I used:

• 1 packet Knorr Stroganoff (I’d use two next time)
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 16-oz package sliced mushrooms
• 1 12-oz bag frozen broccoli florets

I cooked the ground turkey while the water boiled for the pasta. In the meantime, I microwaved the broccoli for later.

When the turkey was halfway cooked, I added the mushrooms and cooked them down.

Lastly, I added the meat mixture and cooked broccoli to the finished Stroganoff and combined it all.

It made 4 servings and was DELICIOUS! I think I also added paprika, so try that as well.

Knorr Teriyaki Noodles

For this recipe, I used:

• 2 packets Knorr Teriyaki Noodles
• 12-ounce bag frozen stir fry veggies
• Pre-cooked and shredded chicken (About 12 ounces)

I cooked the vegetables in the microwave while I cooked the noodles according to the package directions.

Once the noodles were just about finished, I added the chicken and the vegetables and let it heat up for a few more minutes.

This was actually really good! It didn’t have as much flavor as I would have liked, so next time I’ll add some curry powder and soy sauce.

Knorr Taco Rice

I used this one as a topping for taco salad! Here’s what I used:

• 1 package Knorr Taco Rice
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• Toppings (Lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream)

I cooked the Knorr Taco Rice according to the package directions. While that was cooking, I browned the ground turkey and added the taco seasoning.

20-ish minutes later, dinner was ready! I liked this taco rice because it only took a few minutes to cook. Standard rice can take up to an hour, so this is a great option for busy nights!

Knorr Garlic Shells

This one makes for a really easy dinner! Here are the ingredients:

• 2 packages Knorr Garlic Shells
• 2 cans tuna
• 12-ounce package frozen broccoli
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

First I cooked the garlic shells according to the package directions. While that was going, I cooked the broccoli in the microwave.

Lastly, I added the tuna and broccoli to the cooked pasta. I divided them into 4 bowls and added some shredded Parmesan to the top of each one.

This one was delicious! And instead of tuna, you can add cooked chicken or your favorite meat.

I could go on and on, but ultimately these meals come down to using a lot of the same simple ingredients. If you like these and can find them on sale, I recommend buying a few for your pantry!

Leave a comment and tell me: Which Knorr side is your favorite, and what is your favorite way to use it? Give us more ideas!