Say goodbye to boring sandwiches and instant ramen! These four delicious and budget-friendly meal ideas are perfect for the average college student to prepare.

For many students, the cost of eating out isn’t sustainable long-term, and frozen and packaged food quickly becomes tiresome. With a few tips and tricks along with some staple ingredients, being in college does not have to mean the end of good home-cooked meals.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

The perfect main course to any meal, this shrimp alfredo pasta contains only five ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Tablespoon of butter
• Chopped garlic
• Defrosted shrimp
• Jar of Alfredo Sauce

Directions:

Start by bringing a pot of water to boil and cook some pasta for up to 10 minutes or until tender. 

In the meantime, add one tablespoon of butter and chopped garlic to a pan and cook on medium heat for a few seconds. 

Add a pack of defrosted shrimp seasoned with your favorite seasonings to the same pan to cook for four minutes or until pink. 

Pour a jar of alfredo sauce into the pan and any desired seasonings to taste. 

Drain and top the pasta with the sauce and optional parmesan for a tasty dish that pairs great with garlic bread.

Loaded Baked Potato

Ideal for any occasion, this straightforward loaded baked potato recipe comes together in just a few steps. 

Directions:

Begin by baking one Idaho potato in a pan at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes until fork-tender. 

Once finished, slice the potato down the middle and mash the insides with a fork. Mix in a tablespoon of butter and seasonings to taste, then top with shredded cheese. 

Place the potato back into the oven for about five minutes until the cheese melts.

 Finally, remove the potato from the oven and top with bacon bits, sour cream, or any desired toppings.

Chicken Lime Tacos

Bursting with flavor, these chicken lime tacos, while not the easiest recipe on the list, are still pretty simple and well worth the few extra steps. 

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Tortillas
• Olive Oil
• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Lime Juice
• Chipotle

Directions:

Begin by setting an oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse chicken thighs in a bowl with water and dry afterward. Toss the chicken in the juice of one lime and place on a foil-lined pan. 

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with a pack of taco seasoning and salt. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. 

While you wait, combine mayo, lime juice, chipotle, and salt, and set aside for an optional quick sauce. 

Once finished, remove the chicken from the oven and pull it apart with a fork. You can then heat your tortillas in a pan on medium heat with some butter then assemble your taco with the chicken, choice of toppings, and sauce.

Pita Bread Cheese Pizza

This dish takes only 10 minutes to prepare and cook, even the most amateur cooks can easi

ly make this pizza recipe. 

Directions:

Start by setting an oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a pan with foil.

While the oven heats, place the pita bread onto the pan topped with two tablespoons of pizza

or marinara sauce and a handful of cheese. Bake the pizza for five to seven minutes and enjoy!