What's for Supper?

Since I've gone back to work part time I am actually making less than I was on unemployment (Aaaack!). So one way to cut our budget even further is to eat at home even more often. We really cut back after I started staying home but this cut is even deeper. BUT it means I get 2 days during the week home with my beautiful boy so it's okay. All of that is getting to this... I'm cooking a lot more with a much smaller budget!
This is what I made last night and it was a big hit! Thought I'd share since a warm, creamy (and inexpensive) soup hits all the right chords on cold days!

Hearty Corn and Cheese Chowder

1-2 cups diced or cubed ham
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups chicken broth or water (I used water with a chicken bouillion cube)
2 cups milk
1 package shells and white cheddar Pasta Roni
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1/4 cup chopped green onion

I sauteed my corn in a little canola oil because I really like how it develops the sweetness. Once the corn was near where I wanted it I added in the onion and then the ham to heat through.

Then add the chicken broth, milk, pasta and contents of packet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer, uncovered, until pasta is tender.

(Actually I tried to get a little more out of this so I added an extra 2 cups of milk and about a cup of leftover mashed potatos to keep the thickness. It still came out very thick and chowder-y)

Serve with green onion garnish. I added a little bit of shredded sharp cheddar as well. This went great with our leftover turkey meatloaf and green beans from earlier in the week.

Hope this will be a good entry for your recipe box. Let me know if you try it and how you liked it!

Thanks all and make it a great day!