One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies

Weeknight dinners don’t get much easier than this. Toss chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks are forgiving) and your favorite chopped veggies (broccoli, carrots, potatoes work great) with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (rosemary and thyme are classic choices). Spread everything on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. This is a complete meal in one pan, minimizing cleanup, and you can easily customize the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.

Speedy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Ready in under 20 minutes, this shrimp scampi is a lifesaver on busy nights. Sauté some minced garlic in butter, add shrimp, and cook until pink. Toss with cooked linguine, a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick (optional), and chopped parsley. For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant yet simple dish.

Sheet Pan Nachos

Forget the messy bowl of nachos! This sheet pan version is easier to manage and just as delicious. Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with your favorite nacho fixings (shredded cheese, cooked ground beef or chicken, black beans, jalapenos, salsa, etc.), and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is perfect for a family movie night or a casual get-together. Get the kids involved in assembling their own personalized nacho creations!

Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table quickly. Slice chicken breast into strips and stir-fry with your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, onions, snap peas are all great choices). Use a pre-made stir-fry sauce or whip up your own with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying and complete meal.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs (from scratch!)

While it sounds like a long process, making meatballs from scratch is surprisingly simple and adds a depth of flavor you can’t get from store-bought versions. Mix ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Roll into meatballs and bake or pan-fry until cooked through. Simmer a simple tomato sauce (canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, herbs) while the meatballs cook. Toss the cooked meatballs into the sauce and serve over your favorite pasta. The homemade touch elevates this classic to a whole new level.

Easy Taco Tuesday

Taco Tuesday doesn’t have to be stressful. Use pre-cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to save time. Set out a variety of toppings – shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa – and let everyone build their own tacos. Hard or soft shells, it’s your choice! This is a fun and interactive meal that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best. Scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, toast, and maybe some fruit on the side make for a quick, satisfying, and comforting meal. This is a great option for those nights when you’re short on time or just want something familiar and easy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover breakfast ingredients.

Black Bean Burgers

A healthier and vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers, black bean burgers are surprisingly easy to make. Mash canned black beans with breadcrumbs, spices (cumin, chili powder are great choices), and an egg (or flax egg for a vegan option). Form into patties and pan-fry or bake until heated through. Serve on buns with your favorite burger toppings. This is a delicious and nutritious option for a weeknight dinner.

Tuna Melts

A classic comfort food, tuna melts are quick, easy, and satisfying. Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and onion. Spread the tuna salad between two slices of bread, top with cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well), and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a versatile and customizable meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Simply spread cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack – get creative!) between two tortillas, and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Add cooked chicken, beans, vegetables, or any other fillings you like to make them even more substantial and flavorful. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a fun and easy family meal. Read also about family meal plans