Juggling a career, family, and launching a business? Yeah, it's a lot. And while I love the idea of gourmet weeknight meals, the reality is that no one has time for that. I also find that I enjoy cooking on the weekends more if I’m not stressed about it during the busy weekdays. Over the years, I've cracked the code on delicious, healthy dinners that don't require hours of prep. Here are 5 of my go-to time-saving recipes that even my picky eaters devour:
- Effortless Salmon with Speedy Sides: Salmon is a weeknight hero. Simply season a filet, pop it in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, and you're done! While it's baking, zap some microwave rice and broccoli, and whip up a quick Asian-inspired sauce (soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger – or grab a pre-made one). Dinner = ready in a flash.
- Taco Tuesday on Autopilot: Taco Tuesday is a sacred tradition in our house, but who has time to stand over a stove browning meat? Enter the slow cooker. Toss two chicken breasts in with a jar of your favorite salsa, set it on low, and by dinner time you've got perfectly shredded chicken for tacos. Top with your favorite fixings and dinner is served.
- Cauliflower Chickpea Curry in a Flash: This one is a lifesaver. Grab a head of cauliflower (pre-cut florets are your friend!), an onion (also pre-cut if you're feeling extra efficient), a can of chickpeas, and your favorite jar of Indian simmer sauce. Toss it all in a pot, simmer for about 20 minutes, and boom – a veggie-packed curry that's bursting with flavor. My kids actually request this one!
- Sheet Pan Gnocchi Goodness: This is my secret weapon for busy nights. Grab a package of shelf-stable gnocchi, two containers of cherry tomatoes, a red onion (pre-cut, of course!), some garlic, and olive oil. Toss everything on a sheet pan, roast for about 25 minutes, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving. So simple, yet so satisfying.
- Pasta Power-Up: Okay, let's be real, sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned pasta night. But I like to sneak in some extra nutrients and veggies. Goodles is my go-to pasta brand (it's packed with protein and fiber!). While the pasta cooks, I blend some cooked zucchini into a jar of Rao's marinara sauce. The kids gobble it up and I feel good about serving it.
There you have it! 5 easy, delicious, and time-saving dinners that will help you conquer the weeknight chaos. Now, go forth and conquer!
P.S. What are your favorite quick and healthy weeknight meals? I'm always looking for new ideas, so share them in the comments below!
P.P.S. This is a no-judgment zone – if you decide to order Domino's and give yourself a Livi mani instead, we're 100% here for that.