Introduction

Weeknights can be hectic, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. The good news? With a little prep, you can have tasty, satisfying meals waiting for you. These 10 recipes are simple to prepare, easy to store, and perfect for busy evenings when you need dinner made easy.

1. Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach

Description: A comforting pasta with a rich, creamy sauce that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta, cooked

• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• 1 cup light cream or half-and-half

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and set aside.

2. Heat cream in a pan, stir in sun dried tomatoes and spinach.

3. Toss pasta with sauce and sprinkle Parmesan.

4. Divide into containers.

2. Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

Description: A tangy, family-friendly favorite with lean protein.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• ½ cup sweet and sour sauce

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  Instructions:

1. Form turkey mixture into meatballs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

2. Toss cooked meatballs with peppers and sauce.

3. Portion with rice or noodles.

3. Ratatouille with White Beans

Description: A French-inspired vegetable dish made heartier with beans.
Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 eggplant, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 can white beans, rinsed

• 1 can diced tomatoes
  Instructions:

1. Sauté zucchini, eggplant, and pepper.

2. Add tomatoes and beans, simmer 15 minutes.

3. Store in jars with a slice of bread or over couscous.

4. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Patties

Description: A quick fish cake alternative with bold flavor.
Ingredients:

• 1 can salmon, drained

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  Instructions:

1. Mix salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, and sauce.

2. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden.

3. Sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

4. Store with rice and steamed veggies.

5. Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas

Description: A vegetarian enchilada dish packed with fiber and flavor.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes

• 1 can black beans

• 6 corn tortillas

• 1 cup enchilada sauce

• ½ cup shredded cheese
  Instructions:

1. Mix squash and beans.

2. Fill tortillas with mixture and roll.

3. Place in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

6. Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry (Pad Krapow Gai)

Description: A fragrant Thai-inspired dish that’s fast and delicious.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  Instructions:

1. Cook ground chicken with onion and garlic.

2. Stir in soy sauce.

3. Add basil leaves just before removing from heat.

4. Portion with rice or noodles.

7. Moroccan Couscous Salad with Roasted Veggies

Description: A make-ahead salad with warm spices and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous, cooked

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  Instructions:

1. Roast zucchini, carrot, and onion with spices at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

2. Mix with couscous and olive oil.

3. Chill or enjoy warm.

8. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Polenta

Description: A hearty vegetarian dish with earthy mushrooms and creamy cornmeal.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup polenta (cornmeal), cooked

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup spinach

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  Instructions:

1. Cook polenta until thick. Stir in butter and cheese.

2. Sauté mushrooms and spinach.

3. Serve mushrooms and spinach over creamy polenta.

9. Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw

Description: A tropical twist on classic pulled pork.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, slow cooked and shredded

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• ½ cup pineapple chunks

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
  Instructions:

1. Mix shredded pork with BBQ sauce.

2. Toss cabbage and pineapple with yogurt or mayo.

3. Store separately and assemble when ready.

10. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Description: A cheesy, comforting pasta bake perfect for reheating.
Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup spinach, chopped

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  Instructions:

1. Mix ricotta and spinach.

2. Stuff into pasta shells.

3. Place in a baking dish, cover with sauce and mozzarella.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Conclusion

With these 10 weeknight wonders, dinner prep becomes simple and stress-free. From global flavors like Thai basil chicken to cozy classics like stuffed shells, these meals are designed to be prepped ahead and enjoyed whenever your busy schedule demands. Weeknights just got a whole lot easier.