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Best Easy Dinners for Busy Weeknights
15
items On busy weeknights, I want dinner on the table fast without settling for takeout again. I reach for one-pan meals, quick pastas, and pantry staples that come together in about 30 minutes. These are the products and ingredients I actually use when I a...
Sections
3
One-Pan & Sheet-Pan Dinners
Quick Pastas & Noodles
Pantry Staples & Shortcuts
One-Pan & Sheet-Pan Dinners
One pan, one tray, and almost no cleanup on busy nights.
I use this pan for almost every sheet-pan dinner because it heats evenly and does not warp. Tip: I line it with parchment so cleanup takes under a minute.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet
I sear chicken and finish vegetables in this skillet because it holds heat so well. Tip: I preheat it for a few minutes before adding oil for a better sear.
Lodge 12 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Spacious Skies
I use this for soups, stews, and rice when I want dinner done fast. Tip: I sauté onions and garlic right in the pot before pressure cooking to save a pan.
Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
I braise chicken and simmer soups in this pot because it goes from stovetop to oven. Tip: I keep the heat low once it simmers so nothing sticks.
Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
I reach for these tongs more than any other tool when I am flipping chicken or tossing vegetables. Tip: I use the locking feature so they store neatly in the drawer.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
Quick Pastas & Noodles
Boiling water to dinner in about 20 minutes, with sauces worth repeating.
I keep this penne stocked because it cooks in about 11 minutes and holds sauce well. Tip: I save a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Penne Rigate no. 41 | Pasta De Cecco USA
I make this on nights when I need comfort food fast, and I stir in frozen peas for extra vegetables. Tip: I add a splash of milk for a creamier sauce.
Classic Mac & Cheese
I keep a jar of this sauce for nights when homemade sauce is not happening. Tip: I simmer it with garlic and a splash of pasta water for extra flavor.
Carbone Marinara Delicato Pasta Sauce
I toss this pesto with hot pasta for a dinner that needs no cooking beyond the noodles. Tip: I stir in a little pasta water so it coats every piece.
Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce & Spread | CLASSICO
I make this on the busiest nights and add broccoli or peas to make it a fuller meal. Tip: I stir in the cheese sauce off the heat so it stays smooth.
Original Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Pantry Staples & Shortcuts
The jars, sauces, and staples that turn a bare pantry into dinner.
I add a squeeze of this to noodle bowls and fried rice when dinner needs heat. Tip: I start with a little and add more, since it builds fast.
Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce 17oz 2pk
I keep cans of these beans for quick tacos and rice bowls. Tip: I rinse them well and season with cumin and lime.
Black Beans, 15.5 oz Can
I stir a spoonful of this into water for instant broth in soups and rice. Tip: I use a little less than the jar suggests and adjust to taste.
Roasted Chicken Base
I season ground meat and beans with this packet for taco night in minutes. Tip: I add a splash of water so the seasoning coats evenly.
Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix, Original Flavor, 1 oz.
I cook almost every weeknight dinner with this oil because its light taste works for sautéing and roasting. Tip: I heat it just until it shimmers before adding ingredients.
Bertolli® Olive Oil Extra Light Taste