It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From sheet pan Jambalaya to waffles like you’ve never seen before, we’ve got five weeknight dinners that will get you through the week ahead. So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over. And if it’s easier for you to do that from your inbox, be sure to sign up for our weekly meal plan emails.
Top: Sheet Pan Roasted Jambalaya | The Candid Appetite and Bacon and Avocado Waffle Grilled Cheese at Damn Delicious
Related: Easy Big batch cooking: 6 family friendly foods you can cook in bulk, no extra effort required
Monday after a holiday always calls for something super easy and fast – that’s where this recipe Split Instant Pot Split Peas from Minimalist Baker comes in. The recipe is so simple and there is no need to soak the peas! If you have leftover ham from Easter you can toss that in. I always prefer to use vegetable broth in place of water as it adds more flavor. Of course this requires a huge loaf of crunchy bread on the side.
And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, or maybe even if you do, I think every kitchen needs a Baby Yoda version on the counter (affiliate)
Related: 10 of the best Instant Pot recipes for beginners
Time to get springy with it! You know, it being dinner. Lame jokes aside, this simple Spaghetti Carbonara with Spring Vegetables from Spiced is the perfect weeknight taste of the new season. If anything it will distract me from my spring fever and wanting to get outside and plant all of the things.
While it may not be the classic version, I think that this Sheet Pan Roasted Jambalaya at The Candid Appetite is a super smart recipe. It’s got all of the flavor of the real deal, with plenty of protein and veggies, but made way easier. Then either use leftover rice like the recipe calls for, or make the rice ahead in a big batch for the week and warm it up on the sheet pan before serving.
Related: 5 easy sheet pan dinners
I love Chicken Parmesan, but it can be quite a bit of work. Leave it to Gaby at What’s Gaby Cooking to come up with these easy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs that serve up the same satisfaction with half the effort. Plus, meatballs! They are always a win with the kids.
Related: 10 easy spring appetizers that could be a whole meal
This recipe for Bacon and Avocado Waffle Grilled Cheese at Damn Delicious has Friday written all over it. And with all that nutrient-dense avocado, I say these sandwiches make a complete dinner all on their own. Just make enough for everyone to have seconds.
