It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From drumsticks that keep the long weekend going to a 15-minute pasta, 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: Fatteh with Cumin Chickpeas and Tahini Yogurt | Kale and Caramel
Related: 7 awesome dinners you can make with pantry basics.
Though Monday is a holiday, by Monday night we’ll be gearing up to go back to school and work. That doesn’t mean that Monday night’s dinner has to be a typical weeknight slap-dash affair. Instead, keep it easy, fast, and festive with these Oven Roasted Buffalo Drumsticks at The Candid Appetite that keep the long weekend vibes alive until the very last minute.
Since we’re skipping #MeatlessMonday, I’ll make this simple, mouthwatering Fatteh with Cumin Chickpeas and Tahini Yogurt at Kale and Caramel on Tuesday. I’m thinking of wilting some pre-washed greens in the warm pita-bread and chickpea dish and using what’s leftover to make a big salad. Even tastier than it is simple.
Barbara Kafka’s Creamy Lemon Pasta | Photo by Bobbi Lin for Food52
By Wednesday, everything that didn’t get done at the beginning of the week starts to weigh on me and dinner needs to come together at the last minute. The Creamy Lemon Pasta recipe that we found at Food52 while rounding up super fast pasta recipes fits the bill. If you have some seasonal asparagus or even frozen peas on hand, throw them in for a healthy one bowl meal.
Related: The one easy trick for juicier, faster cooking chicken breasts.
I love when recipes like this Pan Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce at Baker by Nature seem fancy, but come together with hardly any effort in just minutes (literally!). And after a long weekend of grilling and drinking, followed by drumsticks and pasta, this light, flavorful meal will be in order.
Slow Cooker Meatballs | Photo by Brian Woodcock for Country Living
Keep Friday easy with these Slow Cooker Meatballs at Country Living, but instead of using them to top pasta, keep it summery with meatball sliders. Place finished meatballs in a single layer on a clean sheet pan, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and melt under the broiler. Sandwich cheese-topped meatballs in a roll — with extra sauce if you like — and some pepperoncini for some big flavor.
