This week seems very busy to me, which means I have less time and effort to devote to dinner. That said, I really want some delicious meals that are light and bouncy to the touch. With that in mind, I really lean on dinners with minimal effort and maximal reward. That means a series of recipes that either consist of just a few ingredients, have little to no prep, require a single piece of cookware (hello, tin pan dinner!), Or rely on the slow cooker or instant pot to do the heavy lifting . I also load up seasonal favorites like lemons, asparagus, artichokes, and herbs to add a bouncy mood to the table.
Here are the five incredibly easy dinners I’m cooking this week.
Monday: slow cooker spinach and artichoke chicken
The beginning of the week always requires something extra light, so I pull out the slow cooker to make a low-prep dinner with no hands. I have a pack of boneless chicken thighs that need to be used up and they work well as an alternative to the chicken breast fillets called for in the recipe.
Tuesday: 15-minute garlic butter tortellini
Butter noodles are currently my favorite pastime when in need of a super quick and easy dinner that my toddler, husband, and I will all enjoy. It takes almost no extra effort to toss in some garlic, a pinch of lemon, and a shower of parmesan and fresh herbs, but dinner feels kind of fancy.
Get the Recipe: 15-minute garlic butter tortellini
Wednesday: scrambled eggs with green peppers and mushrooms
Lately, when I don’t feel like cooking, scrambled eggs have been the default. I have a few pieces of veggies in the veg that need to be used up, so I’m using them for a loaded scrambled egg tonight. I’m using this recipe as a template, and while it calls for peppers and mushrooms, almost all of the vegetables are fair game.
Get the Recipe: Scrambled eggs with green peppers & mushrooms
Thursday: Sheet Pan Crispy Salmon and Potatoes
This is the easiest salmon meal I know. Lemon salmon fillets, tender asparagus and thin, crispy potatoes are on the table from start to finish in less than 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Crispy Salmon and Potatoes
Friday: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
I’m ending the week as easily as it started and tonight I’ll be leaning on my Instant Pot to do the heavy lifting for dinner. I toss a couple of boneless chicken legs and a barbecue sauce in the pressure cooker and shred the meat for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
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