11 Quick Back to School Dinners for Busy Weeknights

quick dinners for weekdays

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

one pan chicken fajitas recipe

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy school nights. With tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty spices, this one-pan dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s an all-in-one solution that minimizes cleanup, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts, sliced 1 pound
Bell peppers, sliced 2 (1 red, 1 green)
Onion, sliced 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Flour tortillas 4-6
Optional toppings (sour cream, cheese, guacamole) as desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and spices. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve in warm tortillas and top with optional toppings as desired. Enjoy your meal!
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Quick Beef Stir-Fry

quick and easy beef stir fry

Quick Beef Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for those hectic school nights when time is of the essence. This dish features tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, all cooked in one skillet for a fast, flavorful meal. It’s not only quick to prepare, but also highly versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef sirloin, thinly sliced 1 pound
Bell pepper, sliced 1 medium
Broccoli florets 1 cup
Carrot, julienned 1 medium
Onion, sliced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Optional toppings (sesame seeds, green onions) as desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, and the vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until tender-crisp.
  4. Return the beef to the skillet, add soy sauce, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings as desired. Enjoy!
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15-Minute Shrimp Tacos

quick and flavorful shrimp tacos

Minute Shrimp Tacos are a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner option. These tacos come together in just minutes and feature succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty seasoning and served in soft tortillas with fresh toppings. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal that your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound
Taco seasoning 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Corn tortillas 8 small
Cabbage, shredded 1 cup
Avocado, sliced 1 medium
Lime wedges 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the shrimp and taco seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  2. While the shrimp cooks, prep the tortillas by warming them on a separate pan or in the microwave.
  3. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp in each tortilla, then adding shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro on top.
  4. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy your quick Minute Shrimp Tacos!
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Easy Veggie Quesadillas

quick customizable veggie quesadillas

Easy Veggie Quesadillas are a perfect quick dinner option that can be customized to include your family’s favorite vegetables. Packed with flavor, these quesadillas are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time!

Ingredients Quantity
Flour tortillas 4 large
Bell peppers, diced 1 cup
Zucchini, diced 1 medium
Onion, sliced 1 medium
Cheese, shredded (cheddar or mozzarella) 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole) as desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Lay out the flour tortillas and generously fill half of each tortilla with the sautéed veggies and shredded cheese.
  3. Fold the tortillas over and place them in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  4. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve warm with your choice of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Enjoy your Easy Veggie Quesadillas!
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Sheet Pan Pizza

customizable sheet pan pizza

Sheet Pan Pizza is a fun and customizable way to enjoy everyone’s favorite dish with the convenience of cooking everything in one pan. Ideal for busy back-to-school nights, you can load it up with your family’s favorite toppings and have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Ingredients Quantity
Pizza dough 1 lb
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Pizza sauce 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups
Pepperoni slices 1 cup
Bell peppers, sliced 1 cup
Red onion, sliced 1/2 cup
Mushrooms, sliced 1 cup
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish) a handful

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to fit the size of the baking sheet, then transfer the dough to the sheet and stretch it out.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for crust.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by pepperoni, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Sheet Pan Pizza!
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Pasta Primavera

colorful veggie pasta dish

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and colorful dish that celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta, making it a perfect quick dinner option for busy back-to-school nights. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to get in a variety of nutrients while keeping taste front and center.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (any type) 8 oz
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Bell peppers, sliced 1 cup
Zucchini, sliced 1 medium
Carrots, julienned 1 cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup
Fresh basil, chopped (optional) a handful

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, cooked pasta, and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through; sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pasta Primavera!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

slow cooker chicken tacos

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a fantastic option for busy weeknights, providing a flavorful and convenient meal. With the help of a slow cooker, tender chicken is seasoned and cooked until it can be easily shredded, making for delicious tacos that the whole family will love. Simply set it and forget it – dinner will be ready when you are!

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts (boneless) 2 lbs
Taco seasoning 1 packet (1 oz)
Salsa 1 cup
Black beans (canned, drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Corn (frozen or canned) 1 cup
Tortillas 8-10
Toppings (cheese, lettuce, etc.) to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle taco seasoning over the top.
  2. Pour salsa over the chicken and add black beans and corn.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it into the sauce.
  5. Serve in tortillas and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos!
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10-Minute Teriyaki Salmon

quick and delicious salmon

Minute Teriyaki Salmon is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that combines tender salmon fillets with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for busy families, as it takes only minutes to prepare and cooks in no time, making it an ideal choice for back-to-school nights.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 (6 oz each)
Teriyaki sauce 1/2 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Green onions (sliced) 2
Sesame seeds (optional) 1 tablespoon
Steamed rice (for serving) 2 cups

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for about 4 minutes until golden.
  3. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic, then pour over the salmon.
  4. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, spooning sauce over the salmon as it cooks, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your quick Minute Teriyaki Salmon!
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Instant Pot Chili

quick and easy chili

Instant Pot Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners. This versatile recipe allows for customization with your choice of meats, beans, and spices, ensuring a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Utilizing the Instant Pot not only saves time but also enhances the flavors through pressure cooking.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef or turkey 1 lb
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Bell pepper (chopped) 1
Canned diced tomatoes 28 oz can
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Kidney beans (drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Chili beans (drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Optional toppings:
Sour cream To taste
Shredded cheese To taste
Green onions Sliced

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and brown the ground beef or turkey with onions, garlic, and bell pepper until fully cooked.
  2. Once browned, drain any excess grease, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth.
  3. Stir the mixture to combine, seal the lid, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
  4. After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release if needed.
  5. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions. Enjoy your quick and delicious Instant Pot Chili!
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Skillet Mac and Cheese

one pan creamy macaroni dish

Skillet Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy comfort food that can be prepared in a single pan, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. This quick recipe guarantees you can whip up a delicious meal in no time, perfect for satisfying your family’s pasta craving. The simplicity of this one-pot dish allows for easy cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients Quantity
Elbow macaroni 2 cups
Water 4 cups
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) 2 cups
Milk 1 cup
Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Optional add-ins (cooked bacon, broccoli, or breadcrumbs) As desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt before stirring in the cooked macaroni.
  3. Pour in the milk and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper, and fold in any optional add-ins if using.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Skillet Mac and Cheese!

Greek Salad With Grilled Chicken

nutritious greek chicken salad

Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken is a revitalizing and nutritious meal that combines crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and perfectly grilled chicken. This dish is not only colorful and delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need a healthy dinner on the table in no time.

Ingredients Quantity
Grilled chicken breast 2 (cooked and sliced)
Romaine lettuce 4 cups shredded
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup halved
Cucumber 1 medium, diced
Red onion 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
Kalamata olives 1/2 cup pitted and halved
Feta cheese 1/2 cup crumbled
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon
Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine well.
  4. Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.