Back to School: 3 Easy Weeknight Dinners for Your Busy Week

The back-to-school season is upon us, and as the lazy days of summer give way to busy school nights, the quest for quick and nutritious weeknight dinners begins. Here are some mouthwatering meal ideas and essential kitchen tools that make your cooking experience a breeze. Let's  explore three easy weeknight dinners that'll save the day, along with the marvels of teak cutting boards – the secret to durability and easy cleaning in your kitchen.

1. One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it's perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken and broccoli are cooked in the same pan as the pasta, so there's minimal cleanup. This recipe is also a good source of protein and vegetables, making it a healthy option for your family.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound broccoli florets

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

12 ounces rigatoni or rotini pasta

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add the broccoli and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.

Toss to combine and serve immediately.

2. Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is a great way to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table in no time. The salmon and vegetables are roasted on one sheet pan, so there's minimal cleanup. This recipe is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy option for your family.

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon fillet, skin on

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup carrots, sliced

1/2 cup red onion, sliced

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet.

Scatter the broccoli, carrots, and red onion around the salmon.

Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serve immediately.

3. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The soup is made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. This recipe is also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy option for your family.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 cup water

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, and water.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.

Transfer the soup to a slow cooker and stir in the black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the flavors have fully developed.

Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

I hope these recipes help you get a delicious and healthy meal on the table for your family on busy weeknights!

One tool we recommend as a must in the kitchen is an acacia and slate cutting board. Made of two different durable and beautiful materials, these can handle anything you throw at them. 

A teak cutting board with slate is a good combination of two durable and easy-to-care-for materials. The teak provides the board with its strength and water resistance, while the slate provides the board with its non-porous surface and bacteria-resistance.