Stress-free school nights: 17 effortless dinner ideas

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Embrace the excitement of a new school year with a collection of low-stress back-to-school dinner ideas that are as delicious as they are effortless. Whether you’re juggling after-school activities or helping with homework, quick and easy recipes are your secret weapon for conquering busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. From quick one-pan wonders to satisfying family favorites, get ready to breeze through dinner prep and savor every moment around the table.

Image shows three honey habanero tacos on a wooden table.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This delicious and easy-to-make honey glazed chicken is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal when you’re juggling kids and their activities. The chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that will have your taste buds singing. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy your cravings with Creamy Pea Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more. This meatless Monday favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner when you feel like you don’t have time to cook with the back to school schedule.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos on a wooden table.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

We all love Taco Tuesday, right? This delightful recipe for a flavorful ground beef twist is a perfect solution for those busy back-to-school nights. It’s a breeze to whip up, just as effortless as your regular ground beef tacos, yet the taste is elevated to a whole new level. Say goodbye to the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this convenient yet incredibly delicious option that’s bound to become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e pepe is one of those meals that sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, including getting your water to boil. Make this when kids’ activities are in full swing to lessen your stress level. Cheesy carbs don’t get any better than this.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Miso Glazed Salmon

Image shows a Bite of miso glazed salmon with rice on a fork with the rest of the plate in the background.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the succulent delight of perfectly cooked salmon, glazed with a rich and savory miso sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. Discover how effortless it is to create restaurant-quality miso-glazed salmon right in the comfort of your own kitchen, perfect for those bustling back-to-school evenings. Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering dish that offers a burst of exquisite flavors and a touch of gourmet flair, all in the convenience of your home.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This tuna and tomato pasta is so simple that kids can make it (with supervision, of course). It’s tasty and has a simple protein that means this is ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for any weeknight meal, especially when your kids’ activities keep you on your toes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Overhead shot of honey bourbon chicken in a bowl on a black counter.
Honey Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the irresistible and sticky-sweet Honey Bourbon Chicken made in the Instant Pot. Experience the tenderness of chicken, expertly coated in a luscious honey bourbon glaze, resulting in a delightful harmony of flavors that will undeniably leave you craving more. Get ready to savor every delectable bite of this flavor-packed dish, ideal for those busy back-to-school nights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows Chicken and pea risotto on a spoon with more in a green bowl behind it.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheater recipe for chicken and pea “risotto” introduces tender rotisserie chicken and peas to a creamy risotto-style ensemble, all without the customary arborio rice and laborious stirring. Enhanced by a touch of Parmesan cheese, this dish unveils a delightful shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor making it the ultimate choice for those bustling back-to-school evenings or busy days when you crave a scrumptious meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in a bowl of comforting chicken tortellini soup, a soul-soothing dish that’s made even more delightful with leftover rotisserie chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner that still give you time to supervise homework, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these delectable cheesy chicken enchiladas, skillfully crafted using succulent rotisserie chicken. With effortless finesse, you’ll relish a comforting and richly flavored dish that’s destined to leave your family craving more. Bid farewell to the woes of mealtime prep and embrace a world of mouthwatering delight that promises to simplify your busy back to school evenings while indulging your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Uncover the perfect back-to-school mealtime solution with these convenient lasagna roll-ups. Experience the joy of savoring scrumptious lasagna flavor without the wait, as these delectable roll-ups provide a swift and satisfying option for busy school nights. Embrace the ease of preparation and the delightful layers of cheese and taste, making your dinner routine a breeze and leaving you with more time for what truly matters.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Perfect for those nights when you are running everywhere with kid activities, make these hassle-free chicken taco wraps with leftover rotisserie chicken for effortless preparation. Experience the joy of a delicious and refreshing meal without the need for cooking, allowing you to savor every bite without stressing about time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Ramekin Pizzas

A photo shows a fork pulling a bite of ramekin pizza from the dish with a long cheese pull.
Ramekin Pizzas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

As you navigate the realm of homework supervision and bustling afternoons, consider introducing a touch of culinary creativity with these individual ramekin pizzas. Effortlessly prepared and bursting with flavors, these miniature delights bring a playful spin to your dinner routine. Embrace the simplicity of biscuit “crusts” and relish in the joy of serving a meal that adds a dash of fun to those hectic after-school hours.
Get the Recipe: Ramekin Pizzas

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

In the midst of juggling after-school activities and ensuring homework completion, indulge in the goodness of orange salmon that effortlessly balances health and indulgence. This swift and delightful recipe caters to the demands of busy weeknights or serves as a delightful addition to special occasions, promising a mouthwatering experience that caters to every culinary preference.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a hassle-free and refreshing meal with canned chicken salad when you need dinner on the table in a flash. With no cooking required, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for busy days when kids have one activity after school after another. Pair it with your favorite greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This naturally gluten-free recipe is filled with protein between the quinoa and beans plus has tons of flavor with the salsa, corn, and more. This one pot meal has it all, and it’s super fast and easy to make, too. Dinner prep is a snap, which allows you to focus on homework help instead.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells, filled with savory goodness. They are the perfect easy school night meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

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