Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and family-friendly dish that's perfect for busy school nights.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups cooked pasta
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking method

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
  5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
  6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

Whip up this quick Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu for a nutritious and colorful dinner option that kids will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Cooking method

  1. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and sauté tofu cubes until golden.
  2. Add ginger and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  3. Toss in bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, and sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and stir well to combine.
  5. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.

One-Pot Taco Pasta

Enjoy all the flavors of taco night with this easy and hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups pasta shells
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Cooking method

  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
  3. Add pasta shells, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  5. Cover and let sit until the cheese is melted, then serve.

Baked Ziti with Sausage

This Baked Ziti with Sausage is a crowd-pleaser that's both filling and deliciously cheesy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
  • 3 cups ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Cooking method

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  3. In a skillet, brown the sausage slices until cooked through.
  4. Mix pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl.
  5. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a fun and tasty meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Cooking method

  1. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, place a tortilla, and sprinkle with cheese, then add chicken mixture.
  3. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  5. Cut into wedges and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Shells

These Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Shells are an easy vegetarian option that packs a nutritional punch.

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Cooking method

  1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  3. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish with marinara sauce.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  5. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

The Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and easy meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Cooking method

  1. In a pan, cook chicken over medium heat until browned.
  2. Add broccoli and continue to cook until tender.
  3. Pour teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat.
  4. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delightful meatless option packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Cooking method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and cumin, then spread on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  4. In a bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes with black beans.
  5. Serve in corn tortillas and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is light, fresh, and ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Cooking method

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and cooked spaghetti.
  5. Toss with parsley before serving.

Turkey and Veggie Skillet

This Turkey and Veggie Skillet is a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for sneaking more vegetables into your family's diet.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Cooking method

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned.
  2. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and onion, and sauté until vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Serve warm with your choice of side.

Caprese Chicken Bake

This Caprese Chicken Bake is a simple and delicious dish that combines fresh flavors for a quick dinner option.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped

Cooking method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
  3. Top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

As a mom, dreamer, and adventurer at heart, I've embarked on the most thrilling expedition of all – raising my energetic little ones. From the early morning giggles to the late-night cuddles, each moment with my children is a treasure I hold dear. Parenthood has been my greatest teacher, shaping me into the resilient, creative, and compassionate woman I am today.