Everyone knows how important family dinner is -- nutritionally, socially, budgetwise, and in so many other ways. Those of us who actually cook a weeknight meal also know how difficult it can be to feed hungry kids and ravenous partners in a delicious, healthy fashion in a limited time. We're here for you with dinner recipes and inspiration -- and lots of support! The weeknight recipes take less than an hour of mostly hands-off time, many cook much quicker than that but may require constant stirring. These are meals the whole family can enjoy. Yes, there will be pasta. So join us every week for dinnertime inspiration.
MONDAY: Roasted Broccoli Rabe with Ricotta Spread
Let's not waste time: Here's a super-duper fast, uber-delicious vegetarian dinner. Start the broiler and get to setting the table -- this meal takes only 10 minutes to make. The takeaway today: Meatless mains aren't time consuming; they are delicious -- and broiling is the best way to cook broccoli rabe.
TUESDAY: Spicy Cauliflower, Bok Choy, and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Coconut
Shrimp and cauliflower: We love them apart (try this and this), but we also love them together in this speedy stir-fry -- is there any other kind?
WEDNESDAY: Roasted Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Just one heatproof skillet is needed to cook this easy, satisfying meal that starts on the stove top and is finished in the oven.
THURSDAY: Orecchiette with Sausage, Chard, and Parsnips
You might have noticed our penchant for orecchiette. Those little ears scoop up ingredients and hold onto sauce. Here they star in a hearty pasta dinner that has just five ingredients.
FRIDAY: Green Chicken-Enchilada Pies
Comfort is a casserole. In this case, it is disguised as an enchilada pie: Corn tortillas are layered with tomatillo salsa, shredded chicken, and plenty of cheese.
SATURDAY: Seared Steaks with Tomato Salad and Creamy Spinach
Bring the steakhouse to your house. In just 30 minutes you can sear steaks, make creamed spinach, and a fresh tomato salad -- and open that bottle of red wine you've been saving.
Watch Sarah Carey Make This 30-Minute Steakhouse Dinner
SUNDAY: Squash Lasagna with Spinach
Because everyone loves lasagna, here's a super-seasonal, totally decadent vegetarian version. Sweet, meaty kabocha squash is layered with spinach, a rich Gruyere-ricotta filling, and bechamel sauce. This recipe serves 12, but don't count on serving it for dinner twice; it's irresistibly good, and there are bound to be calls for seconds.