Back-to-School Recipes to Make Weeknights Easier
From Honest to Goodness – Your Seattle Personal Chef Service
The start of the school year always comes with a whirlwind of activities — new routines, sports practices, homework, and earlier bedtimes. For busy parents, that often means scrambling to put dinner on the table. That’s where having a few quick and nourishing recipes in your back pocket can make all the difference.
Whether you’re cooking at home or outsourcing meal prep, here are some back-to-school recipe ideas that make family dinners easier and stress-free.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
One pan, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Toss bite-sized chicken with a high-heat oil and your favorite taco-type seasoning blend, then add in colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Serve with corn or flour tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings!
15-Minute Pasta Primavera
Cook your choice of pasta, toss with sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and parmesan, and finish with olive oil or pesto. Ready in minutes and packed with veggies.
Gluten-Free? Swap regular pasta for roasted spaghetti squash. This will add to the overall cook time but definitely worth the extra boost of nutrition!
Breakfast-for-Dinner Waffles
Switch things up with a playful breakfast-for-dinner night. Whole-grain waffles topped with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or peanut butter and bananas make dinner fun and filling.
DIY Taco Night
Tacos are ALWAYS a win. Prep ground beef, shredded chicken, vegetarian protein, or black beans, and set out tortillas with toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, and avocado. Kids love customizing their own plates, and parents love how simple it is to pull together.
Plan Ahead: Make extra of your taco fillings to serve in a salad later in the week!
Mason Jar Salads
Perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches. Layer hearty ingredients like beans, cucumbers, and pasta at the bottom, greens on top. Just shake with dressing when it’s time to eat.
Kid-friendly swaps: pasta + cheese cubes + diced ham = lunchbox win
One-Pot Chili
The variations of chili are endless! Pick your choice of protein, with or without beans, chili spices, and even add in some hearty veggies. Start your slow-cooker in the morning when the kids are off to school, then savor the cozy smells throughout the day before dishing up a fall favorite. Make a double (or triple) batch to stock your freezer for future weeknight meals!
Back to School Dishes
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy, enjoyable dinners. With quick recipes, smart shortcuts, and the help of Honest to Goodness Personal Chefs in Seattle, you can keep weeknights stress-free and family-focused. From personalized in-home chef services to Eats Amore meal delivery, Honest to Goodness is here to make sure your family stays nourished without the overwhelm of menu planning.
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