Every Monday through Friday, moms everywhere face the same challenge: how in the world are we supposed to feed our families and keep them happy between work, toddler dance class, baseball practice, homework, music lessons, and who knows what else? There’s barely time to tie our shoes let alone cook a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner the entire family will agree on.
It’s an age-old problem that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how old your kids are or how many appointments you cram onto your calendar. When you’re tired of pizza and even the kids can’t stomach any more hot dogs, it’s time to refresh your weeknight dinner repertoire.
These recipes were chosen based on being weeknight-friendly. There’s something here for every set of taste buds.
1. Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Before you panic, trust us, these pork chops are tasty, and they take about 20 minutes to make. A lot of pork chop recipes can leave you checking the oven every few minutes worried about overcooking, but this pan-fried recipe is foolproof.
You have the option of either bone-in or boneless meat, but remember, bones provide a whole lot of juicy flavor. Boneless is the leaner option, as most of the fat has been removed, but it will be drier and slightly less flavorful.
Regardless of what you pick, make sure your meat is high quality. You’ll have to pay a little more, but the flavor is worth it.
Click here for the full recipe.
2. Parmesan Baked Chicken Breast
This is a go-to recipe for when you want a hardy meal but don’t have a lot of time (or ingredients) to make it happen.
Everyone loves chicken, and there’s even a chance your pickiest little eaters will scarf down this tasty recipe. The key is in how you bake it. You want your chicken breasts to be perfectly seasoned and baked just the right amount so they’re juicy and not rubbery.
Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Check out the full recipe for Parmesan baked chicken breast here.
3. Garlic Butter Sauteed Asparagus
Finding a main dish is one thing, but don’t forget about those sides. It’s a good idea to stock your kitchen with side dish ingredients that pair well with most of your family’s favorite meals. You don’t want to restrict your already complicated meal planning because your sides don’t go well with your mains.
This garlic butter sauteed asparagus recipe is exactly what we’re talking about. It’s one of those side dishes that can be paired with almost anything. Salmon, chicken, shrimp, even pastas—you have plenty of options.
Your kids might initially turn up their noses at the sight of these green spears, but the garlic butter makes up for any vegetable-ness they might resist.
You’ll find secrets for the perfect saute along with the full recipe here.
4. Garlic Butter Fish
When you feel like you’ve been cycling through the same routine of chicken, beef, pork, and pasta, why not add some variety to your life? Fish recipes are great for weeknight dinners because they’re fast and filling.
You also have the benefit of having an entire sea’s worth of fishy flavors to choose from. If your kids don’t like a certain kind of fish, mix it up and try something different. Halibut is a mild type of fish that’s often great for picky eaters.
Pair your family’s favorite type of fish with this easy-to-make and affordable garlic butter for a meal that tastes like it came right from a seafood restaurant.
Get the recipe here.
