School night solutions: 19 easy and delicious recipes

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In the hustle and bustle of school nights, finding time to prepare a delicious and wholesome dinner can be a daunting task. This collection of simple yet satisfying recipes will help you conquer those busy evenings!

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

On a busy school night, Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love. This dish is a hearty and flavorful option that’s perfect for satisfying hungry appetites after a long day. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, and it’s a breeze to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a quick and comforting meal for a school night dinner, Hashbrown Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both creamy and satisfying. It’s the ideal side dish that pairs well with your main course. Your family will be asking for this recipe again and again, and it’s a dish that can be prepared in advance for extra convenience.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tuna Pesto Pasta is a simple yet delicious school night dinner that comes together in a flash. With the aromatic flavors of pesto and the goodness of tuna, it’s a wholesome choice for a quick family meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, making it a win-win for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian Chicken Cutlets are a savory delight that turn any school night into a special occasion. With their crispy coating and tender chicken inside, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike. This dish is a quick and easy way to add a touch of Italian flavor to your weeknight dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Chicken Pastina Soup

A bowl of chicken pastina soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with lemons and dill in the background.
Chicken Pastina Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a school night dinner that warms the heart, Chicken Pastina Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that’s ready in no time. This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly evening and will become a favorite in your home. It’s the perfect remedy for a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken brings a burst of flavor to your school night dinner table with its spicy and savory combination. It’s a quick and tasty option that’ll keep everyone satisfied after a busy day. The bold flavors will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you crave a creamy and satisfying school night dinner, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the answer. It’s a bowl of comfort that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home. This soup will make you feel like you’re dining in a charming Italian trattoria.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is a school night dinner that’s both healthy and delicious. With its colorful array of roasted vegetables and succulent salmon, it’s a wholesome choice that’s ready in no time. Plus, the easy cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re short on time but craving a tasty burger, the 25 Minute Black Bean Burger is your school night solution. It’s a quick and easy option that satisfies your burger cravings in a flash. These burgers are a game-changer for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup on hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hearty Marinara Sauce is the perfect accompaniment for a school night pasta dinner. With its rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, it’s a sauce that transforms a simple meal into something special. Your family will think it’s straight from an Italian kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a school night dinner that celebrates the flavors of the season, the Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner is a one-pan wonder that’s both easy and delicious. It’s a wholesome choice that brings the taste of autumn to your table. This dish showcases the best of fall produce.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef Stir Fry is a school night dinner that’s quick and full of flavor. With its combination of savory beef and vibrant vegetables, it’s a satisfying choice for busy evenings. This stir fry will become your go-to recipe for hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

Chicken yaki udon in a white bowl.
Chicken Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

When you need a school night dinner that’s both speedy and tasty, Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry is the way to go. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This stir-fry is a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tortellini soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a yellow linen and a bunch of parsley.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is a school night dinner that’s ready in a flash, thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul. This soup will become your go-to comfort food on chilly school nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a school night dinner that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast. With its aromatic herbs and succulent chicken, it’s a flavorful choice for busy evenings. This dish brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your home.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Divan is a creamy and comforting school night dinner that’s a hit with the whole family. With its tender chicken and rich sauce, it’s a satisfying choice for a cozy meal. This dish is like a warm embrace after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Easy Chicken Piccata

A skillet with chicken piccata and sauce with a lemon wedge on it.
Easy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Easy Chicken Piccata is a school night dinner that combines zesty flavors and tender chicken for a delightful meal. It’s a quick and tasty option that’ll brighten up any evening. This dish is a burst of brightness on a school night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Piccata

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are a school night dinner that’s both crispy and succulent. With the magic of your cast iron skillet, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. These chicken thighs are a favorite for their crispy skin and juicy meat.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

A cheeseburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion on a wood board.
Cast Iron Skillet Burgers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers are a school night dinner that satisfies your burger cravings in a flash. With their juicy patties and classic toppings, they’re a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights. These burgers are a timeless favorite for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

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