10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners with Simple Ingredients

Weeknights can be quite busy during the school year. Without a plan, the simple question “What’s for dinner?” may spark some mixed feelings. You want to nourish your family and provide a meal that everyone likes, but you may not have much time to make it happen while navigating evening routines. We’re here to help! Add these simple dinner options to your menu and embrace the ease they bring. For most of them, you’ll only need five ingredients or less:

1. Spinach and Ravioli Salad
   Cut down on prep time by using frozen ravioli as your base. Transform it into a complete and nourishing comfort meal with just three additional ingredients.
   Recipe: Grow Fit Menu
2. Air Fryer Kielbasa and Veggies
   This is a quick, simple dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s well-balanced, full of flavor, and easy to clean up thanks to the ever-popular air fryer method.
   Recipe: Savory Sweet Spoon 
3. Penne with Lentil and Meat Sauce
   Switch things up by adding lentils to your spaghetti dinner to stretch the sauce, boost the fiber, and add protein to each serving. Talk about nourishing!
   Recipe: Grow Fit Menu
4. BBQ Chicken Calzone
   Pizza meets quesadilla in this savory, cheesy meal. Save time by using precooked or rotisserie chicken. Complete the meal by including your favorite vegetable on the side.
   Recipe: Grow Fit Menu
5. Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
   Let your crockpot do all the work tonight! Serve a Mexican-inspired meal that fills the air with delicious aromas all day long. Finish them up with your go-to toppings!
   Recipe: Fit Slow Cooker Queen
6. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
   Spaghetti squash is a great pasta swap that adds an excellent serving of “hidden” veggies. Enchilada sauce makes this a flavorful “Taco Tuesday” oven-baked dinner.
   Recipe: Eating Well
7. Baked Fish with Tomato Basil Sauce
   Grab some cod fillets from the freezer section to elevate your next meal. It’s a lean, high-protein option that cooks up easily with an infusion of Italian flavors.
   Recipe: The Seasoned Mom
8. Baked Tofu with 4-Ingredient BBQ Sauce
   Looking for a meatless option? Try this sweet and spicy combo with tofu. Baking the protein-rich alternative pulls the water out, leaving it crispy and delicious.
   Recipe: Create Mindfully
9. 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad
   Yes, pasta salad can be a complete meal, especially when it’s hearty and rich in both flavor and texture. This year-round recipe is always a welcome addition to the menu.
   Recipe: Gimme Some Oven
10. Black Bean Enchiladas
    Craving another vegetarian dish? This enchilada recipe uses black beans to add a ton of protein and fiber to a family favorite. Top it with sour cream and pico de gallo to serve!
    Recipe: I Heart Vegetables