Back-to-School, Back to Busy: 5 Weeknight Dinners That Practically Cook Themselves

As the back-to-school rush kicks in, getting dinner on the table can feel like solving a nightly puzzle—one where time, energy, and picky eaters all collide. That’s where simple, minimal-effort dinners come in. These five meals require just a few ingredients, little prep, and virtually no brainpower (or cleanup). Let’s reclaim your evenings, one easy dish at a time.

1. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Slice up bell peppers, onions, and your protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), toss in olive oil and taco seasoning, and roast at 200°C for 20–25 minutes. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Why we love it: Hands-off cooking and build-your-own flexibility.

2. One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta with Veggies

Boil pasta, then stir in frozen peas, spinach, and a generous knob of garlic butter. Add grated parmesan and a splash of pasta water to make it saucy.
Optional: Add rotisserie chicken or canned tuna for extra protein.
Why we love it: It’s fast, satisfying, and uses pantry staples.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Toss chicken breasts in your slow cooker with a bottle of BBQ sauce and let it go on low for 4–6 hours. Shred with forks and serve on buns or rice bowls.
Why we love it: Zero effort, maximum flavor.

4. Breakfast-for-Dinner Scramble

Eggs, leftover veggies, cheese, and toast make a perfectly respectable dinner. Add avocado or salsa for extra flair.
Why we love it: It’s fast, protein-packed, and kid-approved.

5. Store-Bought Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes & Pesto

Sauté gnocchi in olive oil until golden, then toss in halved cherry tomatoes and a spoonful of pesto. Done.
Why we love it: Feels fancy, tastes homemade, and takes less than 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate to be delicious. With a few clever shortcuts and some go-to pantry items, you can get back into a rhythm that keeps everyone fed—and your sanity intact. Because let’s be honest: you’ve got enough homework already.