The past three weeks here on Dinner With The Duffys I’ve provided loads of extremely simple and hands off meals for busy week night cooking. In theory, this is exactly why I started the blog – to share a week’s worth of quick, simple and healthy-ish recipes to set you up for a week of cooking success! (Less time in the kitchen = happier humans) Although I have been loving these themed filled weeks, I feel as if it’s time to bring back a little more diversity to the plan. IF you are looking to continue the hands off cooking streak, not to worry; I’ve got an idea for you.
Between the sheet pan, foil packet and crock pot meal plans, shared over the last three weeks, there are 18 super quick recipes you can choose from. My suggestion is to pick one dish from each of the past meal plans (making for three hands off recipes a week) and then incorporate two new meals from my current plan moving forward. Make sure you schedule one of the three really quick meals on nights you have the least amount of time. I would also suggest always doing the crock pot meal on Monday nights. This will allow you to prep the recipe on Sunday so come Monday AM just set it and forget it.
The only thing I ask of you is please, do not pick the same three recipes every single week. You will end up in a food rut and become frustrated and bored. Yes, meal planning is mostly about freeing up time, keeping your health in check and stress levels down but it’s also about creating excitement in the kitchen. So switch it up – there’s more than enough content to choose from!
Meal Plan for the Week of October 18th
Sunday, October 18th | Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Polenta | So, I’m trying to re-start my keto lifestyle. If you are anything like me, you have to have a pretty strict plan in place in order to succeed. (Obviously) But, Sundays will always be about comfort and polenta is pretty much comfort food at it’s best. Not to mention this recipe only calls for two ingredients – 2. Jarred marinara & chicken thighs. You can serve over pasta if you aren’t a polenta fan! PS – if you don’t own an instant pot, just brown the chicken thighs over medium/high heat. Once browned, turn heat to medium/low, add the marinara sauce and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken is cooked thru!
Monday, October 19th | Shrimp Zoodles Parmesan | Basically shrimp spaghetti with a few additions. Super easy. KID TIP – before adding the zuchhini noodles into the sauce, remove enough marinara to serve to your kids over pasta. Add a side of the baked shrimp and some fresh veggies. KETO TIP – sub almond flour for the panko and breadcrumbs!
Tuesday, October 20th | Beer Cheese Soup | OK so this is a first for me. I’ve never heard of Beer Cheese Soup but when the ladies behind The Modern Proper say it’s good, it’s good. Oddly enough, this recipe is pretty keto friendly so it’s kind of a selfish move on my part but I’m guessing this one is going to take us all by surprise! If you need a protein, add some rotisserie chicken to the mix! KID TIP – serve with a soft pretzel for fun! (Freezer section of most grocery stores)
Wednesday, October 21st | Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken | Nothing complicated about this recipe. I will tell you it’s going to take longer than five minutes per side to cook your chicken if you want it to be flavorful and juicy. (See my fool-proof juicy chicken guide) KID TIP – plate theirs before you add in the spinach and sun dried tomatoes and serve over egg noodles!
Thursday, October 22nd | Italian Sub Salad | A good Italian salad is pretty hard to beat. There are two versions of this recipe – one with tortellini and one without. Both sound delicious. Don’t worry about letting the veggies, meat and cheese sit overnight. Just chop and serve. KID TIP – deconstruct this one – a “plate” as we like to call it in my house. A little deli meat, some cheese, ritz crackers, some fresh veggies or make them a deli sammie and call it a day!
Friday, October 23rd | Best Flank Steak Marinade | I like the idea of grilling on Fridays. It takes the cooking outside and clean up is pretty minimal. Since Thursday nights recipe is a no-cook meal, make the marinade the night before and have it ready to go for Friday AM. Serve this with some roasted asparagus and roasted potatoes.
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