‘Twas the week-ish before Christmas and nobody wanted to cook for the remainder of 2020. Just me? I guess that’s not exactly the case. I want to cook and bake, I just don’t want to cook dinner. I want to bake Christmas cookies with my girls and make appetizers to share with friends and family but a rushed dinner before bedtime only to wake up, a few hours later, for work doesn’t bring me much holiday joy.
With that in mind, this week I’m sharing six (mostly sheet pan) recipes I believe will bring you the excitement and energy you need to get thru one more full week of cooking. Yes, one more. Next week all bets are off. I don’t meal plan the week of Christmas because it’s too unpredictable. Family and friends are in town so there are last minute dinner plans, people dropping by etc. I recommend stocking your freezer with at least one frozen meal for an easy weeknight option. Instead of a meal plan, I will be sharing my favorite holiday recipes and some easy appetizers, perfect for COVID safe entertaining so stay tuned! P.S. – a genius follower suggested I start putting the total cook time next to the recipe title so you can better plan! SO appreciative as this is such a fabulous suggestion and one I will begin utilizing this week!
MEAL PLAN 12/13 – 12/18
Sunday, December 13th | Italian Chicken and Orzo Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 17 minutes | Not a sheet pan but the prep time is minimal and so worth it. Lots of veggies cooked down in a tomato and pesto sauce served over orzo. Such a comforting dish.
Monday, December 14th | Sheet Pan Philly Cheese Steak Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 23 minutes | Tender flank steak and veggies covered in provolone cheese. Serve with toasted rolls or as is for a low carb option. Picky Eater Tip | Serve without the peppers and onions.
Tuesday, December 15th |One Dish Tuscan Chicken Bake Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | I created this recipe with the busy mom in mind. 3 minutes of prep – 3. The most difficult step is opening the can of tomatoes. Speaking of tomatoes – I suggest using Tuttorosso tomatoes in this dish – the quality and taste of the Tuttorosso diced tomatoes make this recipe.
Wednesday, December 16th | Oven Roasted Sausage & Potatoes Sheet Pan | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Sausage and veggies roasted together with a little Italian seasoning and freshly grated parmesan cheese. I suggest roasting on two pans – if the veggies are over crowded they will steam and end up mushy, not roasted and crispy!
Thursday, December 17th | Sheet Pan Pesto Mozzarella Chicken with Green Beans | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | I get really excited when I stumble across a winner recipe like this one SURE to become one of your family’s favorites. You can find red pepper pesto or sundried pesto in your grocery store. If not, sub basil pesto.
Friday, December 18th | One Pan Oven Baked Sausage Orzo Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | A little heavy on the Italian dishes this week but who can complain? One thing -this is a British blogger so her terms are a little different. Capsicum is red bell pepper. Passata are crushed tomatoes. Other than that it’s straight forward, easy and delicious!
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