With the holidays just around the corner, we become more frenzied this time of year. Add holiday parties, gift shopping, holiday cards, and gift wrapping to an already hectic life, and your everyday obligations and healthy eating are probably the first things to go.
When you’re highly stressed and strapped for time, the last thing you want to think about is preparing healthy meals for your family, so instead, you may rely on takeout and fast food, which can not only lead to weight gain but also leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and tired.
To help you manage this extra-busy season, here are seven easy but healthy recipes for every night of the week. These dishes use just a few ingredients, require minimal prep time, and offer healthier alternatives to pizza delivery or Grubhub. You’ll want to add these recipes to your rotation year-round.
Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
This classic chicken and vegetable dish requires just five minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
No-Boil Penne with Meatballs
You don’t even have to boil the pasta for this recipe! Just toss uncooked pasta, tomatoes, milk, garlic, and butter into a pan and pop it into the oven, and it bakes into a flavorful dish that tastes like something you’ve spent hours working on. You could also substitute chicken or another protein for the meatballs if you wish.
Easy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
In under 25 minutes, you can make an easy Mexican meal full of veggies, lean beef, and classic Mexican touches that your family will love. You can also substitute shrimp or shredded chicken if you prefer that to steak.
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
This recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes and is completely customizable. Use any vegetables you already have on hand, and serve with instant, ready-to-serve rice to save even more time.
Cajun Salmon
This super healthy dish requires just Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil, and cooks for about 12-15 minutes. Serve with a side of vegetables, instant rice, or a baked potato cooked in the microwave.
Cuban Sliders
These mini-ham and cheese sliders on sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls are simple to make, plus they keep well in the fridge for a cold snack or to pack in kids’ lunchboxes.
Vegetarian Linguine
Make it a meatless night with this colorful pasta dish that serves up fresh mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and onions with basil and provolone cheese for a light, healthy meal.