Nothing symbolizes domestic bliss like a family gathered around the dining table sharing a home-cooked meal. However, getting a tasty and nutritious meal on the table every night is a struggle for many busy families. Cooking from scratch is easier said than done when you’re juggling a busy schedule, but there are ways to make it easier. Keep a well-stocked kitchen with the help of Passanante’s Home Food Service, plan meals in advance as much as possible, and have a reliable list of go-to recipes you can make in a pinch!

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca is a flavorsome dish requiring just a bit of chopping and throwing everything into one pan! Sauté garlic, anchovy and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add diced tomatoes, water, and salt and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, add spaghetti, and simmer until cooked. The sauce will thicken and cling to the pasta. Mix in olives, capers, and fresh parsley — and serve! Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for five days and make a great cold lunch next day.

Roasted Chicken & Beets with Coconut Yogurt Dressing

This satisfying meal comes to together quickly with many ingredients you already have to hand. Roasted beets are the standout ingredient! They add sweetness while offering anti-inflammatory health benefits. On a baking tray, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, and cumin. Combine beets and olive oil on a separate tray — or add them to the chicken for simplicity. Roast at 425 F for about 30-35 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa. Prepare the dressing by whisking coconut yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro together in a bowl. Plate up the meal and serve with lime wedges.

One-Pot Bean Chili

Not only is one-pot chili a popular meal, but using one pot means faster cleanup. Sauté onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Add chopped tomatoes, water, red lentils, corn, and black beans. Black beans are rich in magnesium which supports bone health, while corn boosts the immune system. Simmer for twenty minutes so flavors meld. Serve with brown rice (cook grains in large batches to serve throughout the week). Double the recipe and you’ll have enough for two-dinners worth. Store leftovers in the fridge, or freeze for one month.

Home-cooked meals shouldn’t be complicated — preparation and planning are key! Make sure your pantry is always stocked with staples like rice, quinoa, beans, and chopped tomatoes, and don’t forget to stay on top of your reorders so you’re never short on your family’s favorites!

-Jane Bannister (Freelance Writer)