5 Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes, Including Squash And Lentil Soup

This week's menu features a healthy chicken and rice bowl, saucy spaghetti and noodles, an ultra-easy one-pan dinner and more.

By Heather MacMullin

November 3, 2021

Add as preferred on Google(opens in a new tab)

sheet pan tofu with sesame and roasted vegetables

This week dinner covers all the bases, from a hearty squash and lentil soup, to an easy grain bowl, sheet pan dinner, pasta-night special and more. And the best part? It's all ready in 45 minutes or less (except the spaghetti — you don't want to rush the sauce).

Monday: Red lentil coconut-miso soup

Ready in: 35 min. Serves: 8.
A hearty, healthy soup that makes enough for lunch-time leftovers (for the whole family) tomorrow. Kitchen tip: Look for pre-washed, pre-chopped kale in the supermarket to cut down on prep time. Get our red lentil coconut-miso soup recipe.

coconut-miso, squash and red lentil soup in bowl with spoon

Photo, Erik Putz.

Tuesday: Hoisin chicken rice bowl

Ready in: 40 min. Serves: 4.
Keep your dinner game strong (and healthy) with a grain bowl packed with chicken, broccoli, brown rice, orange slices and cashews—plus a drizzle or sriracha for heat. Get our hoisin chicken rice bowl recipe.

Photo, Erik Putz.

Wednesday: Pan-fried mackerel with potato-watercress salad

Ready in: 30 min. Serves: 4.
Tonight it’s all about easy pan-frying. Crispy-skinned fish paired with a rustic side salad of sautéed potatoes and bacon with fresh greens. Get our pan-fried mackerel and potato salad recipe.

pan-fried mackerel with potato and watercress salad on a dark plate on a tiled table

Photo, Erik Putz.

Thursday: Sheet pan tofu with sesame and roasted vegetables and chili-garlic sauce

Ready in: 45 min. Serves: 4.
Looking for an easy and speedy meal option tonight? Toss everything onto a sheet pan, bake and voila! A delicious, minimal-mess meal that’s ready in no time. Get our recipe for sheet pan tofu with sesame and roasted vegetables.

Photo, Erik Putz.

Friday: Classic spaghetti and meatballs

Ready in: 1 hour. Serves: 6.
A pasta-night classic you can master on the first try. From the homemade sauce to tasty beef and pork meatballs, it’s a cozy meal you can enjoy any night of the week. Get the recipe for our classic spaghetti and meatballs.

Photo, Erik Putz.

Dessert: Classic apple muffins

Ready in: 35 min. Serves: 12.
Golden muffins filled with sweet chunks of apple are perfect for the cold days of winter. Get our classic apple muffins recipe.