Quick and Easy Meals for Busy Nights

This year my son is playing baseball and my daughter is playing soccer. When I signed them up my first thought was “Man the next couple of months are going to be busy busy and what in the world am I going to cook for dinner”. The easy thing to do would to be grab fast food on our busy nights but that will get expensive and old fast. So I started searching Mamapedia and of course there are other Moms out there with the same problem. What to cook on game night? I have three super quick, super easy meals that can be made in minutes for those busy nights and easy to clean to up. I have also given you a different variations for each meal. I really hope this helps someone out there!

Meatball Subs

1 package of frozen Italian meatballs
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
provolone cheese slices
hoagie bread

Add frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce to a large pan. Cook on medium-high heat for 30 minutes. Put a few meatballs on the bread and top with a slice or two of provolone cheese.
I like my bread toasted so I put it under the broiler for a few minutes. We eat the sandwiches with chips or french fries. A great meal- Love it!

• Variation: Spaghetti and meatballs

Grilled Chicken Salad

2 pkg of pre-mixed lettuce
pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
1 red onion thinly sliced
2 pkg of pre-cooked chicken breast
Your favorite salad dressing

Mix lettuce, tomato and chicken in large bowl. Serve in individual bowls and top dressing. Dinner ready in minutes.

• Note: I like to used the seasoned chicken breast.

• Variation: You can also use the pre-cooked steak and of course you can add anything to this salad. Use spinach instead of lettuce, slice up a cucumber and toss that in, nuts, cheese, there’s really no end.

Quick Vegetable Pasta

1 lb of bow-tie pasta
1 pkg steam in a bag frozen broccoli
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
Parmesan cheese

Red Wine Vinaigrette

1/2 red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper

Cook pasta and broccoli according to package. While pasta and broccoli are cooking combine red wine vinager, dijon mustard, salt and pepper into blender and slowly add the olive oil until fully combined. Place pasta, broccoli, carrots and red peppers in a large bowl pour vinaigrette over pasta and lightly toss until everything is evenly coated. Easy and quick.

• Variation: different pasta, try different veggies, use a while wine vinegar or a balsamic vinegar. Add cooked shrimp or chicken.

Michelle is a Stay at hom Mom of three, Tyler 7, Alyssa 4 and Kameron 19 months and our dog Daisy. Never a dull moment! She is the wife to the most wonderful man in the world. Loving life and and everything it throws at her! One day at a time.