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Leite's Culinaria

Monday Dinners That Don't Make You Think Twice

Published about 10 hours ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

I have a theory.
​
Labor Day is the last Monday of the year that isn't really a Monday.
​
Tomorrow the schedule comes back. The calls, the deadlines, and the emails I have not been answering since Friday. And with it, the question I'll be answering every single evening until roughly June: What on earth am I making for dinner?​
​
Not every dinner needs to be a mic drop.
​
Some of the best dinners in this house have started with an open pantry door. A box of pasta, a can of tuna, and the words "Well, let's see where this goes." More often than not, I make them again, not because they're flashy, but because they quietly do exactly what they're supposed to do. They feed me well without demanding a standing ovation.
​
Weeknight cooking isn't about proving anything. It's about getting something satisfying on the table before your stomach starts negotiating with the bag of tortilla chips. Save the ambitious projects for Saturday. Go easy on Monday. And maybe add an extra handful of Parmesan.

Make Monday Easier on Yourself

  • Keep a few pantry heroes on hand. Pasta, canned tomatoes, broth, beans, and decent olive oil can become dinner faster than takeout can get here.
  • Choose recipes with one star ingredient. Great weeknight meals don't need fifteen components. Build the plate around the salmon, the chicken, the sausage, or a bag of tortellini.
  • Don't underestimate shortcuts. Store-bought tortellini, frozen vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and pressure cookers all exist because somebody, somewhere, had a Wednesday. Using them isn't cheating.
  • Cook once, eat twice. A chuck roast becomes sandwiches tomorrow. Extra pasta turns into lunch. Future You will think Present You is a genius.
  • Aim for satisfying. A skillet lasagna eaten straight from the pan or spaghetti twirled straight from the pot beats another night wondering what to order. The week starts better when the first dinner is one you already trust.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

​Easy Tortellini Soup​

Easy tortellini soup is a quick and simple weeknight dish made with store-bought tortellini, spinach, peas, and chicken broth. Super simple and perfect for the entire family.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Easy Skillet Lasagna​

This easy skillet lasagna is made with a homemade basil tomato sauce, store-bought ravioli, and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A satisfying weeknight dinner that the entire family will want repeatedly.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Tuna & Tomato Spaghetti​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.67 from 12 votes

This tuna and tomato spaghetti is an easy, inexpensive meal that comes together from pasta, canned tuna and tomatoes, and Romano cheese. Done in just 30 minutes and requires only a handful of pantry ingredients.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Pork Milanese​

Pork Milanese is an Italian classic made with thin pork cutlets that are breaded and sautéed until golden. It's served with an arugula salad with lemon for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​White Wine Linguine​

This white wine linguine, made with pasta, chicken stock, butter, Parmesan cheese, and (gasp!) an entire bottle of white wine, is quick and easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Creamy Salmon Farfalle With Tomato & Basil​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.73 from 11 votes

In this quick and easy pasta main dish, fresh salmon melds beautifully with a rich tomato cream sauce and tender pasta.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Low-Carb Chicken Marsala​

For a creamy, indulgent dish, it’s hard to beat chicken marsala. This keto version can be made in one pan and only takes about half an hour.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Instant Pot Chuck Roast​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.59 from 12 votes

This easy Instant Pot shredded beef comes together quickly with ingredients you may very likely already have on hand. Weeknights just got easier.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Steamed Halibut With Ginger​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.82 from 11 votes

If you're looking for quick, easy, and healthy weeknight inspiration, give this steamed halibut with ginger a whirl.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Italian Sausage & Broccoli Rabe​

This Italian sausage and broccoli rabe is made by pan-frying sausage and sautéing broccolini with oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. A simple and easy weeknight meal.
​☞ ​Try this recipe​

Leite's Culinaria

David Leite

Why, hello! Leite's Culinaria is the James Beard Award-winning site that helps home cooks and bakers put dinner on the table and laughs in the kitchen. Hungry for more? Join 40,000 food lovers and subscribe.

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