Weeknight Meal Planner: 5/8/17

This simple and elegant, veggie-ful pasta is proof that a dinner doesn’t have to have meat to be incredibly satisfying. And with peak season vegetables, rich ricotta, fresh lemon, and fresh herbs, this vibrant entree is truly as delicious as it is beautiful. Pair with a simple spinach salad if you like, and you have a perfect #MeatlessMonday meal. 

Making enchiladas the traditional way—filling each tortilla and rolling it up—is a bit of a project for a weeknight. This fast-track version brings enchiladas to the table faster with no loss of flavor. 

If you don’t feel like lighting up your outdoor charcoal grill (which will impart an extra depth of smokey flavor to your chops), you could cook these tasty glazed pork chops on a grill pan indoors. Of course, maybe an excuse to step outside, get the grill going, and eat dinner al fresco might be just what you need on a Wednesday. Serve this tasty entree with your starch of choice (if desired) and an easy vegetable side, like green beans.

A three-minute dip into a vibrantly flavorful cilantro-lime marinade is all that's needed to deliver big flavor to chicken breasts. The fresh avocado salsa truly couldn’t be easier and would be equally awesome served with tortilla chips as an easy appetizer. Serve your chicken and salsa over saffron rice for a guaranteed dinner hit.

Celebrate the arrival of your weekend with a grade-A steak dinner—you deserve it. This recipe for Steak Diane definitely feels like a special occasion meal, but it’s simple enough to pull together in half an hour. This dish was born in upscale American restaurants but couldn't be easier to make at home. While brandy is traditional in the sauce, you can substitute Madeira or dry white wine. Serve with mashed potatoes and/or a veggie side dish, like Sautéed Haricot Verts with Red Bell Pepper and Lemon.

Now *this* is what you call a real “treat yo’self” moment… we highly suggest you enjoy one. If you want to make a less grown-up version for the kids to enjoy, simply swap the coffee ice cream for vanilla or chocolate and skip the bourbon.