Quick & Clean Weeknight Meals

Weeknights can be hectic, but you don’t have to compromise on flavour or convenience. These 15-minute recipes are perfect for busy families looking to enjoy meals without the hassle of a long cleanup process.

Speedy Stir-Fried Chicken & Veggies

Cook tender chicken breast slices with your favourite vegetables in one pan for a quick meal that leaves minimal pots to clean. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’re set!

Tenderloin chicken breasts (4)
Sliced bell peppers
Broccoli florets
Soy sauce
Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned on both sides, then remove from pan. Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Return chicken to the pan with soy sauce, mix well, and serve hot.

Sheet Pan Margherita Pizza

This no-knead, no-rolling pizza is a breeze to make on a single sheet pan. Just toss your ingredients onto the prepared dough for an easy cleanup after dinner.

Ready-made pizza dough (1)
Canned tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Basil leaves

Preheat oven to 400°F. Stretch the dough on a sheet pan and top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.

One-Pot Chickpea & Spinach Stew

A rich stew made from chickpeas and spinach cooked in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Chickpeas (1 can)
Spinach leaves
Canned diced tomatoes
Onion, chopped

In a large pot, sauté onions in oil until translucent. Add chickpeas and tomatoes, cook for 2 minutes, then stir in spinach until wilted.

Taco Night with Store-Bought Shells

Fill store-bought taco shells for a quick assembly that leaves minimal mess behind except an empty bowl or two. Add your favourite toppings and serve with a side of salsa.

Taco shells (1 box)
Baked beans
Cheese, shredded
Avocado slices

Pasta Primavera with Olive Oil & Lemon

This pasta dish is cooked and tossed in one pot, adding fresh veggies for a quick cleanup after dinner. Serve it hot for a zesty burst of taste.

Spaghetti (1lb)
Asparagus spears
Cherry tomatoes
Lemon juice, zest

Caprese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken strips wrapped in lettuce leaves with tomato and mozzarella bites make for a prepped-ahead meal that needs no cooking mess. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Sliced chicken breast
Lettuce leaves, large
Cheese balls (mozzarella)
Tomato wedges

Ramen Noodle Salad Bowl

Boil noodles, chop ingredients, toss with dressing for a refreshing meal that needs no more than washing the salad bowl. Add your favourite vegetables and serve chilled.

Noodles (1 pack)
Carrot strips
Cucumber slices
Sesame seeds, toasted

FAQ

How do I prep these meals in advance to save time?

Pre-cut vegetables and marinate chicken or tofu ahead of time. This way, you only need a few minutes on weeknights to assemble the dishes.

Can I use leftovers from one night for another dish later in the week?

Absolutely! Leftover stir-fried chicken can be used as a topping for pizza or incorporated into a salad. Get creative with your ingredients!

What are some tips for making these recipes kid-friendly without extra work?

Let kids choose their favourite toppings for tacos or pizza, and involve them in simple tasks like washing vegetables or tearing lettuce leaves.

Are there any meal kit services that could help me with minimal cleanup?

While not specifically recommended here, many popular meal kit companies offer recipes that require little to no prep and easy-to-clean utensils.