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5-Day Dinner Meal Plan: Easy & Delicious Weeknight Recipes

Mar 3

Busy weeknights call for quick, delicious, and easy-to-make meals that the whole family will love! If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to cook for dinner, this 5-day meal plan is for you.

Each recipe is budget-friendly, packed with flavor, and requires minimal effort—because we all deserve stress-free weeknights. Let’s dive in! 🍽✨



Day 1: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Veggies 🥦🍗

Golden-brown seared chicken breast topped with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, served with roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.

  2. While veggies roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  3. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until sauce thickens. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. Serve chicken with the creamy sauce over roasted veggies. Enjoy!



Day 2: One-Pan Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry 🥩🥦

Tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a glossy soy-based sauce, served over steamed rice in a white bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

  • 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)

Directions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from pan.

  2. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly tender.

  3. Return steak to the pan, then pour in soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch mixture. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  4. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy!



Day 3: Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Baby Potatoes 🍋🐟


Baked salmon fillet with golden-brown baby potatoes and green beans, topped with fresh lemon slices and garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets

  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

  • 1 cup green beans

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, and paprika. Brush over salmon fillets.

  3. Add salmon fillets and green beans to the baking sheet. Top salmon with lemon slices.

  4. Bake for another 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Serve and enjoy!



Day 4: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken 🍝🍗

Creamy basil pesto pasta with tender grilled chicken slices, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and served in a rustic bow

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

  • 1 cup basil pesto

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Slice into strips.

  3. In the same pan, add pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir and simmer for 3 minutes.

  4. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, then top with sliced chicken. Serve warm!



Day 5: Quick & Easy Turkey Taco Bowls 🌮🥑

Vibrant taco bowl with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, avocado slices, salsa, and shredded cheese, served over fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • 1 cup cooked rice

  • 1 cup black beans, drained

  • 1 cup corn

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • ½ cup salsa

  • ½ cup shredded cheese

  • Optional: Sour cream & lime wedges

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water.

  2. In bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, and seasoned turkey.

  3. Top with avocado slices, salsa, shredded cheese, and any extras you like!

  4. Serve immediately with lime wedges for a fresh kick!



Final Thoughts: Ready to Make Your Weeknights Easier?

This 5-day meal plan is easy, delicious, and perfect for busy schedules! Let me know in the comments which recipe you’ll be trying first!

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Happy cooking! 🍽✨

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