Late summer dinners should be simple, colorful, and easy to fit around whatever the week brings. This meal plan leans into that with quick chicken and zucchini, cozy pasta, a slow cooker dinner, an easy baked pasta night, turkey sliders, and a cool pistachio cake for dessert. It is a nice mix for mid-August, especially as routines start to pick back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap recipes in this meal plan?
Yes! Use this meal plan as a starting point and swap in any recipe that works better for your family or schedule.
Is the shopping list for all recipes?
Yes, the shopping list includes ingredients for all five dinners plus the bonus dessert. Optional toppings and serving ideas are listed separately.
What should I serve with these dinners?
Rice, noodles, salad, garlic bread, tortillas, or simple fresh fruit all work well, depending on the recipe. You can browse my list of sides here.
Helpful Tips for the Week
- For Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry, slice the chicken and zucchini ahead so dinner can move quickly once the pan is hot. Start the rice first if you are serving it on the side.
- Pasta with Peas is best served right away, but you can grate the Parmesan and measure the peas ahead to keep the evening easy.
- Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken earlier in the week if you like. The leftovers are great in tacos, bowls, salads, or wraps for quick lunches.
- Keep Ravioli Lasagna for a night when you want something hearty without much prep. It bakes up easily with refrigerated or frozen ravioli.
- For Turkey Sliders with Cheese, assemble just before baking so the rolls stay soft but not soggy. They are a good Friday dinner with fruit, chips, or a simple salad.
- Make the Pistachio Poke Cake the day before serving. It needs time to chill, and the texture gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.
This Week’s Recipes
Shopping List
This shopping list includes everything you need to make all five dinners, plus the bonus recipe included in this week’s plan. Click the button below to print it and take it to the store.
Produce
- 2 medium zucchini, about 1 pound total
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1 small piece fresh ginger
- 1 lime
- 1 small bunch fresh mint
Meat, Poultry and Fish
- 3 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¾ pound deli sliced roasted turkey
Dairy & Refrigerated Items
- 1 (24-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 small Parmesan wedge, or 1 container grated Parmesan, enough for ¾ cup
- 1 (8-ounce) bag shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ pound sliced Havarti cheese
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
Pantry & Spices
- Vegetable oil, enough for ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil
- Toasted sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- 1 small carton low-sodium chicken stock
- Soy sauce
- Granulated sugar
- 1 box dried pasta, any medium shape
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning, or a small jar if you keep it on hand
- 2 (16-ounce) jars marinara sauce, or 1 (32-ounce) jar
- Italian seasoning
- Dijon mustard
- Light brown sugar or honey
- Poppy seeds
- Dried minced onion
- Garlic powder or garlic granules
- Worcestershire sauce
- Small jar mayonnaise
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box pistachio cake mix
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (5.1-ounce) family-size box instant vanilla pudding mix
- Small bag or box powdered sugar
- Pure vanilla extract
- 1 (4-ounce) bag shelled pistachios
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Optional Serving Ideas and garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds for the chicken zucchini stir fry
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving the stir fry
- Canned or frozen corn and 1 jalapeño for the salsa chicken, if using the optional add-ins
- Tortillas, cooked rice, salad greens, sour cream, cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro for serving the salsa chicken
- Fresh basil or parsley for the ravioli lasagna
- Garlic bread, breadsticks, or Caesar salad with the ravioli lasagna
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