10 Simple Suppers

Simplicity is the name of the game during this season at The Bookery, and nothing makes life feel manageable like knowing what you're going to cook for dinner. So here are 10 easy supper ideas to take a little stress off your plate (pun intended).

1. Instant Pot spaghetti This Skinnytaste recipe is our go-to for this dish, but these days, it's mostly just to confirm how long to pressure cook the recipe. You simply sauté the ground beef or turkey in the instant pot, then add your sauce (we use Rao's) spaghetti noodles, and about 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 9-10 minutes. We're usually too impatient to let the pressure release naturally, but you can if you'd like. Do let the pasta sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving so that it cools and the sauce thickens.
   

2. Mississippi Pot Roast We've shared this recipe previously, but it's a delicious dinner that doesn't take a lot of effort or prep work. Just dump the ingredients in the crock pot and set it to low and let the magic happen!
   

3. Chili Who doesn't like chili? And what's not to like? You can make a little; you can make a lot. You can make it spicy or mild. You can serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches, pimiento cheese, or, well, whatever you want to serve it with! Chili recipes abound (and families generally have one they prefer), but we'll be honest. We usually take the easy way out and use the seasoning packet!
   

4. Breakfast for Dinner Breakfast for dinner is easy, filling, and did we mention easy? You can definitely "fancy it up" with sides like hashbrown casserole, baked oatmeal or made-from-scratch biscuits, but you can also throw some refrigerated or frozen biscuits in the oven, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon (microwave if you need it fast; oven if you need a bunch) and serve it up with a selection of fresh fruit, jellies and jams.
   

5. Modern Greek Salad This one may take a little planning ahead, but it's a delicious, light dinner. Remember the modern Greek salad that used to be on Panera's menu? Crunchy greens topped with quinoa, cucumbers, sliced almonds, sprinkled with feta and drizzled with Greek salad dressing. Add some grilled chicken and some tomatoes (if you'd like) and you've got a healthy, delicious meal that doesn't take hours to make.
   

6. Soup & Grilled Cheese Soup and simplicity just go together! We've shared a number of soup recipes here over the years, including Chicken Gnocchi Soup (yum!), Cheesy Potato Soup (easy!) and even Joanna Gaines' Chicken with Wild Rice soup. You can go even more simple with tomato or veggie soup. Add a grilled cheese sandwich on delicious bread (multigrain, sourdough or whatever bread you prefer), and you've got a quick, filling meal.
   

7. Marry Me Chicken Our founder recently discovered this recipe on Pinterest, and it was a hit! She used chicken cutlets rather than chicken breasts, but the result was still delicious. Chicken simmered in a sauce of cream, parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, it's perfect served over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes. Add a green veggie (try broccoli roasted in the air fryer for a quick side) or salad, and you've got dinner!
   

8. Baked Chicken and Veggies Baked chicken is an easy (and somewhat fast) meal, especially if you make sure the meat it thawed and ready to cook. Season to taste (try using Primal Kitchen Greek dressing as a marinade or cooking sauce) and bake at 425°F until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Pair with green beans, roasted potatoes or your favorite steamed/roasted veggies.
   

9. Sausage Tortellini Soup It's easy; it's tasty; sausage tortellini soup is a perfect dinner! The combination of spicy sausage paired with the creamy broth—it's delicious! Serve with a rustic bread with olive oil for dipping, and dinner is on the table!
   

10. Poppyseed Chicken with Rice Yes, it's a casserole, but it's a good one! Topped with buttery Ritz crackers, this Southern favorite is best served over rice. Prep the poppyseed chicken casserole when you have time and refrigerate or freeze it (use rotisserie chicken to make things a little easier for yourself). While it's baking cook rice in a rice cooker or instant pot. Serve with green beans or a green salad. You won't regret it!