Plan ahead! In 30 minutes you can have it all, tender, slow-simmered chicken layered with flavory flavors. Use free time on a Saturday and Sunday ahead for weekday meals. Make a double batch of the chicken. Make a second serving of salads for a quick whole-grain lunch throughout the week.

The best weeknight dinners don't require special cooking skills or out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, yet are till delicious and nourishing. This comforting classic make the best pantry hero: black pepper. It brings heat to this 10-ingredient dinner.

Few things satisfy and please the family more than the combo of hearty meat sauce, slurp-able noodles, and crusty garlic and butter bread. I topped whole-grain pasta with a sauce made from unsalted diced tomatoes, extra-lean mushrooms, and zucchini for a lighter version for weeknights.