That familiar back-to-school feeling is here; we all know how busy school nights can get. Cooking can feel like a chore between after-school activities, homework, and managing the rest of the day’s to-dos. That’s why I thought I’d share three go-to recipes in our household that are quick to make, wholesome, and a dream to clean up after. These meals are perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty, tasty, and fuss-free.
1. Creamy Chicken & Leek Pasta
We came across this recipe by accident! The base sauce is actually a filling for a Chicken and Leek Pie. However, when we got around to rolling out the pastry (after the filling was made), we realised we didn’t have any. Hey, presto, some pasta went on the hob instead and a more simple and equally delicious dish was born. So now we rotate between the two and the kids are none the wiser.
Ingredients:
- 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 large leek, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200ml crème fraîche
- 2tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan, to serve
Method:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chicken in a little olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the sliced leeks and garlic to the pot, cooking until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the crème fraîche, dijon and thyme, then return the chicken to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Toss the pasta back in, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan and, if you’re feeling fancy, a side of garlic bread.
2. Quick Vegetable Fried Rice
This is the ultimate fridge cleanser. It’s a great recipe for early in the week to use up leftovers from the Sunday lunch. Just get your rice on early to give it time to cook, cool and dry out a little. Leftover rice is even better. You can finish with whatever you fancy, crispy onions, siracha, chilli oil etc. I’ve just kept the base recipe simple and tasty and perfect for little palates!
Ingredients:
- 300-400g of cooked rice (chilled works best)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot diced (julienne even better)
- 100g frozen peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 spring onion, sliced (for garnish)
Method:
- Heat a large pan or wok and add a drizzle of oil. Fry off the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the carrot, cooking for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs on the other side. Once cooked, mix them together with the vegetables.
- Add the rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot. Add leftover chicken or prawns for a heartier meal if you like!
3. Sausage & Bean Stew
This hearty sausage and bean stew is perfect for those colder autumn evenings when you want something warming and filling. It’s packed with flavour, easy to throw together, and will leave everyone’s tummies happy.
Ingredients:
- 6 pork sausages
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tin of mixed beans, drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 300ml chicken stock
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Method:
- Brown the sausages in a large pot, then set them aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion until soft, then add the paprika and oregano. Cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, beans, and stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the sausages to the pot and cook everything together for about 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hunk of crusty bread for dipping.
These three easy, one-pot recipes are designed to make your busy weeknights a little more manageable. Next time you’re popping into Hartley Farm Shop for your weekly shop, grab some fresh ingredients to try these out! They’re the perfect combination of wholesome, family-friendly, and oh-so-simple – making them ideal for any school night supper.