The kids are back in school, and things have gotten really busy.

This is not the time to push my family to try wildly different dishes.

We are all dealing with enough newness right now.

Creamy chicken Florentine in skillet.

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

But that doesnt mean well eat the same old thing every night.

I keep it interesting by taking our favorites and making minor changes.

I make a slightly different stir fry, buy unique pasta shapes, or add different spices.

Pan of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts with One Sliced into Pieces and Garnished with Lemon Slices and Parsley. Next to It, a Plate with a Serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken and a Side Salad

Simply Recipes / Marta Rivera Diaz

It helps keep the moisture in and forms a crust for added texture.

The dish is finished with a buttery lemon pan sauce that will wow everyone at the table.

Iceberg lettuce adds a nice crunch, but use your favorite lettuce and whatever tomatoes you have on hand.

Bowl of Burger Salad at a Table Setting With Another Bowl of Salad in the Background, a Mason Jar of Sauce, and Table Napkins

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Sit down and enjoy the freshest tasting burger youve ever had.

Chop Suey

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Grab your wok and make this satisfying Chinese American favorite.

Serve with jasmine rice and chopped herbs.

Chop Suey in a Staub Wok With a Spatula, and Next to It, Two Bowls of Rice on a Grey Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Frozen tortellini is cooked directly in a skillet with olive oil.

Easy Beef Bulgogi

Ciara Kehoe / Simply Recipes

Salty sweet beef is always a weeknight winner.

Look for marbled beef and let the cast iron skillet get super hot for the best results.

Bowl of Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon with Rice and Garnished with Cilantro and Lime Wedge, and in the Surroundings, a Kitchen Towel, a Bowl with More Curry, and a Bowl with a Halved Lime and Cilantro

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

Serve with banchan and rice.

Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

Add an flavorful twist to pasta with miso.

White miso is made from fermented soybeans and adds a touch of umami without overwhelming the pasta and mushrooms.

Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens in a Pot With a Serving Spoon, All on a White Kitchen Towel on the Counter, and Next to It, a Bowl of Cracked Pepper, a Glass of Water, and a Block of Pecorino Romani Cheese

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Youll find it in the refrigerated section, most likely near the tofu in a grocery store.

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

Both shrimp and asparagus cook notoriously fast.

The garlic butter sauce spooned over top brings it all together into a mouth-watering family meal.

Beef Bulgogi

Ciara Kehoe / Simply Recipes

Serve it with pasta or rice.

Leftovers would make tasty lunches, too.

Add sliced turkey for a heartier meal.

Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta on a Plate with a Fork

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

No roux, just a creamy, cheesy sauce made right on the stovetop.

Set a timer once the pasta comes to a boil so that you dont accidentally overcook it.

Roasting gnocchi on a sheet pan cooks the pasta without it becoming overladen with moisture.

Spooning sauce over shrimp to make sheet pan garlic butter shrimp with asparagus.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Using quick-cooking vegetables ensures that everything is done at the same time.

Easy Pork Fried Rice

Fried rice is a quick and easy option for weeknights.

This recipe uses pork loin and frozen veggies, resulting in barely any chopping.

BLT Wraps on a Plate with Chips

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Make the rice on the weekend so that it has a chance to chill and dry out before frying.

Pair it with crunchy carrot sticks and watch dinner disappear in a minute.

Buy salmon filets that have the skin on them to help reduce the risk of overcooking.

Bowl of Creamy Cavatappi Topped With Shredded Parmesan Next to a Small Bowl With Blocks of Parmesan and Two Forks, All on an Olive Green Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Try this easybrown sugar salmon recipe.

Smashburger

Get out the griddle and serve up smashburgers for dinner.

Have the kids stir together the sauce and get out the toppings.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Bell Peppers on a Plate with More on a Sheet Pan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

These burgers are done quickly and will need your full attention while cooking.

A black skillet with prepared pork fried rice recipe inside. Steam is coming up from the dish and a spatula is resting in the rice on the left side.

Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

Plate of Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with Chips and a Pickle

Simply Recipes / Ross Yoder

Air Fryer Salmon on a Plate with Lemon Wedges Next to an Air Fryer

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Close up view of a homemade smashburger.

Nick Evans