Take 5: Easy Weeknight Meals, Part 2

Looking for Easy Weeknight Meals, Part 1?  Click here.

1. Morningstar Grillers Original

I eat A LOT of these.  They are quick and easy to make and have a lot of protein for a veggie burger.  I like them enough to eat them plain on a bun, but also like taking the time to cut up some fresh veggies to make it a complete sandwich.  They are also good with cheese and even The Mr. likes to have them from time to time.

2. Chicken Pad Thai

Every once in a while, you need a dinner-from-a-box.  It's homemade, but not really.  It's easy to follow the directions, and you only need to add a few extra ingredients. 

Here's what the box looks like:

Follow the directions and you'll be good to go!

3.  Oven Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

This is another staple from my childhood.  And don't stray from the Kraft Single!  For whatever reason, it's the Kraft Singles that make these sandwiches.  Sure, a fancier, nicer, unprocessed slice of cheese SOUNDS better, but the Kraft Singles melt ever so perfectly and keep these sandwiches the way they should be.  Simply build a ham and cheese sandwich on bun, wrap in foil, and place in the oven.  No need to preheat!  Pop them in, set the oven to 350 degrees, and after 30 minutes, your sandwiches will be ready to eat.

4. Cheese Quesadillas

Butter one side of a large tortilla. Lay it in a large skillet, butter side down, and place over medium heat. Immediately cover surface of tortilla with shredded Mexican-blend cheese. Butter one side of a second tortilla and lay on top of cheese, butter side up. When bottom tortilla has begun to brown and cheese has begun to melt, flip quesadilla to evenly brown the other side. If tortilla is browning too fast and cheese is not melting at the same speed, lower heat.

When cheese is fully melted and tortillas are golden brown, remove from heat, cut into wedges, and serve with taco sauce for dipping.

5. Doctored Up Pasta

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and 2 teaspoons minced garlic; cook until fragrant and onions are tender. Add 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce. Let simmer.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions on the box.

Top cooked pasta with sauce and freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; serve with a thick slice of buttery toasted Italian bread.