HOUSTON – The holidays are here and busy schedules don’t have to mean bland dinners.
Cookbook author and blogger Leigh Ann Chatagnier of My Diary of Us shares three weeknight-friendly recipes that are fast, family-approved and perfect for feeding a crowd—or for eating all week long.
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Sheet pan Caesar chicken and potatoes
Sheet pan dinners are the ultimate shortcut. Leigh Ann’s Sheet Pan Caesar Chicken and Potatoes pairs crisp-roasted Yukon Golds with juicy chicken thighs and a tangy homemade Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayo, anchovy paste, Worcestershire, Dijon, lemon, garlic and a splash of vinegar.
Serve it straight from the pan with your favorite vegetable, or pile it on romaine for a heartier salad.
Recipe: https://www.mydiaryofus.com/blog/sheet-pan-caesar-chicken-and-potatoes
Easy homemade potato soup
Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. Her easy potato soup uses no heavy cream or butter but still delivers creamy warmth—an inexpensive, make-ahead meal inspired by a recipe her mom made for years.
It’s perfect for cold nights and great for leftovers.
Recipe: https://www.mydiaryofus.com/blog/2014/1/2/easy-homemade-potato-soup
Easy baked spaghetti—prep ahead and please a crowd
Need a casserole that reheats like a dream? Leigh Ann’s baked spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser that freezes well.
Start with store-bought marinara and brown ground meat with onions, garlic, carrots and Italian seasoning; a touch of brown sugar adds balance.
Cook the pasta just until al dente, toss with sauce, top with Parmesan and fresh mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and golden.
This recipe also works well with different ground meats or Italian sausage.
You can also use gluten-free pasta or add more veggies to fit your family.
Recipe: https://www.mydiaryofus.com/blog/easy-baked-spaghetti
Follow Leigh Ann on Instagram: @MyDiaryOfUs.
She’s also the author of Modern Cajun Cooking and Natural Baby & Toddler Treats.
These recipes are simple, flexible and exactly the kind of kitchen lifelines you need this holiday season.