What We Are Eating This Week | Week of January 25, 2026

Beating to the “what’s for dinner” spiral at 4:47 pm. We are feeling the pasta this week!

Every Sunday, I plan dinners for 5 to 6 nights. Everyone gets a vote, including the kids, and I build my grocery list straight from the plan so weeknights run on autopilot. This week is a mix of easy comfort food, one-pan meals, and a little “kids eat this, parents eat that” energy.

Here’s what’s on the menu, plus quick recipes you can actually pull off after a long day.

Dinner 1: Stuffed Salmon With Couscous and Snap Peas

I am not stuffing my own salmon after a long day at work! This feels fancy but takes under 30 minutes. Great for nights when you want a real dinner without a ton of effort.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets

• Olive oil

• Couscous

• Chicken or vegetable broth

• Snap peas

• Salt and pepper

Quick Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

3. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until salmon flakes easily.

4. Cook couscous according to package using broth instead of water.

5. Sauté snap peas in olive oil with a pinch of salt for 3 to 4 minutes.

Dinner 2: Jalapeño Brats (Hot Dogs for Kids) Mac & Cheese with Peas

A split-meal night. Everyone’s happy. No negotiations.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Jalapeño brats

• Hot dogs

• Macaroni and Cheese

• Butter

• Milk

• Frozen peas

Quick Recipe

1. Grill or pan-cook brats until browned and cooked through.

2. Boil hot dogs for kids or warm on the grill.

3. Cook macaroni according to package directions.

4. Stir in butter, milk, and cheese until creamy.

5. Add frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.

Dinner 3: Ramen Noodles

A clean-out-the-fridge, everyone customizes their own bowl kind of night. And a request almost every week from my kids.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Ramen noodle packets or fresh ramen

• Chicken or vegetable broth

• Eggs

• Green onions

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Any add-ins you like: rotisserie chicken, frozen dumplings, ground beef, etc

Quick Recipe

1. Bring broth to a simmer.

2. Add noodles and cook according to package directions.

3. Soft-boil eggs in a separate pot, about 6 to 7 minutes.

4. Finish ramen with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil.

5. Top with egg halves, green onions, and any extras.

Dinner 4: Lemon Chicken & Orzo Skillet

One pan. Big win. This one reheats well too.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken

• Orzo

• Garlic

• Lemon

• Chicken broth

• Olive oil

• Italian seasoning

• Feta Cheese

Quick Recipe

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Brown chicken in olive oil in a large skillet. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

4. Add orzo and toast lightly.

5. Pour in broth and lemon juice, then nestle chicken back in.

6. Simmer covered for 12 to 15 minutes until orzo is tender.

7. Finish with lemon zest and feta cheese.

Dinner 5: Spaghetti & Meatballs, With Caesar Salad and French Bread

My husband's request. Classic comfort food. Always a yes.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Spaghetti

• Frozen or homemade meatballs

• Marinara sauce

• Romaine lettuce

• Caesar dressing

• Croutons

• Parmesan cheese

• French bread

• Butter and garlic

Quick Recipe

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

2. Simmer meatballs in marinara sauce until heated through.

3. Toss romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan.

4. Make garlic bread by spreading butter and garlic on bread and baking at 375°F for 10 minutes.

5. Serve family-style and call it a night.