Weeknights hit differently when you’re a working mom. You want meals that feel wholesome, but also realistic. You want to nourish your family without spending an hour chopping vegetables or cleaning up a full sink of dishes. You want that cozy, homemade vibe… on a tight timeline.

Scrunchy moms know the balance well: a little crunchy, a little practical, a lot of heart.

At Raising Bread Co., we love meals that check all the boxes:

• nutrient-dense

• kid-friendly

• fast

• low-stress

• minimal dishes

Here are 5 weeknight dinners you can feel good about, even on the busiest evenings.

1. One-Pan Lemon Chicken & Veggies

The most forgiving weeknight dinner ever. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, and the cleanup is blessedly simple.

You’ll need:

• chicken thighs or breasts

• baby potatoes

• broccoli or green beans

• olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper

How to make it:
Toss everything on a tray with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning. Roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.

Why scrunchy moms love it:
It’s whole, comforting food without being complicated. And you only wash one pan.

2. 15-Minute Veggie Fried Rice (With or Without Chicken)

Better than takeout—and sneakily full of vegetables.

You’ll need:

• leftover rice (or microwave rice)

• frozen mixed veggies

• eggs

• soy sauce or coconut aminos

• green onions

• optional: rotisserie chicken or tofu

How to make it:
Scramble the eggs, add veggies, add rice, add sauce. Stir and serve.

Scrunchy tip: use coconut aminos for a soy-free, naturally sweeter flavor kids love.

Why it works:
It’s cheap, flexible, and uses pantry staples. No planning required.

3. Tortellini Soup With Greens

Cozy, filling, and ready in 20 minutes.

You’ll need:

• shelf-stable or refrigerated tortellini

• chicken or veggie broth

• spinach or kale

• garlic

• canned tomatoes or tomato paste

• Italian seasoning

How to make it:
Sauté garlic, add broth, tomatoes, seasoning, and tortellini. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in greens at the end.

Why moms love it:
It tastes like comfort food but is secretly packed with vegetables—and kids almost always say yes to tortellini.

4. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

The easiest high-protein dinner for those chaotic evenings.

You’ll need:

• rotisserie chicken (your best friend)

• tortillas

• avocado

• shredded lettuce

• salsa or hot sauce

• lime

How to make it:
Shred the chicken, warm the tortillas, and throw everything together.

Why it works:
It’s fast, versatile, and customizable. Plus, it’s an easy way to get dinner on the table when you’re exhausted.

Scrunchy upgrade: add sautéed peppers and onions or use whole-food tortillas.

5. Pesto Salmon Bowls

Nutritious, colorful, and shockingly quick.

You’ll need:

• salmon fillets

• jarred pesto

• rice or quinoa

• cucumbers, tomatoes, or roasted veggies

How to make it:
Brush salmon with pesto and bake at 400°F for 12 minutes. Serve over rice with veggies.

Why scrunchy moms love it:
It’s anti-inflammatory, tastes fresh, and requires almost no hands-on cooking.

The Scrunchy Mom Dinner Philosophy

You don’t need to:

• cook everything from scratch

• spend an hour chopping

• serve gourmet meals

• feel guilty for shortcuts

A good weeknight dinner:

• nourishes your family

• makes your life easier

• tastes good

• doesn’t drain your energy

Your time is valuable. Your peace matters. And dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be wholesome.

At Raising Bread Co., we believe in realistic wellness—supporting moms who are raising kids and raising dough. These meals are meant to make weeknights lighter, warmer, and easier.