ack-to-school season is here and between school drop-offs, work, and everything else life throws at you, what’s for dinner? can feel like the hardest question of the day.

I’ve got you covered with 3 healthy, make-ahead recipes that work for kids, busy parents, and even picky eaters:

🍽 Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – Throw it all on a pan, bake, and boom — dinner.
🍝 Baked Pasta with Hidden Veggies – Comfort food meets stealthy nutrition.
🫐 Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups – Quick breakfasts or lunchbox heroes.

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🫑 Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Servings: 4 | Cook Time: 25 min

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: lime wedges, shredded cheese, salsa, avocado

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken, peppers, and onions on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle all spices over the top. Toss well to coat.
4. Spread everything into a single layer.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
   

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🍝 Baked Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Servings: 6 | Cook Time: 35 min

🛒 Ingredients:

• 12 oz Penne or Rotini pasta (wheat, gluten-free, chickpea pastas are all great choices!)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess water)
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, zucchini, spinach, carrots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add pasta to the veggie mixture and stir until coated.
5. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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🫐 Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups

Servings: 6 | Cook Time: 25 min

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2–3 bananas)
• 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together banana, milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in blueberries.
5. Divide mixture into a greased 12-cup muffin tin.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set and golden.

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