As we begin a new semester, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of meetings, deadlines, and commuting; that’s part of being a dedicated graduate student!
For many of us, classes don’t start until the evening at 6pm and last nearly four hours. While I love food and cooking, during the semester, taking the time to prepare a nutritious meal can fall to the bottom of my priority list. If you work a 9-5, have night classes, or have a New Year’s resolution to minimize your Doordash spending, the stress of coming up with quick, low-effort meals can be intimidating.
Over the past three semesters, I’ve compiled five recipes that are easy to throw into a chaotic weeknight rotation. When your brain is fried and your schedule is packed, these simple dinners are ready in under 30 minutes. In 2026, tossing a sad apple into your bag before class is out, and delicious home-cooked dinners are officially in.
Greek Rotisserie Chicken Rice Bowls
Having a store-bought rotisserie chicken on hand during the week can feel like a cheat code. Not only can you turn it into chicken salad for quick lunches or eat a bit as a pre-workout protein boost, but it’s perfect for these Greek-inspired rice bowls. Whole Foods even has a $2-off deal every Tuesday for their rotisserie chicken! I usually like to layer rice (the frozen jasmine rice from Trader Joe’s is my favorite), along with the chicken, some veggies or olives, and a simple sauce like tzatziki or ranch. This specific rice bowl recipe elevates the flavor profile slightly, yet still comes together in 30 minutes or less.
Tip: If you shred up the chicken and place it into a jar shortly after buying it, it makes meal prep a breeze. If you leave it in the bag for a couple days, it can easily be forgotten on the back shelf of the fridge.
Recipe: https://thedefineddish.com/easy-greek-inspired-rotisserie-chicken-bowls/
One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
Frozen gnocchi has saved me on many occasions. I love the cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s, but any brand will be fine for this easy dinner. The best part? You’ll only need to wash one pan after the meal’s finished.
It’s as simple as sautéing the gnocchi in a little olive oil, adding your protein of choice (such as sausage, chicken, or tofu), and finishing with some fresh kale or spinach for a pop of green. I love to garnish my plate with a little Parmesan cheese or chili oil for an extra punch. Follow this recipe for more details!
Recipe: https://www.cookingclassy.com/one-pan-creamy-gnocchi-with-italian-sausage-and-kale/
Easy Flatbread Pizza
Only have 20 minutes before you need to head toward campus? No problem. Use a store-bought naan or flatbread as your base, add sauce, pesto, or sliced tomatoes, and sprinkle with as much cheese as your heart desires. Bake until golden and bubbling for about fifteen minutes and you’re good to go. This on-the-go pizza makes you feel more accomplished than grabbing a slice and eating it in the Park Street T station, and can be customized with whatever toppings you have on hand.
Tip: Use burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra creamy and delicious bite (culinary ego boost encouraged, but not required).
Recipe: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/46230/flatbread-pizza/
Elevated Ramen
Anyone with a budget on a packed schedule is familiar with instant ramen, but have you tried a few steps to upgrade it into a full, satisfying meal? This recipe describes all the best ways you can transform your plastic-wrapped ramen with pressed garlic, chicken broth, a jammy egg, and fresh or frozen vegetables. You can even garnish with some sesame seeds or chili crisp if you want to take it up a notch.
Tip: Still have some leftover shredded rotisserie chicken from earlier? This recipe is the perfect way to use it up!
Recipe: https://www.budgetbytes.com/6-ways-to-upgrade-instant-ramen/
Creamy Pasta with Lemon and Garlic
We all know and love buttered pasta, but you’ll feel like a certified chef after throwing together this delicious, garlicky dish in under 20 minutes. Boil whatever pasta shape you want, and throw together a quick sauce in a pan with olive oil, butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice or zest. Don’t be afraid to add in frozen broccoli, peas, or spinach for some vegetables! When it’s all combined, I love to top my pasta with grated cheese, cracked black pepper, or parsley if I have it on hand.
Recipe: https://pinchandswirl.com/lemon-garlic-pasta/#wprm-recipe-container-17790
Grad school can be busy enough without having to think of a new dinner recipe every night. Keep this guide in your back pocket to make your week more manageable and even more enjoyable. Dinners don’t have to be laborious and expensive to be delicious! Final tip: follow each meal with a sweet treat if you feel so inclined.
Leave a Reply