I love to cook from scratch as much as possible. But let's face it, it isn't always feasible. With items you can keep on hand I have a quick, still feel good to serve, taste great meal. No reason for fast food with having a few staples on hand:-)

This has to be the easiest way to make a full meal all at once! I used 4 breasts and 8 thighs here. I didn't have the italian seasoning mix so I used 1 pkg lipton onion soup mix and coated the chicken and another pack to toss the potatoes in, did that in gallon baggies then laid it out in the dish covered and baked for 1 1/2 hours.

This is probably the most versatile dinner recipe out there. You can use basically whatever veggies you have on hand, whatever type of chicken, whatever seasonings. This recipe just reflects my favorite combo to use. If your using some veggies that cook quicker (like green beans or zucchini or peppers for example) then you may want to give the chicken a head start before adding the veggies to the pan. Traditionally bone-in, skin-on chicken is better for roasting, as it will retain it's moisture better, but I'm not a huge fan of dark meat, so I stick with boneless, skinless breasts and I've never had an issue with them drying out. Roasting the garlic in whole cloves assures it won't burn, it just carmelizes and turns sweet and soft. For step 1, you can prepare the marinade and get it on the chicken the night before if you want, just be sure to set some marinade aside covered for the veggies.

The veggies might not be enough as a side dish. I made a home made tabouleh as a side to my salmon.

I created this recipe from the days when I worked at a a cafeteria.The flavor varies depending on how thick the pasta is and how well you drain the water. Adjust the flavor by varying the amount of ketchup.Cook the pasta until it's still a bit firm. Flavor the ingredients then add the pasta to keep the dish from being watery. It's a good idea to pour some oil over the pasta. Recipe by Rimuyuramanma

Its back to school season and I need to come up with quick and easy yet yummy dishes for dinner so I tossed this together. I love that its all done in one pan as well. I love to cook but hate to do dishes!! My family really liked this SUPER easy dish. I served with a tossed salad and garlic bread.

One Fry Pan Pasta Series #7. This recipe came to me when I saw the news about the Eastern Japan Great Earthquake and thought that maybe there was something I could do. I heard that the bread being distributed was cold, so I thought I could make a warm and delicious soup pasta to dip the bread in that also saves water and electricity.You can use different ingredients. Broccoli or anything that get cooked through quickly and changes color easily should be added at Step 6. If you're worried about the bitter taste of the spinach, you can microwave it before adding it. The leftover soup is delicious and can be drunk as is! In my home, we tear up bread and soak it in the soup. For 1 serving. Recipe by Nekozame

Fried Spaghetti (One-Pan Cooking) Series #5- Using the water from this pasta I made a simple carbonara.Since you will be adding milk later, you only need a little boiled water. Add about a tablespoon of basil sauce for extra deliciousness. Evaporating the liquid in Step 5: I usually cook for 3 minutes or less from restarting the heat to turning it off again. Hint for keeping the eggs from setting: Have your plate ready before Step 6! Once you've put the egg in move quickly to mix it and get it on your plate (aim for 3 to 5 seconds). Recipe by Nekozame

My boy was hungry (no surprise there, he is a tween with a voracious appetite) and we ran out of steamed rice. So I opened the fridge and decided we had some ingredients to make pasta. I added Japanese curry powder for a mild kick. My boy and daughter love it and they asked for a second bowl.

I have made this recipe before, only minus half of it... My friend turned me onto vodka sauce and been addicted since.. And now the family can not get enough when I make it.. Enjoy!

I love using lots of veggies, but you can cut back or swap in your favorites. Want more protein? Add extra chicken for a balanced ratio. For a creamier version, mix in cream cheese (steps included).