WEEK 12: Smart Prep PayOFF

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Lemon Butter Shrimp Linguine

Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad 

Spring Vegetable Minestrone Soup

One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken 

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic Rice

 Week 12 is built around a simple idea: do a little extra prep once, then let it carry you through multiple dinners. This menu leans into smart protein reuse, one-pot meals, and flexible components that make the rest of the week easier without feeling repetitive.

You’ll see a balance of comforting pastas, lighter seafood, cozy soups, and bold skillet meals — all designed to work together, not compete for your time.

As always, these six dinners are designed to feed four, reuse proteins where it makes sense, and keep weeknight cooking efficient without sacrificing flavor.

Lemon Butter Shrimp Linguine
A bright, comforting pasta that feels indulgent without being heavy. Shrimp cook quickly in a lemon-butter sauce, making this a great option for nights when you want something satisfying but not complicated.

Sheet Pan Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs
A true workhorse meal for the week. Juicy chicken thighs and roasted vegetables come together on a single pan, delivering big flavor while setting you up for easy leftovers later.

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
A fresh, make-ahead–friendly dinner that transforms leftover chicken into something entirely new. Orzo, crisp vegetables, and a bright vinaigrette keep this one light but filling.

Spring Vegetable Minestrone Soup with Orzo
A cozy, vegetable-packed soup that still feels seasonal and fresh. This is a great reset meal and works well for lunches or leftovers later in the week.

One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Another smart reuse of pre-cooked chicken, this one leans warm and comforting. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it ideal for busy nights with minimal cleanup.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic Rice
A fast, high-heat skillet dinner that brings bold flavor to close out the week. Tender beef, crisp vegetables, and garlicky rice make this a reliable favorite.

Protein

• Shrimp
   
• Chicken thighs
   
• Flank steak or stir-fry beef
   
• White beans
   

Produce

• Cherry tomatoes
   
• Spinach
   
• Brussels sprouts
   
• Zucchini
   
• Carrots
   
• Celery
   
• Yellow onion
   
• Red onion
   
• Bell peppers
   
• Broccoli
   
• Garlic
   
• Ginger
   
• Lemon
   
• Fresh herbs
   

Dairy

• Butter
   
• Parmesan cheese
   
• Feta cheese
   

Bakery / Grains

• Linguine
   
• Orzo
   
• White rice
   

Pantry

• Olive oil
   
• Honey
   
• Dijon mustard
   
• Soy sauce
   
• Oyster sauce
   
• Tomato paste
   
• Vegetable or chicken broth
   
• Vinegar
   
• Brown sugar
   
• Dried herbs and spices
   

This week is designed to reward planning without demanding it. Cooking extra chicken early in the week unlocks two additional dinners with almost no added effort. Orzo appears in different forms to keep meals cohesive without feeling repetitive, and cooking methods vary just enough to keep things interesting.

It’s a great example of how a little foresight can make weeknight cooking feel calmer and more intentional.eat week for stretching meals without extra cooking.
 

• Seasonal, flexible ingredients: Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, beans, and grains are easy to find year-round and swap if needed.
   

If you like weeks that feel thoughtful but not fussy, this one checks all the boxes.