Logo
Main Website
arrow-up-right
Subscribe
Logo

5 Delicious One-Pan Dinners for Hot Summer Evenings—RECIPES INSIDE!

Plus, we ask our readers how they recharge post-kids.

Jul 15, 2025

ParentsCanada Logo
The Weekly - Your weekly digest on all things parenting

THE RECIPES

5 One-Pan Wonders to Make When You Don’t Want to Cook

Hot weather means no one wants to spend an extended amount of time in the kitchen—so that’s where one-pan and one-pot meals shine. One-pan and one-pot recipes require just a handful of ingredients and one piece of cookware, meaning fewer heat sources, less cleanup and more time to enjoy the sunshine. Bonus: Many one-pan dishes can be adapted for the BBQ (as long as it doesn’t involve rice or pasta!) so you don’t even have to turn on the stove.

Tap each name for the full recipe.

One-Pan Orecchiette Puttanesca  
One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Wedges
One-Pan Warm Greek Chicken Salad
One-Pan Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
One-Pot Shrimp and Pea Orzo

BONUS DESSERT!
Sheet-Pan Strawberry Shortcake

P.S. One-pan dishes are super easy to create on your own. Start with a base protein, add quick-cooking veggies, toss with a simple sauce and layer everything by how long they take to cook. You can roast it all on a sheet pan, simmer in a pot or wrap it up in foil for the grill. Finish with fresh herbs, citrus or cheese and call it dinner.

THE POLL

How Do You Recharge Now That You Have Kids?

This is a question for both dads and moms. Before kids, you probably reset by sleeping in, working out or planning a fun night in or out with friends. After kids? Someone always needs something. Sleeping in is a thing of the past (at least until your brood hits their teen years!). Working out has to line up with nap schedules. And fun with friends might mean wrangling even more kids. You might have a partner to switch off, which could make things a little easier, but it’s still a challenge to get time to yourself when your kids are small (and you probably want to spend time with your person, too!). So we want to know: How have you adapted your recharging routine now that you're a parent?

TODAY’S POLL

How do you recharge post-kids?

  • I sneak quiet time after bedtime
  • I get up early for a bit of peace before the day starts
  • I turn errands into me-time (solo grocery trips = freedom!)
  • I rely on scheduled breaks, like babysitting swaps
  • I basically don’t recharge
  • Other (tell us more below!)

Login or Subscribe to participate

Results From Our Last Poll

How did your view of your body change after pregnancy?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I’m in awe – I gained a deep respect for what my body can do. (13.3%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Mixed feelings – I’m proud, but I struggle with the changes. (48.3%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not loving it – I miss how I looked and felt before. (30%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No change – My view of my body stayed the same. (8.3%)

THE GRANDPARENTS

Smart Social Media Tips for Grandparents

So many grandparents are working on being tech-savvy and staying connected, but when it comes to social media, things can get… tricky. From oversharing baby pics to accidental Facebook rants, even the most well-meaning Nana or Papa might need to be read in on the rules of engagement. If you’re new to the social media world, we’ve got tips to help you navigate with confidence—and keep the peace in the group chat.

SMART POSTING

THE QUESTION BOX

I Am Thinking About Potty Training This Summer—Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Actually? It’s the best idea. The warmer weather means fewer layers to wrestle with during those urgent “I have to go!” moments (do you really want to contend with snowsuits?!), and more time outside makes inevitable accidents less stressful and easier to clean up. Plus, longer days and more flexibility in your routine can help your toddler build consistency without the pressure of school-year schedules.

Tap the button below for five smart reasons to give it a go now.

IT’S POTTY TIME

Keep Reading

View more
caret-right
The Weekly From ParentsCanada

The Weekly From ParentsCanada

Here to help with expert advice.

envelope-simple

Home

Posts

Authors

© 2026 The Weekly From ParentsCanada.
beehiivPowered by beehiiv