The Best Frozen Meals To Have On Hand For A Quick Weeknight Dinner

As life picks back up to full speed, commutes cut into our evenings, and calendars become packed again, those of us who found ourselves experimenting with extra time in the kitchen may be realizing it has all but disappeared. And for those of us who never fancied ourselves much of a cook, the need for a quick and easy dinner solution has been there all along.

Thankfully, frozen meals have come a long way since the TV trays of the past, with a variety of cuisines and cultures now represented and plenty of options for every dietary preference to choose from. All of which can help you maintain a healthy diet to fuel that busy schedule of yours. Simply add a fresh side or complimentary ingredient, and you'll be surprised how quickly you can turn these frozen entrees into satisfying meals.

white and orange CAULIPOWER Linguine Cauliflower Pasta

CAULIPOWER Linguine Cauliflower Pasta ($45 for 6)

Cauliflower pasta is a gluten-free gamechanger, and it cooks faster than regular pasta. While the water's boiling, saute some shrimp and toss with lemon juice for a light but protein-packed pasta dish that will be ready in 15 minutes.

$\u200bAmerican Flatbread Ionian Awakening Pizza$

American Flatbread Ionian Awakening Pizza ($10)

To add more veggies to your pizza night, pop a Mediterranean pizza in the oven, then sprinkle with fresh spinach and drizzle of balsamic glaze.

$\u200bPath of Life Asian Wok Quinoa Blend with peas carrots and peppers$

Path of Life Asian Wok Quinoa Blend ($6)

You can always add a grain and veggie blend to a skillet with a few slices of tofu to whip up a delicious vegan stir-fry in minutes.

Cadence Kitchen Chicken Tikka Masala

Prepare over a heaping of Basmati rice (which can also be microwaved, we won't judge) for an instant and complete Indian meal.

$\u200bThrive Market Plant-Based Pasta Bolognese with Beyond Meat$

Thrive Market Plant-Based Pasta Bolognese with Beyond Meat® ($8)

Plant-based bolognese hits the spot when you come home starving after a weeknight workout. Toss some eggplant in the oven while you shower so you can stir in some extra flavor and veggies.

yellow Good & Gather Burrata Lemon Zest Herb Ravioli

Good & Gather Burrata Lemon Zest Herb Ravioli ($4)

Life hack: Adding a handful of greens to any meal you're craving makes it that much healthier. Some zesty ravioli is even more satisfying over a pile of peppery arugula.

red and white Gardein Teriyaki Plant-Based Chick'n Strips

Gardein Teriyaki Plant-Based Chick'n Strips ($25)

Fix these plant-based chicken strips with a side of asparagus, which you can bake at the same time or also steam in the microwave and add a squeeze of lemon or lime to compliment.

$\u200bHealthy Choice Simply Organic Frozen Unwrapped Burrito Bowl$

Healthy Choice Simply Organic Frozen Unwrapped Burrito Bowl ($4)

Make a burrito bowl at home with this easy meal starter you can prepare in the microwave, then combine with some romaine lettuce and avocado slices.

Whole Foods Market Basil Pesto Vegetable Spirals ($5)

Yes, vegetable spirals are a flavorful pasta alternative, but they're simply not going to be filling alone! For a complete meal, enjoy with some protein-rich meatballs (plant-based, if you prefer).

$\u200bPositive Food Co Kimchi-Turmeric Tofu Fried Rice$

Positive Food Co Kimchi-Turmeric Tofu Fried Rice ($9)

Although this makes a great vegan meal, it might make an even better (and still vegetarian) dinner with a fried egg on top.

Alpha Foods Philly Burrito ($3)

I am a big fan of keeping a variety of frozen burritos on hand for a quick and comforting dinner (especially after a weeknight workout). You can saute a side of veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, on the side to make it a balanced meal in minutes.