Tamera Mowry Swears By This Fuss-Free Weeknight Meal
Between juggling parenthood and her busy days on set (especially after dropping her latest Christmas Hallmark movie), Tamera Mowry leans on her favorite easy weeknight recipes to get her through the week. She also uses cooking time as quality family time: “My kids love cooking in the kitchen with me. My son gives a helping hand during steak night and my daughter loves making sandwiches and breakfast foods. We’re able to connect in a way we haven’t before, especially while they’re doing online school for the time being.”
She loves this zucchini spirals recipe for nights where she needs to fix something in a snap. “This recipe uses pre-cut, microwavable zucchini noodles and it already has marinara sauce included! If you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle but don’t have the energy to throw together a meal that night, this is the recipe for you.”
How to Make Tamera’s Favorite Zucchini Spirals Recipe
Saucy and oh-so-cheesy, this quick zucchini spirals recipe is on the top of Tamera’s list for a busy weeknight. The best part? It takes only 10 minutes to make! Talk about fuss-free. Find even more healthy, quick dinners for your weeknight menu.
What You’ll Need
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 pre-cooked, Italian-seasoned chicken meatballs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Spirals
Microwave zucchini spirals according to directions (or make your own zucchini noodles!).
Step 2: Saute Italian Chicken Meatballs
Pour olive oil in a large skillet and cook meatballs in marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed.
Tamera’s tip: Try swapping with turkey meatballs for a change of pace.
Step 3: Toss in Marinara Sauce
Combine spirals with meatballs and marinara sauce. Toss zucchini spirals until they’re coated with sauce. Then, sprinkle a handful of parmesan cheese on top and that’s it! A delicious and healthy meal in practically seconds.
Find More Easy, Healthy Weeknight Dinners
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Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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My family loves pizza, but we rarely have it delivered since I created this fresh and flavorful version. Always a winner in my house, it is a fast and delicious meal that even my young son looks forward to. --Kate Selner of Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
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My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
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I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas
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My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of the health benefits. This Parmesan tilapia is a hit with him, and we've tried it for dinner parties, too. It's a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
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Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Herbed Balsamic Chicken
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I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time for busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Mediterranean Pork and Orzo
On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers
I found fresh ground chicken at the butcher and gave it a whirl on our new grill. The result is these saucy burgers. Everybody went nuts—including my sister-in-law, an amazing cook! —Wendy Boughton, Victoria, British Columbia
Creamy Pasta Primavera
When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccini
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Bruschetta Steak
My husband and I love bruschetta, especially in the summertime with fresh tomatoes and herbs from our garden. —Kristy Still, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic Sauce
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Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza
Pile on the veggies—this crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Pizza in a Bowl
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Naked Fish Tacos
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Shrimp with Warm German-Style Coleslaw
We love anything that is tangy or has bacon. With fennel and tarragon, this is a super savory dish. I use the medley from Minute Rice if I don't have time to make my own. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
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Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
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I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Curried Shrimp Pasta
his light and spicy shrimp dish comes together easily. My favorite pasta to use is capellini, but angel hair works fine if it isn’t available. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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This quick-to-fix entrée will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
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I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish with sesame seeds or spritz with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
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