30 Minute Meals Season 18 Episode 15 Mid-Week, Long Day

In season 18 episode 15 of 30 Minute Meals, titled "Mid-Week, Long Day," host Rachael Ray tackles the struggles of those mid-week, long work days by whipping up quick and easy meals that can help make dinner time a breeze. Rachael starts the episode by introducing herself and the name of the dish she'll be preparing. She then gives viewers a quick rundown of what exactly constitutes a "mid-week, long day" and how her recipes will aim to alleviate the stress that comes with it.

The first meal on the menu is a savory, one-pan sausage and mushroom rigatoni. Rachael walks viewers through the process of browning sausage and mushrooms in a large skillet, then adds garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create a flavorful sauce. Finally, she tosses in rigatoni pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until everything is combined and heated through. This dish is perfect for those busy evenings when there's little time for prep work.

Next up is a mediterranean-inspired chicken and orzo skillet dish. Rachael starts by sautéing boneless, skinless chicken thighs until browned and crispy, then incorporates orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach into the mix. The star of this dish is kalamata olives and feta cheese, which add a salty, briny bite to the meal. Rachael tosses everything together in the same skillet and serves it up hot and fresh.

The final dish of the episode is a take on classic loaded potato skins. Rachael cuts russet potatoes in half and scoops out the insides to create a well for the filling. The filling is a blend of crispy bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. Rachael stuffs the mixture into the potato skins and bakes them in the oven until golden and bubbly. This recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer or a hearty side dish.

Throughout the episode, Rachael offers tips and tricks for making meal prep even easier. She suggests using pre-chopped veggies or pre-cooked meats to cut down on cooking time, and always keeping the pantry stocked with essential ingredients like pasta, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. She also emphasizes the importance of utilizing one-pan dishes to cut down on clean-up time.

As always, Rachael's bubbly personality and informative cooking tips make for a fun and entertaining episode of 30 Minute Meals. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent trying to juggle work and family life, the mid-week, long day recipes featured in this episode are sure to make your meal times a little brighter.