The air is getting crisper, the leaves are changing from a deep green to vibrant autumn colors, and the kids are back into their school routines… It’s officially the end of summer, which means busy weeknights running errands, picking the kids up from football practice or dance class, and trying to find the time to make dinner.
Prioritizing family dinner during the week is important to many families—and for good reason. There are numerous benefits for children who eat with their family members most nights of the week. These include better grades (children are 40% more likely to receive As and Bs in school), improved language development, and more secure relationships with family members.
In theory, sitting down as a family after a long day at work and school is a no-brainer. However, in practicality, planning and preparing dinner to put on the table every night is a task that many parents don’t have the time (or energy) to do.
That’s where healthy and convenient alternatives can help.
Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro in Reston and Dulles offers easy takeout ordering to busy families in NoVa. Families who order from Cafesano can rest assured that they are feeding their children heart-healthy food made with high-quality ingredients.
Today, we’re sharing our favorite go-to fall dishes for weeknight dinner. And here’s the best part—you can make them at home or pick them up to go at Cafesano.
Fall is a time to throw on a chunky sweater and enjoy a warm meal that isn’t just comforting, but also nutritious. And when the weather gets colder, Mediterranean comfort food is a must in the fall.
Below are some meal ideas to make during the week this fall for your family.
Lasagna is one of those dinners that feels like comfort in a pan. Layered noodles, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and maybe some hearty meat or vegetables all bake together until bubbly and golden. The smell alone can bring everyone to the kitchen.
It’s a definite go-to fall meal when the evenings get cooler and you want something warm and filling. Lasagna doesn’t just feed hungry kids after school; it feeds everyone at once, with plenty of leftovers for the next busy night.
Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal without much fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that makes a weeknight feel a little more special.
If you’re too busy to make your own lasagna, order our Lasagna Emiliana: layers of fresh pasta, Parmesan cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese topped with our marinara sauce and baked.
Brick oven pizza has that irresistible crispy crust, gooey cheese, and smoky flavor that makes every bite taste special. While not everyone has a real brick oven at home (although we do at Cafesano!), you can still capture that same fun and flavor by making your own pizzas together. Rolling out the dough, spreading sauce, and letting each person choose their toppings turns dinner into an activity the whole family can enjoy.
It’s the perfect way to end a long week, especially on a Friday night. Instead of rushing around, you can slow down, laugh in the kitchen, and share a meal everyone helped create.
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo is a classic pasta dish that is both cozy and satisfying. Long ribbons of fettuccine are coated in a creamy, buttery sauce made with Parmesan cheese, then topped with tender pieces of chicken. The result is rich, comforting, and perfect for when you want something hearty without a lot of effort.
It’s a tasty and quick weeknight dinner for families. The sauce comes together quickly, the pasta cooks in minutes, and you can have everything on the table in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a side of broccoli or a crisp salad to balance out the creaminess. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a relaxed weekend, chicken Alfredo (also available to order at Cafesano) has a way of making dinner a little more special.
There’s something timeless about pairing a warm bowl of soup with a sandwich. The classic, of course, is creamy tomato soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese. The crispy bread dipped into smooth, tangy tomato goodness is simple but unbeatable.
But there are so many other cozy combinations worth trying. A rich potato soup with a ham and cheese sandwich, for example, makes a filling dinner that feels homemade and comforting. Or try a creamy chicken and wild rice soup with a turkey club or something heartier.
For those too busy, Cafesano offers a selection of hearty soups.
Chicken Parmesan (available at Cafesano) is a true family favorite, with crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and feels like a special meal without overdoing it.
One of the best things about chicken Parm is how versatile it is. You can serve it the classic way—over a bed of spaghetti for a cozy Italian-style dinner. Or, if you want something a little more casual, tuck it into a roll and make it into a sandwich.
Either way, it’s warm, cheesy, and filling, the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy.
Creamy homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Tender pasta gets coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce that’s rich, velvety, and full of flavor. It’s simple to make, but it feels so much more special than the boxed version.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because you can make a big batch that feeds the whole family, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Kids love the gooey cheese, and adults appreciate how satisfying it is after a long day.
Serve it as the main event with a side of veggies, or pair it with chicken or pork for a heartier meal. However you enjoy it, mac and cheese has a way of bringing comfort to the table.
Chicken kabobs with Greek potatoes make a flavorful and fun dinner that feels fresh but still hearty. The kabobs (or skewers) are usually marinated with herbs, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled or baked until juicy and tender. Paired with crispy roasted Greek-style potatoes—seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and a squeeze of lemon—you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.
The prep is easy, and most of the work happens in the oven or on the grill. Plus, kids love eating food on kabobs, and parents love how balanced the meal is. Add a side of tzatziki or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels a little different but still family-friendly.
Try our variety of kabobs at Cafesano!
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean that you’re dinners are thrown together or drive-thru meals loaded with grease and empty calories.
When you order takeout at Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro in Northern Virginia, you know you’re serving your family delicious, well-balanced, and healthy meals. Plus, you don’t have to cook and can pick it up on your way home from work. It doesn’t get better than that!
Check out our menu to see what you and your family will enjoy tonight for a cozy fall dinner.
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