What To Eat This Week: 7/27

Looking for flavorful dinner inspiration to make mealtime easier? This What to Eat This Week 7/27 meal plan is packed with bold, comforting recipes perfect for busy weeknights and laid-back weekends. From one-pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo and BBQ Braised Rib Tacos to Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail and Baked Bolognese Gnocchi, every day includes easy main dishes, delicious sides, and smart leftover tips to help you stretch each meal. Whether you're cooking for the family or just yourself, this weekly guide brings together southern flavors, easy prep, and satisfying meals you’ll want to make again and again.

Another week---it's finally the end of July and another chance to fill your table with joy, flavor, and soul. Whether you're diving into One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo on a Sunday, building bold tacos on Tuesday, or indulging in the most epic family-friendly breakfast----Baked Crunch Cinnamon French Toast come Saturday brunch—this week’s lineup is here to make your life easier and your meals unforgettable!

This week's menu brings bold flavor, southern comfort, and summertime ease—perfect for anyone involved, feeding your family, or just treating yourself to something delicious every night of the week. I've pulled together some of our most crave-worthy recipes with wellness in mind, comfort at heart, and flavor that speaks for itself. You’ll also find helpful leftover tips along the way, because we love a good second-day remix around here.

Let’s cook with intention, eat with joy, and savor every bite. Let’s dive in!

And to keep things interesting, from time to time I add a dash of Jamaican vibes + Southern comfort to the mix. These recipes are perfect for quick weeknight meals, which are family + kid-friendly—and some are even one-pot wonders for easy cleanup.

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SHOP MY FAVORITE COOKWARE/BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cookware/bakeware essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baking treats, especially with these recipes. Everything from my fave baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, cooking utensils, pans, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What To Eat This Week

I've got your week covered with a breakdown for each day, and I've made sure to include plenty of variety. You'll find a delightful array of chicken + seafood dishes, some fantastic vegetarian + vegan options, and even a few deliciously good beverages.

Jump to:

• 🛒 Top Lifestyle Posts to Delve into This Week!
• SHOP MY FAVORITE COOKWARE/BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
• What To Eat This Week
• Repeat-Worthy: Your Fave Orchids + Sweet Tea Recipes in One Weekly Plan
• SPICED SUNDAY
• MEATLESS MONDAY
• TACO TUESDAY
• WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
• THROWBACK THURSDAY
• FLAVORFUL FRIDAY
• BREAKFAST/BRUNCH SATURDAY
• Love this Week's Menu?
• Thumbs Up to these "What To Eat This Week" Recipes? Try The Latest Recipes Next!

Repeat-Worthy: Your Fave Orchids + Sweet Tea Recipes in One Weekly Plan

SPICED SUNDAY

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Spice up your weeknight dinners with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo—a bold, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 45 minutes! Tender, juicy chicken is seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, garlic, and herbs. This comforting, Southern-inspired one-pan meal brings together the heat of Cajun spices and the coziness of a creamy pasta all in one skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a go-to favorite for busy nights. Easily customizable to be dairy-free, vegan or gluten-free! Slow-cooker option as well.

Sides:

• Southern Potato Salad
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Hot Honey Southern Cornbread
• Copycat Olive Garden House Salad
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Basmati Rice
• Corn on the Cob

Sweets:

My Fave Vanilla Birthday Cake

Celebrate every special occasion with My Fave Vanilla Birthday Cake—a soft, moist, and buttery vanilla layer cake that's bursting with nostalgic flavor and finished with fluffy vanilla buttercream. Made from simple pantry staples, this crowd-pleasing cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and just-because moments. 

Leftover Tip: Turn the orzo into a lunch grain bowl by mixing in leftover salad and a drizzle of dressing.

MEATLESS MONDAY

Plant-Based Jamaican Oxtail

You're sure to love this Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail Recipe which is the best rendition of the authentic traditional oxtail dish! Made with a marinated jackfruit base, this dish is the perfect melt-in-your-mouth, tender, jam-packed with flavor lunch or dinner option for the entire family. Tossed together over the stovetop and packed with bell peppers, ginger, onion, garlic, scallion, butter beans, carrots, thyme, seasonings, and a kick of heat from the scotch bonnet-----this recipe is a guaranteed new staple for those who enjoy a bit of meatless nostalgic comfort. Slow cooker option.

Sides:

• Jamaican Rice + Peas
• Coconut Rice
• My Childhood Velveeta Mac + Cheese
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Corn on the Cob

Drink:

Refreshing Homemade Lemonade

Cool, crisp, and bursting with citrusy goodness, this Refreshing Homemade Lemonade is the perfect thirst-quencher for warm days, backyard gatherings, or anytime you need a bright pick-me-up. Made with freshly squeezed lemons, natural sweetener or organic cane sugar, and cold filtered water—this classic lemonade recipe is simple, clean, and endlessly customizable.

Leftover Tip: Use any leftover mac + cheese and oxtail in a grilled sandwich or wrap for a next-day lunch win.

TACO TUESDAY

BBQ Braised Rib Street Tacos

These BBQ Braised Rib Street Tacos are the ultimate fusion of bold, smoky flavor and tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness—all tucked atop warm small-sized tortillas for the perfect handheld bite. Made with slow-braised beef or pork ribs coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, these tacos deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture with layers of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Topped with crunchy slaw, pickled onions, or fresh herbs or whatever, they’re the perfect mix of comfort food and street-style flair. Whether you're planning a backyard cookout, weeknight dinner, or game day feast, these tacos are guaranteed to impress. Slow cooker, meatless, + dairy-free option.

Toppings + Sides:

• Fresh Pico de Gallo
• Easy Black Bean Salsa
• The Best Guacamole
• Smashed Cucumber Salad
• Creamy Coleslaw

Drink:

Frozen Watermelon Margarita Mocktail

Quench your thirst with these Frozen Watermelon Margarita mocktails! Bursting with the refreshing flavors of juicy watermelon, ripe strawberries + fresh cucumber, they're the perfect way to cool down and indulge. It's pure summertime bliss! Ready in just 5 minutes. Alcoholic Option.

Leftover Tip: Use extra BBQ rib meat in sliders or over nachos for an easy midweek snack.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies

Get ready to fire up your taste buds with our Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken, crisp veggies, and hearty ramen noodles, all bathed in a spicy chili garlic broth. It's a flavor-packed meal that's perfect for satisfying your craving for something bold + comforting. Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Sides:

• Roasted Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Asparagus

Leftover Tip: Add ramen broth and noodles to a thermos for the ultimate cozy desk lunch.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Baked Bolognese Gnocchi

Craving a comforting, cheesy meal? This Baked Bolognese Gnocchi is your answer! Soft gnocchi, rich bolognese sauce, and a golden, melty cheese topping make it the perfect cozy dish. Easy to make and even easier to devour! Dairy-free, Gluten-free + Meatless Option.

Sides:

• Homemade Roasted Garlic Bread
• Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread
• Green Goddess Chicken Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Drink:

Refreshing Pink Lemonade

Get ready to sip on something truly refreshing with this homemade Pink Lemonade recipe! Made with a blend of fresh tangy lemon, sweet honey, and juicy watermelon for that fun pop of pink, it's the ultimate thirst-quencher for hot summer days or any occasion that calls for a cool, colorful drink. Vegan Option.

Leftover Tip: Turn leftover gnocchi into a next-day casserole by topping with more cheese and baking until bubbly.

FLAVORFUL FRIDAY

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Get ready to indulge in comfort food heaven with our Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta! This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort, combining tender yet crispy parmesan-crusted chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy parmesan garlic sauce. It's a meal that's guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.

Sides:

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Copycat Olive Garden House Salad
• Garlic Breads / Cheesy Kale Version

Drink:

Papaya Mint Julep Mocktail

Get ready to sip on something special with our Papaya Mint Julep Mocktail! This refreshing drink combines the tropical sweetness of papaya with the cool kick of mint. It's the perfect way to chill out and enjoy some tropical vibes, minus the alcohol! Alcoholic option.

Leftover Tip: Turn the creamy pasta into a cold pasta salad by adding extra dressing, greens + cherry tomatoes.

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH SATURDAY

Baked Crunch Cinnamon French Toast

Get ready for a trip down memory lane with My Childhood Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast! This recipe combines two breakfast favorites—Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal + French toast—for a nostalgic and delicious treat. With its crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating and fluffy interior, each bite brings back sweet memories!

Other Main Dish:

• Veggie Breakfast Strata
• Baked Crunch Cinnamon French Toast

Toppings + Sides:

• Southern Cheese Grits
• Candied Bacon
• Blueberry Compote
• Whipped Cream
• Homemade Strawberry Jam
• Bacon Jam
• Honey Buttermilk Biscuits
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Drinks:

• Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

Strawberry Milkshake

Indulge in this Insanely Good Strawberry Milkshake—a creamy, dreamy, dairy-free delight that’s bursting with real strawberry flavor! Made with ripe, juicy strawberries, dairy-free ice cream, and plant-based milk, this vegan milkshake is thick, luscious, and naturally sweet without any refined dairy. Perfect for hot summer days, dessert cravings, or a kid-friendly treat, this shake is easy to make in minutes and customizable with whipped coconut cream, sprinkles, or cookie crumbles. 

Leftover Tip: Turn leftover French toast into an easy bread pudding or freeze slices for weekday breakfast.

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WHAT TO EAT THIS WEEK.

That's a wrap, folks! Until next week, I hope you enjoyed my 'What To Eat This Week' ideas. Please share your thoughts in the comments and give me some love on Instagram @shanikagrahamwhite. Be sure to tag me in your culinary creations—I love seeing what you whip up in the kitchen!"

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