But don’t worry! There are plenty of delicious and satisfying dishes you can whip up without even touching the stove. Here are a few no-cook wonders to keep you fueled and ready to tackle your busy schedule:  

• Cheesy Pinto Beans: Drain a can of pinto beans and add them to a bowl, mix in shredded cheese, and microwave for a minute. Top with salsa and cilantro for extra flavor. 

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips. Roll into balls and refrigerate overnight or throughout one of your classes for a ready-to-eat, sweet treat. 

• Easy Dumpling Soup: Use pre-made dumplings, add hot water (heated in a coffee maker or the microwave) and a bouillon cube or instant miso for a comforting bowl of soup in minutes. 

• Curried Chickpeas with Spinach: Combine canned chickpeas with spinach, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, and stir in some curry powder. Voila! 

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars: Crush pretzels and mix with melted butter, peanut butter, and a bit of honey. Press into a dish and refrigerate until solid. 

• One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Dinner: This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with wholesome veggies and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Sauté the chicken and vegetables in a single pan, then add a touch of seasoning to bring out the flavors. It’s a hearty meal that feels gourmet, yet it’s incredibly simple to prepare. 

• Spicy Sriracha Noodles: For a meal with a kick, cook your noodles directly in a single pot with a mix of Sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic. Add in some vegetables and protein of your choice, and you’ve got a spicy, satisfying dinner ready in no time. 

• Curried Chickpeas with Spinach: With just a pot, some chickpeas, spinach, and a dash of curry powder, you can make a nutritious and flavorful meal. Sauté the chickpeas with onions and garlic, add curry powder, and stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Serve over rice or enjoy as is. 

• Southwest Quinoa Bowl: Combine quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your favorite Mexican seasonings in a single pot. Cook until the quinoa is fluffy and the flavors meld together. Top with avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant, healthy meal. 

• One-Pot Pasta Primavera: Cook pasta directly in a pot with a mix of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Add garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vegetable broth to enhance the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a light and refreshing dinner. 

• Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe with BBQ Chicken: In just 10 minutes, you can have a savory meal ready. Pierce the skin of a sweet potato a few times, place on a paper towel, and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the potato can be easily pierced with a fork. Top the potato with pre-cooked BBQ chicken for a quick and nutritious dish. 

• Microwave Potato Chips: Craving a crunchy snack? Slice a potato thinly, season it to your liking, and microwave for a few minutes. You’ll have homemade chips without the deep frying. 

• 4-minute Microwave Chicken Nachos: Perfect for a quick bite or a study session snack. Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, cheese, and any other toppings you love, then microwave for about 4 minutes. 

• Microwave Pasta: Boil pasta or egg noodles in the microwave, drain, and add your favorite sauce. For a heartier meal, add chopped, cooked veggies, and your desired protein, such as shredded chicken, beans, or egg. It’s simple, fast, and customizable. 

• Microwave Instant Rice: Cook a dorm-room-friendly batch of rice in minutes. Just add water to instant rice, microwave, and you’ve got a base for countless meals. 

• Microwave Tuna Casserole: Mix canned tuna, cooked pasta, and a bit of your favorite soup. Microwave until heated through, and you’ve got a warm, comforting meal. 

• 15-Minute Vegetable Curry: Combine your favorite veggies with curry sauce and microwave. In just 15 minutes, you can have a hearty and warming meal. Eat alone or on top of microwaved instant rice. 

• • Chili: A classic comfort food, and with an Instant Pot, it’s a breeze. Just toss in some ground beef or turkey, canned beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Set it to pressure cook for about 20 minutes, and you’ve got a savory, filling meal or snack.  
  • Chicken Alfredo: Yes, you can enjoy creamy, decadent pasta even on a tight schedule. Start by adding chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and garlic to the pot. Break the noodles in half and place them on top of the liquids without stirring. Lay chicken breasts over the noodles and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, again without stirring. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes before doing a quick release. Remove the chicken, shred or slice it, and set aside. Stir in freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted. If the sauce is too thin, use the Saute setting to thicken it, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot. Finally, add the chicken back into the pot and serve immediately. Enjoy a creamy, delicious chicken alfredo with minimal effort!  
  • Rice & Veggie Bowls: Healthy and customizable, rice bowls are perfect for busy student life. Add rice, your choice of veggies, and some broth into the pot. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, and you have a nutritious base. Top it with soy sauce, sriracha, or any of your favorite dressings.

Easy Meals to Meal Prep  

• Burrito Bowls: Cook up some rice, black beans, corn, and seasoned ground turkey. Divide into containers and top with salsa, cheese, and your favorite veggies. These bowls are versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

• Overnight Oats: Mix rolled oats with your choice of milk, and add fruits, nuts, and seeds. Let it soak overnight, and grab it on your way out the door for a quick and healthy breakfast. 

• Chicken Stir-Fry: Prepare a big batch of stir-fried chicken and veggies. Pair with quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal that’s easy to pack and reheat. 

Meal Prep Hacks  

1. Prep Ingredients, Not Just Meals: Sometimes prepping individual ingredients like cooked chicken, chopped veggies, and cooked grains can be more flexible. This way, you can mix and match throughout the week. 

1. Invest in Quality Containers: Keep your meals fresh and organized with good quality, stackable containers. It’ll make a huge difference in how long your food stays fresh and how easy it is to grab-and-go. 

1. Batch Cooking on Weekends: Designate a day, like Sunday, to batch cook your meals. It’s a fun way to unwind and ensures you start your week on the right foot. 

1. Keep It Simple: There’s no need to cook gourmet meals. Stick to basics like grains, proteins, and veggies. Simple meals are often the most satisfying and easy to prepare. 

1. Plan Your Meals and Snacks: Think ahead and plan not just your meals, but snacks too. Having healthy snacks readily available can curb those midday cravings and keep your energy levels up.