karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

A five-day menu plan will help you get through the week.

karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a jumping off point for several recipes. Above, rotisserie chicken with roast potatoes and green salad.

karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

Turn leftover chicken into a zesty Spanish salad with chickpeas for a tapas night later that week.

karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

Use any vegetables in your fridge for vegetarian stir-fry with tofu. A good way to save time during the evening crunch is to prepare all the vegetables the night before.

karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

Broiled shrimp are ready in minutes, and if you buy ready-peeled crustaceans, they require no prep work. Serve with Caesar salad when a homemade dinner seems impossible.

karoline boehm goodnick for the boston globe

Store-bought pizza dough will last for several days in the refrigerator. Make parsley pesto up to a week in advance for pizza with parsley pesto and mushrooms.