Quick and Easy Pizza Oven Meals for Busy School Nights
Life during the school year can feel like a whirlwind. Preparing delicious and healthy family meals after a long day can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
With a Fontana Forni pizza oven, you can whip up quick, flavorful, and versatile meals beyond pizza alone. From roasted vegetables to bubbling casseroles and succulent meats, our ovens are the secret to making restaurant-quality meals—even on the busiest weeknights.
We’ve put together easy meals for busy families to take the stress out of dinnertime. Each night highlights delicious pizza oven meals paired with easy sides and salads to round things out. Let’s get cooking!
Monday: Spicy Salami Pizza with Roasted Broccolini
Start your week with a meal that kids love: Pizza! This Spicy Salami Pizza is bursting with bold, authentic Italian flavors that come together in no time. Use pasta di riporto pizza dough (a traditional Italian technique using leftover dough to give your pizza extra depth of flavor) or store-bought dough if you’re short on time (see the pizza recipe below for toppings).
Pair this flavorful pizza with Roasted Broccolini, a side dish so simple and delicious you’ll make it on repeat. Broccolini, a tender cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, caramelizes beautifully in the high heat of the pizza oven. It’s a perfect complement to the rich and spicy pizza.
Quick pairing tip: A store-bought jar of tomato-basil soup or a pre-made salad mix jazzed up with fresh cracked pepper, fresh grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon completes this easy weeknight meal.
Get the recipes:
Supplies:
- Marinara wood-fired pizza oven
- Infrared thermometer
- Very dry, chopped hardwood, plus kindling
Tuesday: One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
This easy school night dinner is perfect for a busy Tuesday night! A one-pan dish of juicy roasted chicken and golden wedges of mouthwatering potatoes, start by marinating the chicken overnight in fresh lemon juice and a blend of fragrant herbs.
Roast in your Fontana Forni oven for juicy, flavorful chicken with irresistibly crispy skin. The roasted potato wedges, cooked in the same pan with the rich juices, soak up all the flavors, making this dish a comforting family favorite. Serve with Italian-style crusty bread to sop up the juices.
Quick pairing tip: If you’re pressed for time, grab a pre-made salad kit with homemade balsamic vinaigrette to add some greens to the meal. Or lightly steam fresh asparagus spears and drizzle with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Get the recipe:
Supplies:
- Marinara wood-fired oven
- Infrared thermometer
- Very dry, chopped hardwood, plus kindling
- Roasting pan plus second pan to cover the chicken
- Aluminum foil
Wednesday: Beans & Sausage with Italian Cabbage Salad
Get through the mid-week hump with a rustic bowl of Tuscan-style beans and sausage (Fagioli con Salsiccia). This classic comfort food comes from the cucina povera, or “peasant kitchen,” and is a favorite for its simple yet bold flavors.
Salsiccia e Fagioli is made with creamy white beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with roasted Tuscan sausages. Finish with a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Italian touch.
Serve this rich and savory dish with an easy Italian cabbage salad of thinly sliced green cabbage and red onions, tossed in a light homemade Italian dressing made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The crunchy texture and tangy flavors provide the perfect balance to the richness of the beans and sausage.
Quick pairing tip: Add a crusty loaf of Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and bring the meal together effortlessly.
Get the recipe:
Supplies (for the Beans & Sausage):
- Mangiafuoco gas pizza oven
- Frying pan - we used a cast-iron pan
Thursday: Leeks & Sausage Rigatoni with Roasted Green Beans
This rustic and hearty pasta dish brings together the sweet, delicate flavor of sautéed leeks with the savory richness of Italian sausage. It’s easy to whip up on a busy school night, and paired with roasted green beans, it’s a balanced meal featuring carbs, protein, and veggies—everything the kiddos need to power through their homework!
Leeks & Sausage Rigatoni is one of those meals that evokes cherished memories around the kitchen table, where simplicity and flavor come together in perfect harmony.
Quick pairing tip: Pair this hearty pasta dish with roasted green beans. Toss fresh green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in your Fontana Forni oven until tender and slightly charred. The caramelized green beans add a fresh, light contrast to the rich, savory pasta.
Get the recipe:
Supplies:
- Mangiafuoco gas pizza oven
- Frying pan with lid
Friday: Pizza Margherita with Caprese Salad
End the week with a classic! A Margherita Pizza is simple, timeless, and always a crowd-pleaser. Top your homemade or store-bought pizza dough with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil before and after baking in your wood-fired or gas pizza oven to finish this beautiful pizza.
Serve it with a fresh and easy Caprese Salad. Simply slice ripe tomatoes and mozzarella, layer them on a platter, and sprinkle with salt, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Quick pairing tip: Finish off the meal with a bowl of fresh berries or a platter of sliced melon for a light, refreshing dessert.
Get the recipe:
Supplies:
- Marinara wood-fired pizza oven
- Infrared thermometer
- Very dry, chopped hardwood, plus kindling
Find Your Perfect Pizza Oven for Midweek Meals
Whether you choose a Fontana Forni wood-fired pizza oven, a hybrid gas and wood oven, or a countertop model, our versatile ovens are perfect for preparing pizza oven meals during the week.
View our entire collection of pizza ovens to find the perfect model for your home, and be sure to check out our family dinner recipes, featuring easy meals for busy families!
