There is something in the water lately! Several of my friends have become new parents within the last few weeks. I’ve made many the meal to bring my new parent friends. Bringing a meal is something simple I can do as a friend so that no one has to worry what to make when they’ve been taking care of their new baby all day. Plus, it makes my heart so happy to do something nice.
Some of the recipes I’m sharing today are my own, and some are ones that I have brought in the past. I think any of these dishes are great for any situation where someone doesn’t have time to cook. Enjoy!
1. Chicken and Zucchini Meatballs
While I wouldn’t recommend a side of “zoodles”, you can double up a batch of these meatballs; half for dinner/leftovers, and half to be frozen for a future meal. Bring a box of pasta, and sauce, and the new parents have quite a meal!
I love this recipe! A bit of orzo goes a lonnnng way, ya’ll. Sometimes I take the Chicken and Zucchini Meatballs and add feta for a few to add as a side to this orzo.
3. Baked Ziti [The Pioneer Woman]
I made this for Kari last week. Oh my lawd….this smelled so ah-mazing, you guys. This recipe serves twelve. Make the entire recipe and let the new mom and dad, freeze the rest. Or enjoy leftovers all week. Whatev.
4. White Garlic Stuffed Shells [Supper for a Steal]
Lane is a new momma who shared this recipe before her little one arrived. I couldn’t wait to make this one for a friend.
This is such an easy recipe to make. And again, more than half can be frozen for future meals. Throw this chicken over a salad, pizza, wraps, etc. Oooh, as I type this, maybe even a pasta dish? Really, the possibilities are endless!
6. Pasta e Fagioli [Can You Stay For Dinner]
This is so comforting, and so good.
6. Egg Muffins
As much as everyone always talks about bringing dinner, don’t forget breakfast! All you have to do is google, or pin “egg muffins” to find approximately 3,245,333 varieties.
8. Breakfast Sandwiches [North Carolina Charm]
A few weeks back, I also asked on my Facebook page what others brought to new parents, and I received a ton of great suggestions!
- Pre-cooked, individual chicken breasts to be frozen
- A variety of frozen meals from Trader Joe’s
- French toast casserole
- Chili
- Taco makings
I have another group of friends due Spring 2015, and am always looking for new ideas. What are your favorite meals that you make for friends who have babies or are going through hard times?
This is a great idea! Being a new parent is overwhelming so who has time to cook, but you gotta eat!
Exactly! I am glad you agree, Tif 🙂
I’m going to have to try that Greek orzo recipe. Two of my favorite things right there!
I’m a tad addicted to that one, myself!
Such a great idea!! I so need to make some egg muffins!! Thanks for all the recommendations.
yes! i can attest to the fact that people who bring food to new parents’ homes are the best because when you’re in the thick of things (ie. not sleeping!) cooking is the last thing you want to do!
these are some great recipes!
These all look so yummy!! I want some of those meatballs. 🙂
All of those meals look amazingly delicious and what a blessing to new parents!
The meal I usually take to new parents is baked spaghetti, garlic bread, a green salad and banana pudding or chocolate trifle. And they are always in disposable containers so they don’t have to wash or return dishes. 🙂
Someone told me a while back to give a meal in a disposable container; that is seriously the best advice!
What great recipes! I got hungry just reading this post and they would all definitely be amazing to help any new parents get adjusted to the mom & dad life 🙂
What a thoughtful gal you are! I am sure your gestures are greatly appreciated. I am saving that orzo recipe!!
Thanks, Nikki. I know that when I have big transitions in my own life (ahem like the house this summer), the last thing I want to do is cook, so I can only imagine with a baby! And that orzo recipe is so so sooo easy! Let me know if you make it; maybe for college ball, and pretend you’re Greek for a frat? LOL…I am stretching on that one.
The white garlic stuffed shells look amazing. My fall back is Chicken, Broccoli, Ziti from Cooks.com. So good, my trick is to use country crock butter and real shredded Parmesan. Delish!
That sounds so good, Kerry!
I do a cheesey chicken and rice casserole that freezes well and uses no cream of soups.
I also bring two dozen frozen power breakfast muffins.
Baked ziti with ground turkey is a solid fall back too!
Those all sound great! I never thought about a dish with rice freezing well, but then that makes complete sense. If you have a good recipe, send it my way!
As a new parent I wanted something that I could reheat and it still tasted the same. These are some great ideas and a must pin
Thanks, Kita! I’m glad you agree.
Thank you so much for this. I have had several friends have babies recently and I had no idea what to bring them. The breakfast sandwich idea is brilliant 🙂
I am glad I can help, Heather! I really think you can’t go wrong with breakfast sammies 🙂
This brings back sweet memories for me! We still cook a family favorite dish that was brought to my home when my baby girl was born. That was 27 years ago! It is more than a kind gesture, it is a memory.
Wonderful recipes! I may have to try those White Garlic stuffed shells!
Aww, that makes me so happy to hear (er…read? LOL), Shirley. I hope I helped create new memories for my momma friends.
What a great list of meals! Thank you so much, I’m pinning!
Thanks, Paris!
This is such a nice idea for new parent friends, while gifts are also welcome, this is probably much more appreciated as new parents have a lot more to think about now!
Most of my friends, I gave gifts to at their showers, so I figured a nice meal would be a great touch!