If you are anything like me, convenience is key when it comes to preparing meals.

I find myself looking for the path of least resistance when it comes time to make dinner most days and that often leads to the microwave.

However, I began wondering if there was a way to have convenience without sacrificing flavor. That particular quandary led me down the rabbit hole of quick meals, and I found a few that fit the bill.

These meals use some prepackaged ingredients, which cuts down the prep time significantly.

Take the wild rice and chicken, for example. By using a store-bought box of Rice-a-Roni, and only having to prepare the chicken, it only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

The inclusion of the boxed rice does not adversely affect the flavor of the dish though. I enjoy it just as much as fresh rice, perhaps even more because of the shorter time.

The dish also makes a good main course or side, depending on how you want to play it. Either way, it is sure to steal the show.

If you are looking for a side though, might I suggest a classic? Shells and cheese is one of my all-time favorites and I love having it at a meal.

To make a homemade version of the classic side is not very labor-intensive though, and honestly makes for an even better experience.

It too takes about 30 minutes and yields a suitable dish.

Maybe you have the main courses figured out though. But what about dessert?

Well, I have just the thing. Easy peanut butter cookies.

There are just three ingredients and the prep time is less than 30 minutes.

The result is a dessert that is delicious and a worth pairing with any meal.

So, if it’s convenience you are looking for in the kitchen, look no further than these three offerings. They offer delicious flavors without taking hours to fully prepare.

RICE-A-RONI CHICKEN RICE

1 box Rice-a-Roni long grain rice and wild rice
4-6 ounces chicken
1 can mushroom pieces

■ Poach chicken in 2 cups of water ( or use 1 cup of precooked chicken).
■ Make rice using the directions on the box, using water from the chicken or chicken broth.
■ Add the chicken and mushrooms. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.

SHELLS AND CHEESE

8 ounces shell pasta
1 package Velveeta cheese sauce
1-2 tablespoons milk

■ Boil the pasta to the desired consistency.
■ Drain and add the cheese sauce.
■ Use milk to thin the sauce if needed.

SIMPLE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg

■ Mix the sugar and egg until creamy. Add the peanut butter and mix until blended.
■ Lightly flour your hands and make balls of the mixture and set them on a baking sheet.
■ Take a lightly floured fork and press down on the cookies to make a criss cross pattern.
■ Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.