When you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal, having a collection of quick and easy recipes at your fingertips can be a game-changer. These 10 recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta
This one-pot pasta dish is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. Simply combine pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of protein (such as chicken or shrimp) in a pot and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through. Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
2. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are a busy cook’s best friend, and these fajitas are no exception. Simply toss sliced bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein (such as chicken or steak) with fajita seasoning on a sheet pan and bake until everything is cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole for a complete meal.
3. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This quinoa salad is not only healthy and delicious, but it’s also easy to make. Simply roast your favorite vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini) in the oven until tender, then toss them with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. Serve warm or at room temperature for a satisfying meal.
4. 10-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry
This tofu stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Simply stir-fry diced tofu, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in a skillet with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
5. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
If you have an Instant Pot, this chicken and rice recipe will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Simply sauté chicken thighs, onions, and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add rice, chicken broth, and your choice of vegetables (such as peas or carrots). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for a perfectly cooked one-pot meal.
6. Cauliflower Pizza Casserole
This cauliflower pizza casserole is a healthier twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply mix cooked cauliflower rice with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings (such as pepperoni or mushrooms) in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
7. Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
These black bean and corn quesadillas are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Simply fill flour tortillas with a mixture of black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, and cheese, then cook in a skillet until golden brown and crisp. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a satisfying meal.
8. Greek Chicken Bowls
These Greek chicken bowls are a flavorful and healthy option for busy weeknights. Simply marinate chicken breast in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, then grill or bake until cooked through. Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice, along with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
9. Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli
This teriyaki salmon with broccoli is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then bake until flaky and tender. Serve the salmon with steamed broccoli and steamed rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
10. Instant Pot Beef Chili
This Instant Pot beef chili is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply sauté ground beef, onions, and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and cumin. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for a flavorful and satisfying chili that’s ready in no time.
These 10 easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these recipes will become your go-to options for getting dinner on the table fast.
