Recipes: Weeknight Wonders: Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Weeknight Wonders: Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Weeknights can be hectic, and finding the time to prepare a delicious dinner can be a challenge. Whether you’re working late, running errands, or just dealing with the daily grind, it can be tough to come up with dinner ideas that are quick, easy, and satisfying. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes that will help make your life a little bit easier.
One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta dishes are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also minimize the amount of dishes you need to wash. This recipe is a classic favorite that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
1 lb of your favorite pasta
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup of water
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of chopped basil
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent.
Add diced tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil and add pasta.
Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and the liquid has reduced and thickened.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil before serving.
TIP: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and/or a protein source like chicken or shrimp.
Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet pan dinners are a great way to cook multiple ingredients at once and create a complete meal. This recipe is a simple and flavorful option that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 lb of your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
1 lb of your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, and onions)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of your favorite seasonings (Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or cumin)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
On a sheet pan, toss protein and vegetables with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and pepper.
Place the pan in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Serve and enjoy!
TIP: You can also add a starch like potatoes or quinoa to make it a one-pan dinner.
Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner option that can be customized to suit your tastes. This recipe is a simple and flavorful option that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
1 lb of your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
1 lb of your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, and onions)
2 tablespoons of oil
1 tablespoon of your favorite stir-fry sauce (soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or peanut sauce)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pan over high heat.
Add protein and vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until protein is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together stir-fry sauce and cornstarch. Add to the pan and stir until everything is evenly coated and the sauce has thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!
TIP: You can also add in your favorite aromatics like ginger and garlic to add extra flavor to your stir-fry.
Tacos
Tacos are a quick and easy dinner option that can be made with just about anything. This recipe is a simple and flavorful option that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
1 lb of your choice of protein (ground beef, chicken, or shrimp)
1 packet of taco seasoning
1/2 cup of water
8-10 corn tortillas
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa)
Instructions:
In a large pan, brown the protein over medium heat.
Add the taco seasoning and water, stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds each side until warm and pliable.
Assemble tacos with the protein mixture and toppings of your choice.
Serve and enjoy!
TIP: You can also make a big batch of protein mixture and save some for later in the week for a quick and easy lunch.
These quick and easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and are sure to please the whole family. They’re easy to make, and they’re also versatile enough to be customized to your tastes. So, next time you’re struggling to come up with dinner ideas, try one of these recipes and enjoy a satisfying meal in no time. Happy Cooking!
Soup
Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a simple and flavorful option that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup of water
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup of chopped basil
1 cup of pasta or rice
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent.
Add diced tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil and add pasta or rice.
Cook for 8-10 minutes or until pasta or rice is tender.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Garnish with basil before serving.
TIP: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and/or a protein source like chicken or shrimp. Also, you can use any kind of pasta or rice you prefer, or even make it with lentils or quinoa.
Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a simple and flavorful option that can be on the table in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 lb of your favorite pasta
1/2 cup of basil pesto
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of chopped basil
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Add pesto and Parmesan cheese, and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Garnish with basil before serving.
TIP: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and/or a protein source like chicken or shrimp. Also, you can use any kind of pesto you prefer, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto.
These recipes are all relatively easy to make, and don’t require a lot of ingredients. They are perfect for when you’re short on time, but still want to have a satisfying and flavorful meal. Remember to always have some pantry staples on hand, like canned tomatoes, pasta, and rice, so you can easily whip up a meal whenever you need it. Happy Cooking!