10 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

As our lives become busier with work, school, and other commitments, finding time to prepare a wholesome dinner can feel like a daunting task. But fear not! In this article, we have curated 10 quick and easy recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights. These dishes are not only delicious but also require minimal effort, allowing you to have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to these fast and flavorful dinner ideas!

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
6.  Sheet Pan Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas and toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a large sheet pan, arrange the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss everything together until well coated with the spices.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve the fajita mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

 Quick and Easy Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef/chicken/tofu, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (substitute with hoisin sauce for vegetarians)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the sliced meat/tofu and cook until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and stir-fry the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot until tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked meat/tofu to the pan and pour the sauce over the stir-fry. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.

15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly until well combined.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until it is evenly coated.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

 10-Minute Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas and toppings of your choice (salsa, avocado, shredded cheese, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and well seasoned.
4. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with the black bean mixture and your favorite toppings.

 20-Minute Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade on both sides.
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve the grilled chicken with lemon wedges on the side.

Veggie-Packed Quinoa Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (skip for a vegan version)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. If using eggs, push the quinoa to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs on the other side. Once cooked, mix them with the quinoa.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the quinoa and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated.
5. Stir in chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

 Easy Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices and fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the salmon with the marinade on both sides.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill before serving.

Quick and Easy Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
2. Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad.
3. Season with salt and pepper, tossing gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately as a refreshing and quick side dish.

15-Minute Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed tofu and cook until it turns golden brown on all sides.
3. Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables and minced garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring everything together until well coated and heated through.
6. Serve the teriyaki tofu stir-fry over cooked rice, garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Conclusion

There you have it, 10 quick and easy recipes that will save you time and stress on those busy weeknights. From simple pasta dishes to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes are designed to provide you with satisfying meals without compromising on taste. So, say goodbye to takeout and embrace the joy of homemade, delicious dinners that you can whip up in no time. Remember, with these recipes at your fingertips, weeknight cooking can be a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.