In the fast-paced lives of modern families, finding time to prepare wholesome, delicious dinners during the week can be a challenge. To make your evenings easier, we’ve put together a collection of 10 easy weeknight dinner recipes that are quick, satisfying, and sure to please the whole family. Each recipe uses accessible ingredients and simple methods to help you save time without compromising on flavor.
1. One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add the pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked.
Stir in the cheese and spinach. Mix until the cheese melts and spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy!
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned.
Add broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper over each fillet.
Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
Garnish with parsley and serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
4. Quick Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs. Scramble until cooked.
Add the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook until the rice is hot.
Garnish with green onions and serve.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp taco seasoning
Tortillas for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the chicken, bell pepper, and onion on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Toss to coat.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings.
6. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)
Ingredients:
1 lb spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden.
Add the spaghetti and toss to coat. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
7. Classic Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups canned tomatoes (crushed)
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Add tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth. Stir in basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.
Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy dinner.
8. Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup salsa
Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle half with chicken, cheese, and a spoonful of salsa.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden and cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream.
9. Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
Slice each sweet potato open, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with black beans, cheese, and sour cream.
Sprinkle with green onions, salt, and pepper, then serve.
10. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken thighs, diced
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cooked rice
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté chicken in a pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Add the teriyaki sauce and stir until the chicken is coated.
Add broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Conclusion
These 10 easy weeknight dinners offer the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease, ensuring your family can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these recipes are designed to make weeknight dinners stress-free and satisfying. Try these dishes and experience the joy of having a repertoire of go-to meals that will keep everyone at the table happy, even on the busiest nights.
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