10 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners

 

    Weeknights can be hectic, and finding the time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can be challenging. That's why we've compiled a list of 10 quick and easy weeknight dinners that are perfect for busy evenings. These recipes are simple to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to please the whole family.

• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Add minced garlic and lemon slices to the skillet.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tags: #QuickDinner #EasyRecipes #ChickenRecipes

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden brown.
• Drain spaghetti and add to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Tags: #PastaRecipes #QuickMeals #Vegetarian

• Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add beef and marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then add beef and stir-fry until browned.
4. Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 5 minutes until tender.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

Tags: #StirFry #BeefRecipes #HealthyDinners

• Veggie Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and add veggies and spinach.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown, flipping once.
5. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

**Tags:** #Vegetarian #Quesadillas #QuickMeals

• Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp until pink and opaque.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, and avocado slices.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Tags: #Tacos #Seafood #QuickDinners

• Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between the two.
2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

**Tags:** #Salad #Vegetarian #HealthyRecipes

• Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push vegetables to the side and scramble eggs in the skillet.
4. Add rice, chicken, and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
5. Cook until heated through, then garnish with green onions.

**Tags:** #FriedRice #ChickenRecipes #QuickMeals

• Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing to a simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

**Tags:** #Soup #Vegetarian #ComfortFood

• BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
2. Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza crust.
3. Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
4. Bake according to package instructions until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

**Tags:** #Pizza #ChickenRecipes #QuickDinners

• Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Tags:

 #Salad #HealthyRecipes #Vegetarian

Conclusion

These 10 quick and easy weeknight dinners are perfect for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you'll have dinner ready in no time. Happy cooking!