Cooking dinner after a long workday can be a chore. This is especially true when you are short on time and energy. With the right recipes you can make delicious and nutritious meals within minutes. Here are some quick and easy recipes that will satisfy you on busy weeknights. Each recipe is easy to prepare and cooks quickly so that you can relax and spend less time in your kitchen.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
It takes only 30 minutes to make this healthy and flavorful dish. This meal is perfect for weeknights because it requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, cut into slices
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- Baby carrots, 1 cup
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Taste salt, pepper and Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 400degF. Place the chicken breasts onto a baking tray lined with parchment.
- Arrange broccoli and carrots around the chicken.
- Add lemon slices, minced garlic and olive oil to the mixture.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked. Enjoy a healthy meal in no-time.
2. Shrimp Stir Fry 15 Minutes
Stir-fries can be a great way to add flavor and nutrition. This stir-fry is ready in just minutes, and you can easily customize it with any vegetables that you have available.
Ingredients:
- Peeled and deveined 1 lb Large Shrimp
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Snap peas – 1 cup
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- Honey 1 tbsp
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Rice or noodles cooked for serving
Instructions:
- In a small dish, combine the honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium high heat. Add the shrimp, and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Add bell pepper, snappeas and zucchini to the same pan. Stir-fry vegetables for 5-6 mins or until they are crisp-tender.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and return it to the pan. Stir everything well and cook for another minute.
- Serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
3. 10-Minute Veggie Quesadillas
When time is limited, quesadillas can be a lifesaver. Easy to make, they are delicious and can be customized in endless ways. They’re also a great way of using up leftover vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, corn, spinach etc.), chopped 1 cup mixed veggies (bell pepper, corn, spinach etc.), chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Serve with salsa, guacamole or sourcream
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, heat olive oil in a pan. Add the veggies and cook them for 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly softened.
- Remove vegetables from skillet. Spread cheese and veggies on one tortilla, top it with the other tortilla, and place in a skillet.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and serve it with salsa, guacamole or sourcream.
4. Pasta aglio e Olio (Garlic and Olive Oil)
This classic Italian dish is simple but delicious. You can make a restaurant-quality meal with just a few simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- Optional: 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley chopped
- To taste, add salt and grated Parmesan to your liking
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions on the package to cook spaghetti. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat while pasta is cooking. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, and cook until the garlic turns golden brown.
- Toss the pasta in the pan to coat. If the pasta is dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve with salt and garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
5. Chicken Caesar Wraps
These chicken Caesar wraps can be made in less than 15 mins and are a delicious dinner. You can customize them with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well) chicken
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- Chop 1 cup romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions:
- Mix the shredded chicken in a bowl with Caesar dressing.
- Place the chicken, lettuce and Parmesan in the middle of each tortilla.
- Serve the tortilla by rolling it tightly and cutting in half, if you wish.
6. Caprese Avocado Toast
This dish is great for those nights when you want something simple but filling. This dish is fresh and flavorful. It takes only minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Toast 2 slices of whole grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: Balsamic glaze
- Taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Spread avocado on each toast slice.
- Add cherry tomatoes and basil to the top.
- If using balsamic glazing, drizzle it on and season the dish with salt and black pepper.
Conclusion
These quick and simple recipes will help you to prepare a delicious meal in no time. You can have delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal stress by keeping some versatile ingredients in your pantry and using simple recipes. Next time you are pressed for time, make one of these simple dishes and enjoy the simplicity of great food.
