Looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas that won’t break a sweat or strain your wallet? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ve rounded up 20 mouthwatering and effortless recipes that are sure to become your go-to solutions for busy weeknights. From classic comfort food to international flavors with a twist, these easy dinner recipes are perfect for any skill level.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with our One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, and many more mouthwatering options. Whether you’re short on time or just want a stress-free meal, we’ve got you covered!
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This classic comfort food recipe is a cinch to make and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine with garlic mixture. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
5. Add cooked pasta, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top (and toasted breadcrumbs if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for a busy day or a stress-free dinner party. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have fall-apart tender chicken smothered in a rich honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe combines the savory taste of beef with the crunch of broccoli, all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon recipe. The combination of tender salmon, creamy sauce, and aromatic garlic will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, heavy cream, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the cream mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp and Vegetables
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this bright and flavorful sheet pan recipe that combines succulent shrimp, crispy vegetables, and a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place shrimp on one half of the sheet pan, leaving space between each shrimp.
4. Arrange bell peppers and zucchini slices on the other half of the sheet pan.
5. Drizzle lemon butter sauce over shrimp and vegetables.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through, and vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make main dish that’s sure to please? This Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe combines the richness of alfredo sauce with the simplicity of baking, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fettuccine pasta
– 2 cups alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the pasta in the bottom. Top with the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with parsley.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining pasta on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg
A classic Chinese dish, Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg is a simple and satisfying meal that can be made with leftover vegetables and rice. This recipe combines the flavors of scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and cooked rice for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook until tender.
4. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs and scramble until cooked through.
5. Mix eggs with vegetables. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Elevate your sandwich game with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the tender goodness of pulled pork with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in the BBQ sauce.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast lightly.
7. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the pulled pork onto the buns, garnishing with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours or overnight
Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
A flavorful twist on traditional pasta dishes, this Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet combines the comforting warmth of pasta with the bold flavors of tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 package taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cooked ground beef, black beans, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked pasta. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Let melt, stirring occasionally.
6. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Chicken and Rice Bowls
A flavorful and nutritious meal that combines the comfort of chicken and rice with the bright, zesty flavors of Greece. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lunchtime pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Divide cooked rice into bowls. Top with chicken, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
5. Serve with lemon wedges on the side (if using).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this Honey Sriracha Glazed recipe, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This dish is sure to impress at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together honey and Sriracha sauce in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the honey-Sriracha glaze.
7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until glazed.
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes
Experience the perfect blend of savory flavors and tender textures with this simple recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Potatoes. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large potato, peeled and cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place steak pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
4. Arrange potato wedges around the steak pieces.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until steak reaches desired doneness (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Oven-Baked Teriyaki Salmon
This recipe yields a deliciously glazed salmon fillet with a sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
6. Sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Creamy Tomato Spinach Tortellini
This comforting pasta dish combines the flavors of creamy tomato sauce, wilted spinach, and cheese-filled tortellini for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package cheese-filled tortellini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked tortellini and tomato sauce mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick and Easy Quesadillas
Satisfy your cravings with these simple and delicious quesadillas, packed with flavor and ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or beans (black beans or refried work great)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
3. Add your desired filling (chicken or beans) on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Enjoy your delicious and easy quesadillas!
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Elevate your nacho game with this sweet and savory twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the richness of melted cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and a medley of flavorful toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup black beans, cooked
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat tortilla chips in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
4. In a separate pan, warm black beans, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeño over medium heat.
5. Assemble nachos by spreading roasted sweet potatoes on top of tortilla chips, followed by cheese, bean mixture, and any additional toppings (such as sour cream, salsa, or cilantro).
6. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Garlic Herb Pork Chops with Green Beans
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of pork chops with the crunch of green beans. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound green beans, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Brush both sides with the garlic-herb mixture.
4. Place pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss green beans with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
7. Add green beans to the baking sheet with the pork chops and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wraps
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wraps: A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines the creamy goodness of chickpeas with the bright flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the wraps by spooning the chickpea mixture onto each tortilla, then roll up tightly.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas
This recipe combines the flavors of tender black beans, sweet corn, and creamy cheese wrapped in tortillas and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can enchilada sauce (red or green)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, and cumin; season with salt and pepper.
3. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Assemble enchiladas by spooning the bean mixture onto a tortilla, rolling up, and placing seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken dish with a flavorful twist by stuffing it with the classic Caprese combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting a horizontal slit in each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese, some diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 20 simple and easy recipes! From one-pot pasta dishes to slow cooker meals, skillet stir-fries, and oven-baked treats, there’s something for everyone. Try making Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, or Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon for a deliciously quick dinner. Or, go for something more adventurous like Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp and Vegetables or Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos. Whatever you choose, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings in no time!
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