When it comes to weeknight dinners, it can be challenging to come up with new and exciting meal ideas that please everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 delicious food recipes that are perfect for a quick and easy dinner any night of the week. From classic comfort foods to international twists, these recipes are sure to become staples in your household.
Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something on this list for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus for a savory and satisfying meal, or go Mediterranean-style with Lemon Parmesan Chicken. If you’re looking for something a little spicier, One-Pan Honey Garlic Salmon is sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your weeknight dinners are nothing short of exceptional.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines tender steak bites with a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside crisp asparagus.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh asparagus, trimmed to 5-inch spears
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place steak cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until steaks reach desired level of doneness.
5. While steaks are cooking, toss asparagus spears with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and spread on a separate baking sheet.
6. Roast asparagus in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Serve steak bites with garlic butter sauce spooned over top, accompanied by roasted asparagus.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this zesty, creamy, and cheesy chicken dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly (about 5 minutes).
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over each breast.
9. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Honey Garlic Salmon
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic and the flaky texture of salmon, all cooked to perfection in one pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the salmon fillets, skin side up (if they have skin). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned.
4. Flip the salmon and add the honey, garlic, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and spicy recipe that combines succulent shrimp, crunchy slaw, and creamy avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Slaw mixture (see below)
– Avocado crema (see below)
Slaw Mixture:
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, slaw mixture, and avocado crema.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Quickly cook up a delicious stir-fry with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory flavors.
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
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return beef to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Lasagna with Ricotta
A flavorful and satisfying vegetarian lasagna recipe featuring a creamy ricotta filling, layers of sautéed vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the mixed vegetables in olive oil until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the lasagna by spreading a layer of sautéed vegetables, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, then mozzarella cheese. Repeat for 3-4 layers, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top layer and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savory pulled pork, smothered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, is the perfect filling for a juicy sandwich. This easy-to-make recipe yields tender, flavorful pork that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and stir to coat with the sauce.
5. Split hamburger buns and fill with shredded pork.
6. Serve with coleslaw or pickles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional teriyaki chicken, these baked thighs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With the ease of baking and the bold flavors of soy sauce and brown sugar, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and salt.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush with the teriyaki mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with pepper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
Savor the rich flavors of this creamy risotto dish, filled with sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their liquid and start browning (5-6 minutes).
3. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Add 1/2 cup warmed broth; stir until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth in 1/2-cup increments, until rice is cooked and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Stir in spinach leaves and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
A hearty and easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe combines the savory flavor of sausage with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers, seeded and sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 1 large red onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Arrange the sausage slices on one half of the sheet pan.
4. Toss the bell peppers, zucchinis, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the other half of the sheet pan.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with minced garlic. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this bright and citrusy shrimp dish, featuring a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. pasta of choice (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Combine cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon-garlic sauce in a large serving bowl. Add cooked shrimp and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines juicy ground turkey with aromatic spices and sweet bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Transform classic shells into a decadent dinner with the addition of creamy chicken alfredo filling. This recipe combines tender pasta, savory sauce, and juicy chicken for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo shells
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the chicken mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Sprinkle tops with additional mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Red Curry with Coconut Milk
This classic Thai dish is a flavorful and aromatic curry made with red chilies, coconut milk, and your choice of protein or vegetables. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, potatoes)
– 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 Thai red chilies, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken or vegetables and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chilies, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce (if using); bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Chutney
A sweet and savory twist on a classic pork chop dish, this recipe combines the natural flavor of grilled pork chops with a tangy apple chutney.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 apples, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, thyme, and rosemary. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
3. Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Meanwhile, combine diced apples, onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney is thickened slightly.
5. Serve the grilled pork chops with the apple chutney spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your snack game with this creative twist on traditional stuffed sweet potatoes. These Cheesy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and filling treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crumbled cooked taco meat (ground beef or turkey work well)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. While sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add taco meat and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks.
4. Stuff each sweet potato with black beans, taco meat mixture, and shredded cheese.
5. Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Veggie Skewers
A flavorful and healthy twist on classic skewers, these Pesto Chicken and Veggie Skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. With the brightness of pesto, the juiciness of chicken, and the crunch of fresh veggies, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto and chicken until well coated.
3. Alternate chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini on the skewers.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Experience the perfect blend of Mexican flavors with these savory Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas. Fresh corn and tender black beans are wrapped in a crispy tortilla, making for a delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans and corn kernels.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the bean-corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is heated through.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
A classic comfort food dish that combines the flavors of homemade pasta, rich tomato sauce, and savory Italian sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove sausage from skillet; add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let sauce thicken slightly.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, Italian sausage mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish; top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken Recipe
Roast chicken gets a flavorful boost with this garlic herb butter recipe. The combination of savory herbs and rich butter creates a mouthwatering aroma that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the surface of the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas for weeknights? Look no further! This article features 20 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for a busy evening. From classic comfort foods like beef and broccoli stir-fry to seafood options like garlic butter steak bites with asparagus, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are all easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, chicken, pork, or something else entirely, this article has got you covered.
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