15 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

This simple one-pan dinner combines juicy chicken thighs with colorful vegetables, all seasoned with lemon and garlic for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken thighs

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, carrots)

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 lemon, juiced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Olive oil

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. 1. In a large baking dish, place the chicken thighs and surround them with vegetables.

1. 1. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper over the top.

1. 1. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

2. Quick Beef Tacos

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

These quick beef tacos can be whipped up in no time. Top them with your favorite veggies for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef

• • 1 packet taco seasoning

• • Taco shells

• • Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado

Instructions:

1. 1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

1. 1. Drain any excess fat, and add the taco seasoning with water as per package instructions.

1. 1. Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve in taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

3. 15-Minute Shrimp Stir Fry

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

This shrimp stir fry is a quick, healthy option that comes together in just 15 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles!

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• • 2 cups mixed stir fry vegetables

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.

1. 1. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.

1. 1. Stir in vegetables, soy sauce, and ginger. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Vegetarian Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

These quesadillas are packed with cheese and plenty of vegetables, making them a delightful and quick meal.

Ingredients:

• • 4 flour tortillas

• • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

• • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced

• • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• • Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle cheese and vegetables on one half, and fold the other half over.

1. 1. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

5. Pasta Primavera

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

This fresh vegetable pasta dish is not only colorful but also full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• • 8 ounces pasta of your choice

• • 1 zucchini, sliced

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and vegetables, sauté until tender.

1. 1. Add pasta back to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

6. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

This healthful dish is simple to prepare and can be cooked all on one sheet pan for easy cleanup!

Ingredients:

• • 2 salmon fillets

• • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • Salt, pepper, and lemon slices

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

1. 1. On a baking sheet, arrange the salmon and asparagus, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

7. Chicken Alfredo in 20 Minutes

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

This creamy pasta dish is a favorite that can be ready in just 20 minutes for those extra busy nights.

Ingredients:

• • 8 ounces fettuccine

• • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

• • 1 cup heavy cream

• • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and reserve.

1. 1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

1. 1. Add the chicken and pasta to the sauce; toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.

8. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

This refreshing salad combines grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a light and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls

• • Fresh basil leaves

• • Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. 1. On a large plate, arrange the sliced chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

1. 1. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

9. Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

A nutritious bowl packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup quinoa

• • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon chili powder

• • Salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

1. 1. In a skillet, add olive oil, chickpeas, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.

1. 1. Serve the chickpeas over quinoa and garnish with cilantro.

10. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

These bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, spinach, and spices for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded

• • 1 pound ground turkey

• • 2 cups spinach, chopped

• • 1 cup diced tomatoes

• • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a skillet, cook ground turkey until browned, add spinach, tomatoes, seasoning, and stir until cooked through.

1. 1. Stuff mixture into bell pepper halves and bake for 25 minutes.

11. Garlic Butter Pasta

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

This delightful garlic butter pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 8 ounces spaghetti

• • 4 tablespoons butter

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • Parmesan cheese for garnish

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.

1. 1. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

1. 1. Add the pasta to the garlic butter, season with salt, pepper, and garnish with Parmesan.

12. Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

These sliders bring all the flavor of BBQ chicken to your table in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

• • 1 cup BBQ sauce

• • Slider buns

• • Coleslaw for topping

Instructions:

1. 1. In a saucepan, heat shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until warmed through.

1. 1. Serve on slider buns topped with coleslaw.

13. Simple Egg Fried Rice

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

This egg fried rice is a great way to use leftover rice and can be made in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked rice

• • 2 eggs, beaten

• • 1 cup mixed peas and carrots

• • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a wok or large pan, scramble the eggs until nearly cooked, then add the rice and vegetables.

1. 1. Pour in soy sauce and stir-fry until everything is heated through.

1. 1. Garnish with green onions before serving.

14. Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

These mini meatloaf muffins are cute, portioned perfectly, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound ground beef

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/4 cup ketchup

• • 1 egg

• • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.

1. 1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.

1. 1. Press the mixture into the muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.

15. Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

This hearty vegetarian chili is quick, full of flavor, and the perfect cozy meal for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can black beans

• • 1 can kidney beans

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 1 cup corn

• • 1 tablespoon chili powder

• • 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. 1. Put all ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir well.

1. 1. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

1. 1. Release the pressure, then serve hot.