10 Effortless Weeknight Dinners for Busy Families

1. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

This dish is packed with flavor and requires only one pan for cooking, which makes cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

• • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 onion, sliced

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 1 tablespoon chili powder

• • 1 teaspoon cumin

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • Tortillas, for serving

• • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

1. 1. Serve the chicken and veggies in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

2. 20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry is not only delicious but also healthy! You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 3 cloves garlic, minced

• • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

1. 1. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

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

1. 1. Add the mixed vegetables and soy sauce; stir-fry for another 5 minutes.

1. 1. Serve over rice or noodles.

3. Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

Let your slow cooker do the work for you with these flavorful beef tacos.

Ingredients:

• • 2 pounds beef chuck roast

• • 1 packet taco seasoning

• • 1 cup beef broth

• • Taco shells, for serving

• • Optional toppings: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado

Instructions:

1. 1. Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.

1. 1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in the beef broth.

1. 1. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

1. 1. Shred the beef with a fork and serve in taco shells with your choice of toppings.

4. Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera

This colorful dish is not only vibrant but also offers a good dose of vegetables!

Ingredients:

• • 8 ounces pasta (any kind)

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes)

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• • Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the mixed vegetables.

1. 1. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender.

1. 1. Add the cooked pasta and Italian seasoning; toss to combine.

1. 1. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

This one-pan meal is healthy, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• • 4 salmon fillets

• • 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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

1. 1. On a sheet pan, place the salmon and asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.

6. Easy Chicken Caesar Salad

This classic salad is quick to prepare and great for warm nights!

Ingredients:

• • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• • 1 pound grilled chicken breast, sliced

• • ½ cup Caesar dressing

• • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Croutons, for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and Caesar dressing.

1. 1. Toss well to combine, then top with Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.

7. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

This hearty and nutritious grain bowl is perfect for a light yet filling dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup quinoa, cooked

• • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

• • 1 cup corn

• • 1 avocado, diced

• • 1 lime, juiced

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced avocado.

1. 1. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine before serving.

8. Simple Veggie Fried Rice

This is an excellent way to use leftover rice and add whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• • 3 cups cooked rice

• • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)

• • 2 eggs, beaten

• • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

1. 1. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked.

1. 1. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

9. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This savory dish is a favorite among families! It’s nutritious and comes together in a flash.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced

• • 3 cups broccoli florets

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, combine sliced beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

1. 1. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat.

1. 1. Add garlic and beef; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.

1. 1. Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

10. Caprese Stuffed Chicken

This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and requires minimal effort!

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • Fresh basil leaves

• • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a bowl, combine mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the mozzarella mixture.

1. 1. Place stuffed chicken in a baking dish and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.