Quick and Delicious: 10 Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

This one-pan lemon garlic chicken is an effortless dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With tender chicken thighs marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, this dish cooks beautifully with just a few vegetables added to the pan.

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken thighs

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • Juice of 1 lemon

• • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 1 cup broccoli florets

• • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them in the marinade.

1. 1. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add broccoli and bell pepper, and drizzle any remaining marinade on top.

1. 1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Veggie Stir-Fry

When you’re looking for a quick and nutritious dinner, veggie stir-fry is your best bet. It is versatile, so you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and add protein options like chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

• • Optional: protein of your choice (chicken, tofu, shrimp)

Instructions:

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

1. 1. Add ginger and mixed vegetables, stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until tender.

1. 1. If using, add your choice of protein and cook until done.

1. 1. Stir in the soy sauce and serve over cooked rice or quinoa.

3. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

If you’re in the mood for pasta but short on time, spaghetti aglio e olio is perfect. This classic Italian dish requires just a few ingredients and can be made in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• • 400g spaghetti

• • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• • ½ cup olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• • Fresh parsley, chopped

• • Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

• • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.

1. 1. Cook until garlic is golden brown, being careful not to burn it.

1. 1. Add the cooked spaghetti, stirring to combine. If it seems dry, add reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt, and top with parsley and parmesan if desired.

4. Tacos with Ground Beef

Who doesn’t love tacos? This ground beef taco recipe is quick to prepare and can be a fun build-your-own dinner for the family.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1 packet taco seasoning

• • 8 taco shells

• • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, avocado

Instructions:

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

1. 1. Add taco seasoning and water according to package directions; simmer for 5-7 minutes.

1. 1. Warm taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.

1. 1. Serve with desired toppings.

5. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This vegan chickpea and spinach curry is hearty, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Serve it over rice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can chickpeas, drained

• • 2 cups fresh spinach

• • 1 can coconut milk

• • 2 tablespoons curry powder

• • 1 tablespoon oil

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent.

1. 1. Add curry powder and chickpeas; cook for 2 minutes.

1. 1. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes.

1. 1. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted and season with salt.

1. 1. Serve warm over rice.

6. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

This refreshing Caprese salad topped with grilled chicken is perfect for a light dinner. It’s quick, healthy, and requires minimal cooking.

Ingredients:

• • 2 chicken breasts

• • 4 large tomatoes, sliced

• • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• • Fresh basil leaves

• • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill them until fully cooked.

1. 1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, adding basil leaves.

1. 1. Slice grilled chicken and add it on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

7. Teriyaki Salmon with Rice

This teriyaki salmon is a crowd-pleaser and can be made in just 20 minutes. Serve it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• • 2 salmon fillets

• • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce

• • 1 cup cooked rice

• • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Brush salmon fillets with teriyaki sauce; cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

1. 1. Serve with rice, drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

8. Easy Vegetable Soup

On a busy weeknight, a large pot of vegetable soup can be a comforting and nourishing meal. Customize your soup with whatever vegetables and beans you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• • 4 cups vegetable broth

• • 2 carrots, diced

• • 2 celery stalks, diced

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 1 can beans (cannellini or kidney), drained

• • 2 cups fresh or frozen vegetables (like corn or peas)

• • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.

1. 1. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

1. 1. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

9. Pita Pockets with Hummus and Veggies

Pita pockets are a fun and interactive dinner option! Fill them with your favorite veggies and hummus for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• • 4 pita breads

• • 1 cup hummus

• • 1 cucumber, sliced

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 cup shredded carrots

• • Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Slice pita breads to create pockets.

1. 1. Spread ¼ cup hummus in each pita pocket.

1. 1. Stuff with cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and feta cheese if using.

1. 1. Serve with a side of chips or salad.

10. Quick Chili

This quick chili recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, warming, and can easily be customized!

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• • 1 can kidney beans, drained

• • 1 can black beans, drained

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 2 tablespoons chili powder

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then drain excess fat.

1. 1. Add chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.

1. 1. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

1. 1. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes before serving.