Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When your schedule is packed and you need a fast meal, these quick and easy dinner recipes are here to save the day. From one-pot meals to simple stir-fries, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time, without the stress.

1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

A simple, colorful dish full of fresh veggies and pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
3. Add pasta and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan, if desired.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry

This healthy stir-fry is quick to make and packed with flavor, featuring chicken and your favorite veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and soy sauce, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add hoisin sauce and green onions, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

3. Taco Salad

A light yet satisfying salad with all the taco flavors you love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Tortilla chips, crushed

Directions:

1. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a pan over medium heat until browned. Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
3. Add the cooked meat and toss everything together.
4. Top with sour cream and crushed tortilla chips. Serve immediately.

4. Egg Fried Rice

A quick and satisfying meal using leftover rice and a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
2. Add peas and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cold rice and soy sauce, and cook until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve.

5. Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

This sheet pan dinner is full of protein and vegetables, all cooked on one tray for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place salmon fillets, potatoes, and green beans on the baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

With these quick and easy dinner ideas, you can have a delicious, stress-free meal even on the busiest of weeknights. These recipes take little prep time and are packed with flavor, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening!