5 Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights
Ready to whip up some delicious dinners without spending hours in the kitchen? Here are five easy recipes that are quick to prepare and sure to please. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking to treat yourself, these meals are perfect for any night of the week!
One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables
This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables is a delightful and easy dinner recipe that brings together juicy chicken and colorful veggies in a burst of flavor. With the zesty brightness of lemon and fragrant herbs, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also a feast for the senses.
Perfect for busy weeknights, everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. With tender chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables, this meal is a wholesome option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade.
- In a separate bowl, toss the baby potatoes and bell peppers with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Nestle the marinated chicken on top, and arrange the lemon slices around.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Vegetable Quesadillas with Guacamole
Vegetable quesadillas are a tasty and quick dinner option that everyone will enjoy. They are filled with colorful veggies and come together in no time, making them perfect for a busy weeknight. The crispy tortillas paired with creamy guacamole create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe is not only simple but also flexible; you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. The quesadillas are hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to keep you feeling great. Serve them up with a side of guacamole for that creamy kick!
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and corn, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- On one side of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of cheese, then add a portion of the vegetable mixture on top, followed by another layer of cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half and place them in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice the quesadillas into triangles and serve with guacamole on the side.
Quick Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These quick shrimp tacos are a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of juicy shrimp and creamy avocado salsa makes for a satisfying dinner that’s both fresh and light. Perfect for a busy weeknight, they come together in no time and are sure to please everyone at the table.
The tacos are easy to customize, whether you like them spicy or mild. Top them with your favorite salsa, a squeeze of lime, and some fresh cilantro, and you’ve got a meal that tastes festive and fun!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan until pliable.
- In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on the tortillas and topping with the avocado salsa. Serve immediately!
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This creamy tomato basil pasta is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare. The combination of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil creates a comforting sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making it a satisfying option for any night of the week.
With its rich yet light texture and bright taste, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. It’s quick to whip up, taking just under 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without the fuss!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped basil and mix well.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta!
Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers
This Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers is a quick and delicious option for an easy dinner recipe. Packed with vibrant colors and flavors, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and simple to prepare. The combination of tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and sweet bell peppers cooked in a savory sauce makes it a favorite for many.
In just about 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Heat the Pan: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the broccoli and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Combine: Return the cooked beef to the pan, stirring everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy your delicious beef stir-fry!
