7 Simple Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

 

After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is the hassle of a complex meal. Quick weeknight dinners are the unsung heroes of busy households—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you're managing a household or juggling work deadlines, these seven recipes promise ease and delight without the gourmet fuss.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

Photo by Livilla Latini

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken and asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place everything on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.

Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
2. Add beef slices and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and soy sauce; stir frequently until broccoli is tender.
4. Stir in oyster sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.

Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups cabbage slaw
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha with the cabbage slaw.
2. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
3. Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp and slaw.
4. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

Pasta Primavera in a Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Cook pasta per package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté briefly.
3. Add vegetables and cook until they are tender.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the vegetables; top with Parmesan cheese.

Easy Sheet Pan Fajitas

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix chicken, peppers, onions, olive oil, and fajita seasoning in a bowl.
3. Spread mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Serve with tortillas or over rice.

For more quick recipes, you might find this NYT Cooking guide on Easy Weeknight Recipes useful.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and scramble the eggs.
2. Add vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and soy sauce. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Grill chicken until cooked through, slice.
2. Layer tomato slices, mozzarella, and chicken.
3. Top with basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

For additional inspiration, check out these weeknight dinner recipes from Taste of Home that are designed for busy families.

Conclusion

Quick weeknight dinners don't mean sacrificing flavor. These recipes promise simplicity and taste, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evenings. So why not try these meals and enjoy delicious, stress-free dinners? Share your experiences and perhaps discover a new family favorite!