5 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When life gets hectic, the last thing you want to worry about is what to cook for dinner. Fortunately, at 101 Simply Recipes, we believe that delicious meals don’t have to take hours to prepare! Here are five quick and easy dinner recipes that will satisfy your cravings and fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken : Easy Dinner

Ready in 30 minute

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
4. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tip: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

2. 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos Perfect for a quick flavor fix!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and taco seasoning.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
3. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
4. Assemble tacos by adding shrimp and topping with cabbage and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top.

Tip: Add avocado slices for extra creaminess!

3. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry Wholesome and colorful! Easy Dinner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Pour in soy sauce and toss to combine.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

Tip: You can add tofu or chicken for added protein!

4. Cheesy Vegetable Quesadillas A cheesy delight! Easy Dinner

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup spinach or kale
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, spinach, and tomatoes, then top with another tortilla.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cheese is melted.
4. Cut into wedges and serve.

Tip: Pair with salsa or guacamole for dipping!

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio A classic Italian dish that’s ready in 20 minutes! Easy Dinner

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 6 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook until garlic is golden, then add spaghetti back to the pot.
4. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt, pepper, and parsley.

Tip: Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!

Conclusion

With these quick and easy dinner recipes, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dish or something light, these recipes have got you covered for your busy weeknights.

For more simple recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out our other blog posts, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!

What are your go-to quick dinner recipes? Share your favorites in the comments below!

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