Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Weeknight dinners can be a challenge, especially when you’re short on time and energy. But with the right recipes, you can whip up delicious, satisfying meals in no time. Here are some easy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

1. One-Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2. In the same pot, add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vegetable broth, and white wine. Stir well.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and the sauce has thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

2. Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Toss until everything is well coated.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot.

3. Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thinly
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and mixed vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce mixture and stir until everything is well coated and the sauce has thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked rice.

4. Lemon Herb Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the salmon fillets with the lemon herb mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Serve with lemon wedges.