Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every evening? Do you struggle to come up with new and exciting meal ideas that can be prepared quickly and easily? Look no further! In this article, we’ll share 18 delicious and quick dinner recipes that are perfect for busy nights. From one-pot wonders to sheet pan suppers, these mouthwatering meals are sure to satisfy your cravings without breaking a sweat.
In the following pages, you’ll find a variety of recipes that can be prepared in no time – think 15-minute soups, 30-minute skillet dinners, and 5-ingredient chicken dishes. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent trying to keep up with kids’ schedules, or simply someone who values their free time, these recipes are designed to help you spend more time enjoying your evening and less time stuck in the kitchen.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, and get ready to cook up some amazing meals that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The dinner rush is over – it’s time to enjoy!
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in under an hour. This recipe combines the richness of parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the comfort of a one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine with sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Salmon with Veggies
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and flavorful sheet pan recipe. Moist salmon fillets, tender veggies, and a tangy lemon butter sauce come together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted veggies of your choice (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillets on one half of the sheet pan. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss your chosen veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the other half of the sheet pan.
4. Dot the salmon with softened butter. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from the oven and squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the salmon. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
A flavorful and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. This white chicken chili is made with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of cumin.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 cup half-and-half
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, diced tomatoes, white beans, cumin, and salt.
2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in half-and-half to add creaminess.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Speedy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Get a nutritious meal on the table in no time with this speedy stir-fry recipe, packed with protein-rich beef, crunchy broccoli, and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
15-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Savor the flavors of Italy with this 15-minute creamy tomato basil soup, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 sprigs of fresh basil, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs with Rice
Transform your meatball game with this sweet and spicy twist! This recipe combines the savory flavor of beef with the sticky sweetness of honey and the fiery heat of sriracha, all wrapped up in a tender meatball.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together honey and sriracha sauce in a small bowl.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush with the honey-sriracha glaze.
7. Serve warm over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Taco Skillet with Ground Beef
Get ready for a flavorful and filling meal with this easy-to-make Cheesy Taco Skillet! A perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, and melted cheese, all in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz macaroni and cheese (shells or elbows work well)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until veggies are tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. Drain and add to skillet.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes or until melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender and juicy pulled chicken sandwiches, smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, pickle slices, and any other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in any remaining BBQ sauce.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast.
7. Spoon the pulled chicken onto the buns, followed by your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Pineapple
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Top each thigh with pineapple chunks.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Peppers
Get ready for a hearty and flavorful meal with this easy-to-make One-Pan Sausage and Peppers recipe! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced peppers and onions; cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Savor the flavors of Italy with this quick and delicious shrimp scampi recipe, served over linguine pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Combine with linguine pasta, adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
15-Minute Veggie Fried Rice
Quickly cook a flavorful and nutritious veggie fried rice dish with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the mixed veggies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
5. Push the veggie mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in a small egg (if using) and scramble it into the empty space.
6. Mix the cooked rice with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps.
7. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and colorful dish, combining the classic Italian flavors of mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the Caprese mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
A classic comfort food dish with a twist – made quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot! This recipe yields tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and cook the beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
3. Pour in broth, heavy cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and stir in cooked egg noodles. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (includes 5-minute natural release)
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Recipe
A bright and flavorful seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender asparagus, all tied together with a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add lemon juice and parsley to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in oven for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve shrimp with asparagus and spoon some of the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
30-Minute Chicken and Dumplings
Savor the warm, cozy flavors of homemade chicken and dumplings with this lightning-fast recipe. Tender chicken pieces and fluffy biscuit-like dumplings come together in a comforting, creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the melted butter, heavy cream, and whole milk. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, mix remaining 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup water to form dumplings (about 6-8 pieces).
4. Add dumplings to pot and cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach
A classic Italian dish that combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the richness of garlic and olive oil, accompanied by the nutrients of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and oil.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Get ready for a flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla! These Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas are packed with protein, fiber, and delicious Mexican flair.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 4 large tortillas (whole wheat or flour)
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle one-quarter of the bean-corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (4 quesadillas)
Enjoy your delicious Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas!
Summary
Looking for quick and easy dinner recipes to save your busy nights? Look no further! This collection of 18 recipes is perfect for a hectic evening. From pasta dishes like One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta, to protein-packed options like Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Salmon with Veggies, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something lighter, this list has got you covered.
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