15 Mouthwatering Recipes for Busy Weeknights
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When you’ve had a long, hectic day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on flavor or excitement regarding dinner.
Here are 15 mouthwatering recipes that will help you whip up delicious meals quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta
Nothing beats the convenience of a one-pot meal. This lemon garlic pasta is light and zesty and cooks in just 20 minutes.
Combine spaghetti, garlic, lemon zest, and chicken broth in a pot. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then top it off with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet-pan meals are lifesavers for busy nights. Toss chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
Place them on a baking sheet and roast until thoroughly cooked. Serve alongside warm tortillas and your preferred toppings, such as guacamole and salsa.
Quick Beef Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is the epitome of quick cooking. Sauté sliced beef with garlic and ginger, then mix colorful bell peppers and snap peas.
Top off your dish with a delectable sauce crafted from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of honey. Serve it alongside steamed rice for a delightful meal.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy tomato basil soup is comforting and fast. Sauté onions and garlic; add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh basil.
Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth. For richness, stir in a splash of cream and serve with crusty bread.
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
Salmon cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with a homemade teriyaki sauce. Marinate salmon fillets in soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Bake or pan-sear until flaky. Serve over rice with sautéed veggies and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
Fried rice is a delicious way to utilize leftover rice and vegetables. Sauté garlic and ginger and mix vegetables in a bit of oil.
Add cold rice and soy sauce, stirring until heated through. Crack in an egg and stir until cooked. Top with green onions for extra flavor.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Creamy and comforting, this chicken and broccoli Alfredo is ready in under 30 minutes. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
In a separate pan, sauté chicken and broccoli, then stir in a jar of Alfredo sauce. Combine with pasta and sprinkle with parmesan.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
These spicy shrimp tacos are bursting with flavor and ready in a flash. Toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then sauté until cooked. Serve in warm tortillas with a zesty slaw made from cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this easy Caprese stuffed chicken: butterfly chicken breasts and stuff with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Sear in a skillet until golden, then finish in the oven. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Black Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and versatile dinner option. Fill tortillas with black beans, cheese, and a sprinkle of cumin.
Sear in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Serve alongside sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Greek chicken gyros. Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Grill or pan-sear until juicy. Serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
Easy Beef Tacos
Tacos are a surefire hit for any night of the week. Brown ground beef with taco seasoning, then serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It’s a customizable meal that everyone will love.
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
This lemon herb chicken and rice dish is flavorful and straightforward—sauté chicken thighs with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Add rice and chicken broth, then simmer until the rice is tender. It’s a complete meal in one pot.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto pasta is a fresh and vibrant option for busy nights. Cook pasta and toss with store-bought or homemade pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a dash of parmesan for a simple yet delicious meal.
BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Flatbreads are a fun and quick way to enjoy pizza flavors—top flatbreads with BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onions, and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
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