Finding the time and energy to cook a homemade meal after a long day at work can be challenging. But with the right recipes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner in no time. Here are five easy recipes that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
1. One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of chopped mixed vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the chicken and vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of pasta (any shape you like)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped parsley.
3. Baked Fish with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 4 fillets of white fish (such as tilapia or cod)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
3. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the fish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Vegetable Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
6. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned on all sides.
3. Add the broccoli, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water.
5. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables and stir to coat.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
These five recipes are quick, easy, and delicious. They are perfect for busy week