When it comes to cooking on busy nights, many of us fall into one of two camps: those who whip up a meal with ease, and those who feel overwhelmed by the thought of culinary creation. But fear not, dear home cooks! This list of 20 quick and easy dinner recipes is here to help you get a delicious meal on the table in no time.
From classic comfort foods like creamy tomato soup and cheesy chicken casserole, to international-inspired dishes like Greek yogurt chicken salad wraps and black bean and corn quesadillas, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Each of these recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less – perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these quick and easy dinner recipes, sharing tips and tricks for making mealtime a breeze. So go ahead, grab your apron, and get ready to cook up some delicious meals in no time!
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Savor the flavors of Italy with this simple and satisfying one-pot pasta dish. Rich garlic butter, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of parmesan come together to create a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (e.g., penne or bowtie)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 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.
2. Add pasta, garlic, and butter. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
3. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Veggies
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and effortless sheet pan recipe. Succulent shrimp, tender veggies, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce come together in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to one half of the prepared sheet pan, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
4. Arrange the bell pepper and zucchini slices on the other half of the sheet pan.
5. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp and veggies.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the veggies are tender.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and savory, this recipe combines the flavors of honey, garlic, and chicken for a deliciously easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and garlic until smooth.
3. Place chicken pieces in a shallow baking dish and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Get a quick and delicious meal on the table with this easy stir-fry recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
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 garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli to the pan and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions (if desired) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the richness of cream, sweetness of tomatoes, and savory notes of basil, all topped off with crispy grilled cheese croutons.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread (for grilled cheese croutons)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, and basil. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Meanwhile, butter one side of each bread slice. Place the slices, buttered-side down, on a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon
This recipe yields a flavorful and moist teriyaki salmon with a sweet and savory glaze, all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder.
5. Brush the teriyaki glaze evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal or potluck. This slow cooker recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled pork with a tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup beer (optional)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onion, BBQ sauce, beer (if using), brown sugar, and cumin on top of the pork.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and stir to combine with the juices.
6. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw or pickles (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu
This quick and easy recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring crispy tofu and colorful vegetables stir-fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup bell pepper strips
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pan; stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots; stir-fry for an additional 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Return tofu to the pan; add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
A hearty and satisfying casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this recipe combines the flavors of chicken, rice, and cheese in a creamy, comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
4. Add peas and carrots to the skillet; cook until thawed.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked rice, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese.
6. Pour in milk and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until casserole is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach
This classic Italian recipe combines the simplicity of spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil) with the added nutrition and flavor of spinach. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Toss everything together to combine.
5. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Transform traditional quesadillas with the added flavors of black beans and corn, creating a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, and garlic.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of bean-corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
5. Fold tortilla in half to enclose filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Butter Garlic Scallops with Zucchini Noodles
This refreshing summer dish combines succulent scallops with a tangy lemon butter sauce, served atop zucchini noodles for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium zucchini, spiralized into “noodles”
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Place scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with lemon butter sauce.
6. Roast scallops in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, sauté zucchini noodles in a little oil until tender.
8. Serve scallops atop zucchini noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Wraps
These flavorful wraps combine the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the tanginess of lemon and the crunch of fresh veggies, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 large tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Add chopped cucumber and red bell pepper to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the salad mixture onto the center of a tortilla wrap.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients and wraps.
Cooking Time: None! These wraps are ready to serve in just a few minutes.
One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines the comfort of quinoa with the bold flavors of Mexico.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the quinoa and stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy.
6. Fluff with a fork and stir in the black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes
Savor the rich flavors of tender steak bites smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge steak bites in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites; cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned.
5. Transfer skillet to oven; bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve steak bites over mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and colorful recipe, where the sweetness of tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella meet the savory charm of chicken. This Caprese-stuffed delight is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together diced tomato, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the tomato mixture.
4. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the filling.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado and Egg Toast with Chili Flakes
Start your day off right with this creamy, spicy, and satisfying breakfast toast.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread (toasted)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 eggs, fried or poached
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Place the fried or poached eggs on top of the avocado.
4. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes over the eggs.
5. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. If desired, add additional red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Easy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
This recipe combines the freshness of mango salsa with succulent shrimp, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 taco shells
– Mango Salsa (see below)
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Assemble tacos by placing cooked shrimp onto warmed shells, then topping with Mango Salsa.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 1/4 cup basil pesto
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 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 the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine the pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pesto mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
30-Minute Homemade Margherita Pizza
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a freshly baked homemade Margherita pizza that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
5. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and chopped basil leaves.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and easy dinner recipes to save your busy nights? Look no further! This collection of 20 mouth-watering dishes will have you cooking like a pro in no time. From classic comfort foods to international flavors, these recipes cater to all tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy one-pot wonders, sheet pan meals, slow cooker favorites, and more. Whether you’re craving pasta, poultry, beef, seafood, or something entirely different, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and make mealtime a breeze!
