When the weeknight hustle hits, getting a meal on the table that is both quick and tasty can feel like a daunting task. But with a little creativity and some simple ingredients, it’s entirely possible to whip up delicious dishes in no time. Here are 10 easy and delicious recipes that will save you on those busy weeknights.
1. One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, in another pan, cook the bacon until crisp every day recipes. Beat the eggs and Parmesan together in a bowl, adding salt and pepper. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with bacon. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring fast to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs to create a creamy sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve.
2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook until tender. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking until the shrimp are pink. Squeeze lemon juice over the top, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef steak, thinly sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add beef and cook until it starts to brown. Add broccoli and garlic, cook for a few more minutes. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, stir until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice if desired.
4. Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until softened. Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer. Add tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Stir in heavy cream and basil, cooking until the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
5. Chicken Avocado Burritos
Ingredients:
- 4 large tortillas
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Lay out the tortillas and divide the chicken, avocado, cheese, and cilantro between them. Roll up the burritos, folding in the sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet and place the burritos seam-side down. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with salsa or sour cream.
6. Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, red pepper, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
7. Pesto Chicken Pita Pockets
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 4 pita bread pockets
- 1 cup arugula leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the chicken with pesto sauce. Cut pita bread in half to create pockets. Stuff with the chicken mixture, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Serve immediately for a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal.
8. Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 block tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 pineapple, cubed
- 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and add tofu. Cook until all sides are golden brown. Add the bell pepper and pineapple, cooking until tender. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce, stir to coat everything evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
10. Quick Chicken Parmesan Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Mix chicken and marinara sauce in a bowl. Lay out tortillas and divide the chicken mixture among them, topping with mozzarella. Roll up the tortillas, tucking in the edges. Heat olive oil in a skillet and place wraps seam side down. Cook until crispy and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
These quick and easy recipes ensure that a home-cooked meal is never too far out of reach, even on the busiest of weeknights. They are perfect for any beginner cook or anyone looking to add some simplicity to their mealtime routines. Enjoy the balance of healthful, flavorful, and straightforward dishes that can be prepared in a snap!
