Super Easy Weeknight Dinners In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal during the busy weeknights can be quite challenging. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, it's no wonder that many people resort to takeout or frozen dinners. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can whip up best easy weeknight dinners that are both delicious and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, these recipes will save you time without compromising on flavour. Let's dive into some simple, mouth-watering meals that will make your weeknights a breeze!
1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In an enormous pot, heat olive oil over medium intensity. Add onion and garlic, saute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are somewhat delicate.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is al dente and broth is absorbed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Why It Works
This super easy weeknight dinner is not only healthy but also requires minimal clean-up, as everything cooks in one pot. Plus, you can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile option.
2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas, for serving
- Sour cream and guacamole for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, toss chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Present with warm tortillas, harsh cream, and guacamole.
Why It Works
Sheet pan dinners are the epitome of best easy weeknight dinners. Everything is cooked on one sheet, saving you time on both prep and clean-up. Besides, these chicken fajitas are adaptable and loaded with flavour!
3. Quick Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and corn-starch. Add beef slices and marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a huge skillet or wok over high intensity. Add garlic and ginger, saute for 30 seconds.
- Add beef with marinade, stir-fry until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Why It Works
This stir-fry is a classic example of super easy weeknight dinner. It's quick, nutritious, and flavourful, with the beef and broccoli pairing perfectly with the savoury sauce.
4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- In an enormous pot, soften margarine over medium intensity. Add onion and garlic, sauté until relaxed.
- Mix in squashed tomatoes and stock. Bring to a stew and cook for 10 minutes.
- Utilize a drenching blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Mix in weighty cream, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese, alongside crusty bread.
Why It Works
This creamy tomato basil soup is comforting and super easy to make. It's ideal for those evenings when you need something warm and fulfilling without going through hours in the kitchen.
5. Easy Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Slaw mix or shredded cabbage
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium intensity. Add shrimp, stew powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Warm corn tortillas in a dish or microwave.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp, slaw, and avocado cuts.
- Serve with lime wedges.
- Why It Works:
- Shrimp tacos are a delightful option for super easy weeknight dinners. They’re quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours that everyone will love.
6. Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sour cream or yogurt for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix grated zucchini, corn, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium intensity.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the skillet, flattening slightly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes for every side until brilliant brown and fresh.
- Serve with sour cream or yogurt.
Why It Works
These fritters are an excellent vegetarian option for super easy weeknight dinner. They’re crispy, flavourful, and can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. You may aslo raed this: Best Underwater Restaurants With Incredible Food
7. Lemon Herb Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Put salmon on a baking sheet fixed with material paper.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, dill, salt, and pepper. Pour over salmon.
- Prepare for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve with lemon slices.
Why It Works
Baked salmon is not only healthy but also one of the easiest super easy weeknight dinners to prepare. The lemon herb marinade enhances the natural flavour of the fish, making it a delightful meal.
8. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Marinate tofu 3D shapes in soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium intensity. Add onion and garlic, saute until fragrant.
- Add tofu, bell pepper, snap peas, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are tender and tofu is golden brown.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
Why It Works
This vegetable stir-fry with tofu is perfect for those seeking plant-based super easy weeknight dinners. It’s nutritious, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying.
9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium intensity. Add chicken and garlic, cook until chicken is caramelized and cooked through.
- Pour in weighty cream and Parmesan cheddar, blending until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Why It Works
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is creamy and indulgent, making it a favourite among super easy weeknight dinner. It’s rich in flavour and perfect for satisfying your pasta cravings.Visit our website to read more about food
10. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, grilled and sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with grilled chicken slices.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Why It Works
Greek salad with grilled chicken is a refreshing option for super easy weeknight dinner. It’s light, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavours that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.
Conclusion
With these super easy weeknight dinners, you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and satisfying, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with your loved ones. From one-pot pastas to sheet pan dinners and hearty salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what to make for dinner, try one of these recipes and savour the convenience and flavour they bring to your table. Bon appetit!