Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience on busy weekdays? Look no further! We’ve got 17 mouth-watering, quick, and easy recipes to add some excitement to your meal routine. From one-pan wonders to speedy stir-fries, these delicious dishes are sure to become your new go-to’s.
Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a world of flavor in just 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory like our One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies or sweet like our Honey Sriracha Shrimp Stir-Fry, we’ve got a recipe to satisfy your cravings. And don’t worry – these meals won’t break the bank or require a culinary degree.
In this article, we’ll dive into 17 easy weekday recipes that are perfect for busy schedules. From classic comfort foods to international twists, we’ll show you how to cook up something tasty and impressive in no time.
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines the richness of garlic butter with the tenderness of chicken, all perfectly cooked with a variety of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Add garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the same pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir in cooked vegetables.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
15-Minute Honey Sriracha Shrimp Stir-Fry
Get your fix of sweet and spicy flavors with this lightning-fast stir-fry recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Sriracha sauce.
6. Pour the honey-Sriracha mixture over the shrimp and stir to combine.
7. Cook for an additional minute, until the flavors are well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Easy Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Easy Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of this comforting pasta dish, bursting with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic and oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, creamy mixture (step 5), and reserved pasta water. Toss until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream and a pinch of salt. Add to the pasta mixture and toss until coated.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cook time: 15-20 minutes
– Total time: 25-30 minutes
Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta dish!
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes: A Simple and Satisfying Meal
Get ready for a deliciously easy dinner with this recipe that combines flavorful sausage and potatoes on one sheet pan. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place the sausage on one half of the sheet pan, leaving space between each link.
4. Toss the potatoes and onion slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the other half of the sheet pan.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the sausage is browned and the potatoes are tender.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with minced garlic and any desired herbs.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
5-Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon
Elevate your dinner game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the richness of salmon.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
5. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Quick Beef and Broccoli Noodles
This recipe serves up a flavorful and nutritious meal with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and springy noodles – all cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup noodles (linguine or soba work well)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes; remove from pan.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the same pan and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and garlic powder.
6. Combine cooked noodles with the beef and broccoli mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Speedy Black Bean Quesadillas
Quickly satisfy your cravings with these flavorful and filling quesadillas, packed with the richness of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
3. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with cheese. Spoon the black bean mixture on half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
6. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini
A flavorful and healthy seafood dish that combines the brightness of lemon, the richness of garlic butter, and the crunch of zucchini. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add zucchini slices and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve cooked shrimp on top of zucchini and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
20-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy noodle dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe combines the creaminess of peanut sauce with the heat of red pepper flakes, all wrapped up in a delicious 20-minute meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles (rice noodles or soba work well)
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat the peanut sauce over medium-high heat.
4. Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the peanut sauce.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are well coated and slightly caramelized.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Simple Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with the classic flavors of Italy! This recipe combines juicy chicken breast with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil for a taste sensation.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a work surface.
3. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the center of each breast, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
4. Top with diced tomatoes and sprinkle with basil leaves.
5. Fold the chicken over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this creamy, cheesy soup that’s packed with the flavors of baked potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, bacon bits
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Taco Skillet with Ground Beef
A hearty, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. This recipe combines the flavors of ground beef, taco seasoning, and melted cheese in a quick and easy skillet dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they’re tender.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add the canned tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Top the mixture with shredded cheese and cook until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner game with these tender and flavorful steak bites smothered in garlic butter, served alongside a delicious asparagus side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strip loin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss steak cubes with the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Place steak bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Meanwhile, place asparagus on a separate baking sheet in a single layer. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Roast asparagus in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
8. Serve steak bites with roasted asparagus and a pat of garlic butter (softened butter mixed with minced garlic).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Quickly cook up a flavorful and colorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines the creaminess of pesto, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the simplicity of one-pot cooking.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or bow tie)
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss with pesto mixture.
4. Add cherry tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders
Quick Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders: A flavorful twist on classic sliders that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of ham and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of small hamburger buns (about 8-10 buns)
– 4 slices of ham
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh pineapple
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Place the ham slices on the buns, leaving a small border around each slice.
3. Top each ham slice with a dollop of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of pineapple chunks, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each slider.
5. Grill or cook the sliders for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
30-Minute Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
In this quick and flavorful recipe, chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning come together to create a delicious bowl filled with fluffy rice and crispy tortilla strips. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fajita seasoning
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
3. Add fajita seasoning and stir to combine.
4. Warm tortilla strips by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the bowls with rice, chicken mixture, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Easy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stems removed
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious meal ideas to spice up your weeknights? This article has got you covered! With 17 easy recipes, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor for speed again. From one-pan wonders like garlic butter chicken and veggies, to speedy stir-fries like honey sriracha shrimp, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll find comforting classics like creamy pasta and loaded baked potato soup, as well as international-inspired dishes like teriyaki salmon and Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders. Get ready to cook up a storm with these quick and easy recipes!
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