10 Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Speedy Stir-Fried Chicken and Vegetables

Busy weeknights call for a quick and nutritious meal, and stir-fry is the answer. Use pre-cut chicken strips and a medley of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. In a hot pan, add a touch of oil and toss the chicken until browned. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve over instant rice or noodles for a complete meal in under 20 minutes.

Quick and Easy One-Pot Pasta

A one-pot pasta dish eliminates the extra steps of boiling and draining. In a pot, combine any type of pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and any leftover vegetables. Add enough water or broth to cover the pasta, bring to a boil, then simmer until the pasta reaches your desired texture. Stir in grated cheese and fresh herbs for a flavorful finish. This comfort dish will be ready in about 30 minutes.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

A simple sheet pan meal means minimal cleanup. Preheat your oven and arrange salmon fillets alongside asparagus on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and dill. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Pair it with a quick salad for a healthy dinner in half an hour.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Shrimp tacos are both quick and delicious. Season shrimp with chili powder and cumin, then sauté them in a skillet until opaque, roughly 5 minutes. Serve in corn tortillas with a simple slaw made from cabbage and a dollop of sour cream. Add avocado slices and fresh lime juice for extra zest. This meal is on the table in no time, ideal for those taco Tuesday vibes.

Simple Ground Beef Stir-fry

This recipe is a timesaver with only a few key ingredients. Brown ground beef in a pan, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add a mix of bell peppers and carrots, then return the beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce and hoisin for a savory punch. Serve this over cooked rice or noodles for an easy dinner in just 25 minutes.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles tossed with pesto. Use a spiralizer or a peeler to create zucchini noodles. In a pan, quickly sauté them for two minutes, then off the heat, stir in store-bought or homemade pesto. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan. This light yet filling dish is ready in about 15 minutes.

Comforting Chickpea Curry

Cook up an easy vegetarian curry using canned chickpeas and coconut milk. In a pot, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic, then add curry powder and tomato puree. Mix in the chickpeas and coconut milk and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients. Serve with ready-made naan or rice for a satisfying meal.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Baked tortellini is a hearty, family-friendly dish. Mix refrigerated tortellini with tomato sauce and spread in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs during the last five minutes of baking. This cheesy delight is sure to please everyone.

15-Minute Chicken Quesadillas

For a quick handheld meal, make chicken quesadillas. Fill flour tortillas with pre-cooked chicken, cheese, and any veggies you have on hand, like mushrooms or peppers. Brown on each side until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping. It's ready in just a quarter of an hour.

Fast Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice is perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables. Sauté garlic and any mix of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn in oil. Add cold, cooked rice, soy sauce, and a scrambled egg, mixing everything until heated through. Finish with green onions and sesame oil for authentic flavor. This recipe is finished swiftly in about 20 minutes.