Easy Weeknight Dinners
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Work, school, errands – weekdays can be hectic. By the time evening rolls around, the last thing you want to do is stress over dinner. That’s where easy weeknight dinners come in. These recipes are simple, quick, and delicious. They require minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
One-pan meals make cooking and cleaning a breeze. With lean protein and colorful veggies, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread broccoli, bell peppers, and onion around the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Beef Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is quick and adaptable with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and beef, cook until browned. Add snap peas, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve immediately.
Vegetable Frittata
Frittatas are flexible. They work well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Swap the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and tomatoes, cook until wilted. Pour egg mixture into skillet and sprinkle with feta. Cook for 3-4 minutes until edges set. Transfer to oven, bake for 10 minutes until center is firm.
Black Bean Tacos
These tacos are perfect for a meatless Monday. They are filling and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re on the table in no time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Hot sauce to taste
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in black beans, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook until heated through. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. Assemble tacos with black bean mixture, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish is simple but full of flavor. It’s ready in minutes and made with pantry staples.
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until garlic is golden. Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce coats the pasta. Season with salt. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.