Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes

Time constraints can make cooking dinner a daunting task. However, you don’t need a lot of time to make a wholesome meal. Below you’ll find a selection of quick and easy dinner recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian pasta dish requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic is golden brown.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss well to coat in the garlic oil.
5. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water.
6. Season with salt and top with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

2. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a quick, satisfying meal that can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• Flour tortillas
• Sour cream, salsa, guacamole (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove from skillet.
3. Add bell peppers and onion to the same skillet. Cook until tender.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and add fajita seasoning. Stir well to coat evenly.
5. Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Serve chicken and vegetables on tortillas with desired toppings.

3. Shrimp Stir-Fry

This shrimp stir-fry is loaded with vegetables and can be on your table in 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-size piece ginger, minced
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp in cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from wok.
5. Add vegetables and stir-fry until just tender.
6. Return shrimp to the wok. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

4. Caprese Salad

This salad is a breeze to whip up and is perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic reduction
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between the two.
2. Tuck basil leaves among the tomato and mozzarella slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Black Bean Tacos

Black bean tacos are a healthy, vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until heated through.
3. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
4. Fill tortillas with black bean mixture and desired toppings.

6. Omelette

An omelette is an ideal quick dinner solution that provides protein and can be customized easily.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• Fillings: cheese, ham, mushrooms, spinach, etc.

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
2. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Let it sit for a few seconds.
4. Lift the edges with a spatula and tilt the skillet to allow uncooked eggs to flow underneath.
5. Once mostly set, add desired fillings to one side of the omelette.
6. Fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute until cheese melts.

7. Greek Chicken Salad

This salad brings together fresh vegetables and protein for a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

8. Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are another quick and versatile dinner choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• Hard or soft taco shells
• Sliced lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Fill taco shells with beef and desired toppings.

9. Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is quick to make and pairs well with bread or crackers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tbsp relish
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, relish, and Dijon mustard.
2. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve on bread, in a wrap, or with crackers.

10. Vegetable Stir-Fry

This versatile dish is perfect for using up any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-size piece ginger, minced
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss to coat well.
5. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

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