Close Menu
    Food & Drinks

    Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    3 Mins Read

    After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious, easy-to-make recipes that can be prepared quickly. Here are some quick and easy recipes for busy weeknights that will satisfy your hunger without taking up too much time.

    1. One-Pot Pasta

    One-pot pasta is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s simple, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. Here’s a quick recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • 12 oz pasta
    • 1 can diced tomatoes
    • 4 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. In a large pot, combine pasta, tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
    2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
    3. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

    For more one-pot meal ideas, visit Delish and Good Housekeeping.

    2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Sheet pan meals are perfect for busy weeknights because they require little prep and cleanup. Try these easy sheet pan chicken fajitas:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
    • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
    • Flour tortillas
    • Toppings: sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, avocado

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. On a baking sheet, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
    3. Spread the mixture evenly on the sheet.
    4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
    5. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

    For more sheet pan dinner recipes, check out The Kitchn and Allrecipes.

    3. Quick Stir-Fry

    Stir-fries are fast, customizable, and packed with flavor. Here’s a simple chicken and vegetable stir-fry recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
    • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    • Cooked rice for serving

    Instructions:

    1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
    2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
    3. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
    4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
    5. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
    6. Serve over cooked rice.

    For more stir-fry recipes, visit BBC Good Food and Taste of Home.

    By incorporating these quick and easy recipes into your weeknight routine, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Try these dishes and explore more easy recipes to simplify your busy nights.

    Related Posts