We’ve all been there – it’s a busy weeknight, you’re exhausted from a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner.
That’s why having a repertoire of quick and easy recipes is a lifesaver. Here are a few delicious and simple recipes that you can whip up in no time, ensuring you have more time to relax and enjoy your evening.
1. Garlic Lemon Chicken with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts and surround them with the baby carrots and broccoli florets.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Top the chicken with lemon slices.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. 20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
With these quick and easy recipes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, seafood, pasta, or a vegetarian option, these dishes are sure to become your go-to weeknight dinners.
Enjoy more time relaxing and less time cooking with these simple yet flavorful recipes!