5 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners: Delicious Recipes for Busy Lives

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and delicious recipes that can be whipped up in no time. Here are five quick weeknight dinners that will satisfy your hunger and leave you with plenty of time to relax.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also minimizes cleanup. You’ll love the fresh flavors and the colorful array of veggies!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken and vegetables to the bowl, coating everything with the mixture.
4. Place the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos

These shrimp tacos are a fantastic option for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor. Perfectly seasoned shrimp come together with a fresh cabbage slaw.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Sour cream and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook shrimp with taco seasoning for 3-5 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
2. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
3. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp and cabbage in the tortillas, and top with avocado, sour cream, and lime juice.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

This quick vegetable stir-fry is vegan, colorful, and can be made in less than 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add in the ginger and mixed vegetables, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

4. Beef and Broccoli Skillet

This beef and broccoli dish is filled with flavor and comes together quickly in one skillet, making it a great choice for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and stir, cooking until sauce thickens.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

5. Caprese Stuffed Avocados

For a light and refreshing dinner, these stuffed avocados are a perfect choice. They’re healthy, quick, and require no cooking at all!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil.