5 Simple Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Are you looking for quick and easy dinner recipes to whip up on busy weeknights? Look no further! This article presents 5 simple dinner recipes that are perfect for those hectic evenings when you need to get a delicious meal on the table in no time. From chicken stir-fry to pasta primavera, baked salmon, vegetarian quinoa chili, and baked chicken thighs, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings without the hassle.

Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

Quick and easy chicken stir-fry is a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. This dish is packed with flavor and loaded with vegetables making it a healthy and satisfying option for your family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, garlic, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken stir-fry over cooked rice and enjoy!

This delicious Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is sure to become a family favorite and will save you time in the kitchen on those busy weeknights.

One-Pot Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of pasta of your choice
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup of yellow squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup of bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot or deep skillet, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If using, stir in the heavy cream for a creamier texture. Add the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken up. Serve the One-Pot Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Sheet Pan Baked Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the olive oil mixture. Top the salmon with sliced lemon and arrange the asparagus and cherry tomatoes around the fillets. Drizzle the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the baked salmon with the roasted vegetables and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner!

Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the chili has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the vegetarian quinoa chili hot, garnished with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Enjoy!

Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs with your favorite side dishes.

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic and herbs elevates the flavor of the chicken thighs, making them a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with a delicious dinner option!