Easy Oven Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Are you tired of takeout and looking for quick, delicious meals that don't require hours of cooking? Then you've come to the right place! This blog post is packed with easy oven recipes perfect for busy weeknights. We'll focus on minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and maximum flavor. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners without the stress!
One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies
This classic recipe is a weeknight staple for a reason. It's incredibly simple, healthy, and requires minimal cleanup!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
Another fantastic one-pan wonder, this recipe is perfect for a crowd or a quick weeknight meal. It’s incredibly versatile – feel free to substitute your favorite sausage and peppers!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sausage, peppers, and onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Simple Baked Salmon with Asparagus
This elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for a healthy and impressive weeknight meal. It's ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Easy Oven Cooking:
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out spices the night before to save time on busy weeknights.
- Use parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze!
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This ensures even cooking.
- Invest in good quality baking sheets: They make a difference!
These easy oven recipes are just a starting point. Get creative and experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to find your new favorite weeknight meals. Happy cooking!
