Easy Tasty Recipes to Make for Dinner
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? You've come to the right place! This blog post is packed with easy and tasty dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. We've focused on simplicity without sacrificing flavor, so get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even your family!) with these quick and satisfying meals.
One-Pan Wonders: Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor
One-pan recipes are a lifesaver for busy cooks. They minimize cleanup and often require minimal prep time. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies:
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly versatile. You can swap out the vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread everything on a large baking sheet.
- Arrange lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
One-Pan Sausage and Peppers:
A classic comfort food made incredibly easy. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown sausage in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and flavors have melded.
Speedy Pasta Dishes: Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Pasta is always a winner, especially when you're short on time. These recipes are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine:
This elegant dish is surprisingly simple to make. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook linguine according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- If using, add white wine and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine.
Tips for Easy Weeknight Cooking:
- Meal prep: Chop vegetables and marinate meats on the weekend to save time during the week.
- Utilize your freezer: Stock up on frozen vegetables and pre-cooked proteins for quick meals.
- Embrace leftovers: Double your recipes and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Keep it simple: Don't be afraid to use pre-made ingredients like sauces or spice blends.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little planning and these simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking!