7 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Weeknights can be hectic, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparations. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste and nutrition. With these 7 quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes, you can whip up delicious meals in no time. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply looking for hassle-free dinner ideas, these recipes will save you time and effort without compromising on flavor.

1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-pot meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and this pasta primavera recipe is no exception. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can have a wholesome and flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

Sheet pan dinners are a game-changer when it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals. This lemon herb chicken recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the herb mixture.
4. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

3. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

For a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner, try these quinoa stuffed bell peppers. Packed with protein and nutrients, they are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup of corn kernels
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and serve.

4. Teriyaki Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for a weeknight dinner. This teriyaki salmon recipe pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 4 cups of mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the teriyaki sauce.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the vegetables around the salmon on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables
   
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