10+ Clean Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Eating clean doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a variety of easy dinner recipes at your fingertips, you can create delicious meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. These recipes emphasize whole ingredients and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

From wholesome proteins to vibrant vegetables, clean eating focuses on freshness and flavor. You’ll find that preparing these meals can be enjoyable and rewarding, allowing you to feel good about what you serve to yourself and your family. Enjoy quick cooking without sacrificing taste or health.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

You’ll start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, heat butter and oil in a skillet. Then, add fresh garlic to get a lovely aroma. Once you’ve added the garlic, toss in your shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Once your pasta is ready, combine it with the shrimp and the garlicky butter sauce. A touch of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. This dish is amazing with a sprinkle of parsley on top.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Toss in shrimp, cooking until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Drain pasta, then add to the skillet with shrimp.
6. Pour in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss everything together and garnish with parsley before serving.

2) Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

Lemon herb chicken breasts are a tasty and easy option for dinner. They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. You can prepare this dish quickly with just a few ingredients.

To start, you need chicken breasts, lemon juice, and some herbs. The marinade combines lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for added flavor. This simple mix makes the chicken tender and delicious.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, place it in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes.
5. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) before serving.

One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

One-Pot Beef Stroganoff is a simple and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a busy night when you want something tasty without much hassle. You can prepare it in just one pot, which makes clean-up a breeze.

You start with ground beef, which cooks quickly. Add in some mushrooms and onions for extra flavor. The creamy sauce comes from sour cream and beef broth, making it rich and delicious. Serve it over egg noodles, and you’ve got a complete meal in no time.

This dish is not only easy but also packed with protein. You can enjoy it any night of the week with your family or friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly.
4. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
7. Lower heat and mix in sour cream.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Sheet Pan Salmon with Veggies

Sheet pan salmon with veggies is a quick and healthy dinner option. It brings together salmon and fresh vegetables, all cooked on one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Plus, it takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

You start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Arrange the salmon filets and your choice of vegetables, like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season to your liking.

Once everything is on the pan, simply bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll end up with delicious, flaky salmon and perfectly roasted veggies. It’s a satisfying meal that’s also rich in nutrients.

Ingredients

• Salmon filets
• Olive oil
• Asparagus or other vegetables
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Lemon slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Arrange salmon filets and vegetables on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Place lemon slices on the salmon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked.

5) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in no time. It features garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, making it flavorful yet light.

To start, cook your spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. You want it to be al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water for later.

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until it’s golden brown. Then, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Once your pasta is done, drain it and add it to the pan. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to help create a silky sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 100ml olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Sauté garlic until golden brown.
6. Add red pepper flakes and stir.
7. Combine pasta with the garlic mixture.
8. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
9. Toss with parsley and serve.

6) Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Caprese stuffed chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option. You start with juicy chicken breasts, which you’ll slice to create a pocket for the tasty filling.

For the filling, combine fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This mix adds flavor and a nice texture. You can also drizzle some pesto inside for an extra kick.

Once filled, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

It’s a quick meal that looks fancy and tastes great. Serve it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
3. Stuff with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle olive oil on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

7) Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are a quick and tasty option for dinner. They are filled with seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions. You can have this delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your chicken in a skillet. Once it’s cooked, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with your favorite spices to give it that fajita flavor.

Next, place this filling between two flour tortillas with plenty of cheese. Grill or bake them until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted.

This meal is easy to customize. You can serve it with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Fajita Quesadillas!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• 4 flour tortillas
• Fajita seasoning (to taste)
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add chicken, bell pepper, onion, and fajita seasoning; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Place half of the filling on one tortilla and top with cheese.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook on both sides until golden.
5. Cut and serve with your choice of dips.

8) Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option. It’s made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich cream sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Start by cooking your chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Season it well with salt, pepper, and oregano. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pan.

In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Then, add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Pour in heavy cream to create a smooth sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to soak in the flavors.

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Season and cook the chicken for 8 minutes on each side.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; stir until wilted.
6. Pour in heavy cream and mix well.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet to coat in the sauce.

9) Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

Vegetable stir-fry noodles are a quick and tasty option for dinner. You can use your favorite noodles and any colorful vegetables you have on hand. This dish is healthy and full of flavor.

Start by heating a large skillet or wok. Use medium-high heat and add some vegetable oil.

Then toss in sliced cabbage, carrots, and onions. Stir fry them for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Next, add the noodles along with green onions and minced garlic. Stir everything together until well mixed. You can also add soy sauce for extra flavor.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top. This adds a nice crunch!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces noodles
• 1 cup cabbage, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Soy sauce, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
3. Stir fry cabbage, carrots, and onions for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add noodles, green onions, and garlic. Stir well.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce and mix.
6. Top with sesame seeds or nuts if desired.

10) 15-Minute Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and delicious meal you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Start by cooking chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. While they are cooking, heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

Add bite-sized strips of chicken and cook until they are golden brown.

Toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the cooked noodles.

Pour in a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for flavor. Give everything a good stir to combine well.

Serve your chicken chow mein hot and enjoy a meal that feels like takeout but is made right at home!

Ingredients

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken thigh
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, onions)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook chow mein noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they become tender.
5. Add cooked noodles and sauces. Stir to combine.
6. Serve immediately.