10+ New York Times Recipes Dinners for Delicious Weeknight Meals

New York Times recipes offer a treasure trove for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. With a wide range of options from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate dishes, these recipes cater to different tastes and skill levels.

You will find inspiration for every meal, making dinner planning easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, New York Times recipes can help you create memorable meals. You can explore various cuisines and cooking techniques, giving you the chance to try something new. With the right recipes, your dinners can become exciting events rather than chores.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s simple yet delicious. It’s made with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner. You start by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente.

For the sauce, you’ll need egg yolks and cheese, usually Pecorino Romano. Combine these with bacon or pancetta for a rich flavor. When the pasta is ready, toss it with the cooked bacon and the egg mixture. The heat from the pasta helps create a creamy sauce.

Remember to reserve some pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, a splash of this water can help thin it out. Serve your Carbonara hot, topped with extra cheese and black pepper for a delightful finish.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Egg yolks
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Pancetta or bacon
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. In a skillet, cook pancetta or bacon until crispy.
3. In a bowl, mix egg yolks and cheese.
4. Combine pasta with bacon, then add the egg mix.
5. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
6. Serve with extra cheese and pepper.

2) Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a delicious dish that brings Italian-American flavors to your table. The combination of tender chicken, bright lemon, and savory capers creates a delightful meal.

To start, you will need boneless chicken breasts, which you can pound thin for even cooking. This step helps to keep the chicken juicy.

The sauce is where the magic happens. You’ll use lemon juice and slices, along with butter. This makes the sauce both rich and tangy.

Capers add a salty pop, balancing the flavors perfectly. Serve the chicken with pasta or a side of greens to round out your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons oil (grapeseed, sunflower, or canola)
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Lemon slices
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons capers

Cooking Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Season with salt and pepper, and coat with flour.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add wine, lemon juice, and capers.
7. Stir in butter until melted.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes.
9. Serve warm with sauce drizzled on top.

3) Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that is rich and flavorful. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on cooler days. You will love how tender the beef gets after slow cooking in red wine.

To prepare, start with chunks of beef chuck. Sear them in a pot with some bacon, herbs, and vegetables. Add a good-quality red wine, like Pinot Noir, to create a deep flavor.

The dish simmers until the beef is tender. Don’t forget to add fresh mushrooms and garlic for extra taste. You can serve this dish with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½ to 2-inch pieces
• ¼ pound bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups red wine, preferably Pinot Noir
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides.
4. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.
5. Pour in the red wine and add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.
7. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.
8. Add mushrooms during the last 30 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley before serving.

4) Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

Roast chicken with lemon and herbs is a simple, yet flavorful dish. It’s perfect for dinner and is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of lemon, herbs, and succulent chicken makes for a delightful meal.

To start, you’ll need a whole chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a wonderful aroma and taste. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor.

Roast the chicken in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for about 1 hour. It should be golden brown with crispy skin. Make sure the juices run clear when you cut into it.

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Enjoy the tasty and bright flavors of your roast chicken with lemon and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (2½ to 3½ pounds)
• Fleur de sel or sea salt
• Fresh mixed herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 lemon, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Place fresh herbs and lemon slices inside the cavity.
4. Roast for 1 hour or until golden and cooked through.
5. Let rest before serving.

5) Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

A vegetable stir-fry with tofu is a quick and healthy option for dinner. You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Tofu adds a nice protein boost and absorbs flavor well.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes or strips, then marinate it in soy sauce for extra taste.

In a hot pan or wok, add a little oil and cook your vegetables first. After they start to soften, add the marinated tofu. Stir everything together for a few minutes until the tofu is golden.

Serve your stir-fry with rice or noodles. It’s a simple and delicious meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Optional: garlic and ginger for extra flavor

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to remove water, then cut into cubes.
2. Marinate tofu in soy sauce for 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
4. Stir-fry vegetables for 3-5 minutes.
5. Add tofu and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
6. Serve with rice or noodles.

6) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a delicious and quick dinner option. This dish features shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon.

You start by sautéing garlic in butter. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. A splash of white wine adds depth to the sauce. Toss in some fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve it over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (10 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta or bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
6. Serve with pasta or bread. Enjoy!

7) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic dish that many love. It features layers of breaded eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Making it can be a rewarding experience.

To start, you slice the eggplant and salt it. This helps draw out moisture, making the eggplant less bitter. After a little time, you can bread the slices and bake them until they are nice and crispy.

Next, you layer your eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Bake it all together until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 900 g) eggplant
• Salt
• 2 cups (475 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat the eggplant dry.
4. Bread and fry the eggplant slices until golden.
5. Layer the eggplant, marinara, and cheeses in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Enjoy!

8) Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto is a warm and creamy dish that’s perfect for dinner. The sweet flavor of butternut squash pairs well with the rich creaminess of arborio rice.

To start, you will need diced butternut squash. Sauté it with butter and onions until soft. Then, add arborio rice and stir for a few minutes to toast it.

Next, pour in dry white wine for a nice depth of flavor. Gradually add warm chicken broth, stirring often. This helps the rice release its starch and create that creamy texture.

Finish your risotto with a bit of salt, pepper, and some butter for extra richness. You can also sprinkle freshly grated cheese on top for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2½ to 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté diced butternut squash and onion in butter until they soften.
2. Then, add arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes.
3. After that, pour in white wine and cook until it’s absorbed.
4. Gradually add warm chicken broth, stirring often.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and butter.
6. Serve warm, topped with cheese if desired.

9) Lamb Shanks with Rosemary

Lamb shanks with rosemary is a classic dish that brings warmth and rich flavor to your dinner table. The tender meat falls off the bone and pairs beautifully with the herbal notes of rosemary.

To prepare this dish, you will first need lamb shanks, which are full of flavor. You will then braise them slowly in a mix of white wine and broth, letting the flavors meld together over the cooking time.

You can add some onions and garlic for added depth. The dish typically takes about 3 hours, so it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend dinner. The result is a hearty meal that satisfies.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups broth (chicken or beef)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the lamb shanks on all sides.
3. Remove the shanks and sauté the onion and garlic until they soften.
4. Then, deglaze with white wine, and add broth and rosemary.
5. Return the shanks to the pot and cover.
6. Cook in the oven for 3 hours until tender.

10) Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for any time of year. It combines tender broccoli with rich cheddar cheese for a delightful flavor. You can choose to make it smooth or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.

To start, gather your ingredients. Fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a few simple pantry staples are all you need. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare in under an hour.

You’ll love the creamy texture and the warm, cheesy flavor. It’s great as a main dish or a side. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies!

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
2. Add broccoli and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency.
4. Stir in cream and cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!