15+ Quick Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Cooking can be fun and satisfying, but it often takes too much time. Many people look for ways to make meals simple without sacrificing taste. Quick recipes can save you time and help you enjoy good food even on your busiest days.

In this article, you will find a collection of quick and easy recipes. Whether you need a fast breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these recipes will fit your schedule. Get ready to cook delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

1) 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp

You can whip up this tasty garlic shrimp dish in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a delicious appetizer.

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.

Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Place shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

2) Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a fast and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something healthy and delicious. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

Start by cutting chicken breast into small pieces. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir everything together for another 3-5 minutes. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken until no longer pink (5-7 minutes).
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir for 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

3) Easy Beef Tacos

Making easy beef tacos is quick and fun. You can have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Start by cooking ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks. Season the beef with taco seasoning for great flavor.

Warm taco shells or tortillas in the oven. You can bake them at 350°F (about 175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Fill the shells with the cooked beef. Then, add toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa. You can customize them to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Break apart the beef and add taco seasoning.
3. Warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
4. Fill shells with cooked beef.
5. Add your favorite toppings and serve.

4) Rapid Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie

This Rapid Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting meal you can whip up in no time. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a large bowl and mix together cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cream of chicken soup.

Pour the mixture into a pie crust in a pie dish. Cover with another pie crust and cut a few slits on top for steam to escape. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, and soup.
3. Place the mixture in one pie crust in a pie dish.
4. Top with the second pie crust, slicing slits for steam.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

5) Simple Caprese Salad

A Simple Caprese Salad is refreshing and quick to make. It combines fresh ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll enjoy the bright flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Start by slicing ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. You can layer these slices on a plate, alternating each one. Add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This salad can be made in just a few minutes and is perfect as a light meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 12 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
2. Layer them on a plate.
3. Add fresh basil leaves.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

6) Fast Veggie Quesadillas

Fast veggie quesadillas are a tasty and easy meal. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables. They are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

For this recipe, you will need some tortillas, cheese, and veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. These can be fresh or frozen. Get ready for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add your mixed veggies and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
3. Place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half the cheese on top.
4. Add the cooked veggies and the rest of the cheese.
5. Top with the second tortilla.
6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese melts.

7) Instant Pot Chili

Making chili in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can enjoy a hearty meal in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want comfort food.

You will need ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Cooking in the Instant Pot locks in flavors, and everything cooks evenly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Close the lid and set the pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
5. After cooking, release the pressure, stir, and serve. Enjoy!

8) 15-Minute Pesto Pasta

This quick recipe is perfect for a busy day. You can make delicious pesto pasta in just 15 minutes. It’s simple and tasty.

Start by boiling water in a pot. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. You can use store-bought pesto for speed or blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

When the pasta is ready, drain it and return it to the pot. Mix in the pesto until the pasta is well-coated. You can also add cherry tomatoes or cooked chicken for extra flavor.

Serve your pesto pasta warm. Enjoy this quick meal with a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Cooked chicken (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
3. Prepare the pesto or use store-bought.
4. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the pesto and mix well.
6. Add cherry tomatoes or chicken if desired.
7. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

9) Speedy Tuna Salad Sandwich

Making a speedy tuna salad sandwich is quick and easy. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in minutes.

Start by draining a can of tuna. Then, mix it with mayonnaise, diced celery, and a squeeze of lemon. If you like, add salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the tuna mix on your favorite bread. You can use white, whole grain, or even a wrap. Top with lettuce or tomato if you want extra crunch.

Serve immediately, or wrap it up for later. This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a snack!

Ingredients

• 1 can of tuna (5 oz or 140 g)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or wraps
• Optional: lettuce, tomato

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the tuna.
2. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread on bread or wraps.
5. Add lettuce or tomato, if desired.
6. Serve or wrap for later.

10) Quick Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Quick Broccoli Cheese Soup is warm, creamy, and delicious. It’s perfect for a chilly day or when you need a fast meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will love how simple this recipe is.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the broccoli and sauté for about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the milk and cheese.
5. Cook until the cheese melts, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheese soup!

11) Snappy Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a quick and delicious meal. It works well for breakfast or a snack anytime, and it’s very easy to make.

Start by toasting a slice of your favorite bread until it’s golden brown. While the bread toasts, slice an avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the green flesh into a bowl.

Mash the avocado with a fork. You can add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor. Spread the mashed avocado on the toasted bread.

For a tasty touch, try adding sliced tomatoes, chili flakes, or a poached egg on top. Enjoy your Snappy Avocado Toast!

Ingredients

• 1 slice of bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Toppings (like tomatoes or egg)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the slice of bread until golden brown.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
3. Scoop the avocado into a bowl and mash it.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if desired.
5. Spread the mashed avocado on the toast.
6. Add any toppings you like.

12) Basic Omelet with Spinach

A basic omelet with spinach is a quick and healthy meal. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, and it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To make this omelet, you need fresh spinach. This adds a nice color and taste. You can also use eggs, salt, pepper, and butter.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add salt and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, about 300°F (150°C).
3. Add butter and let it melt.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the eggs and cook until set, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Fold the omelet in half and serve warm.

13) Effortless Chicken Fajitas

Making chicken fajitas is quick and easy. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy nights.

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, and onions. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Season with your favorite fajita spices. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with common spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.

Serve the mixture in warm tortillas with toppings like salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 4 tortillas
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is done.
4. Stir in fajita seasoning.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

14) Fast Asian Noodle Bowl

This Fast Asian Noodle Bowl is a quick meal you can whip up in no time. It’s packed with flavor and you can customize it with your favorite veggies.

Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Generally, it takes about 3-5 minutes.

While the noodles cook, chop your veggies and prepare the sauce.

You can use soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar for a simple dressing. Once everything is ready, mix the noodles, veggies, and sauce together.

Serve it warm and enjoy your tasty bowl!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) of noodles
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Chop your choice of vegetables.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
4. Combine cooked noodles, veggies, and sauce.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

15) Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon

You can make a delicious salmon dish in no time. This recipe uses fresh flavors to make your meal bright and tasty.

For this dish, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. The cooking method keeps the fish moist and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like dill or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets.
4. Then, season them with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

That’s it! Your quick and healthy meal is ready to enjoy.