15+ Quick Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

If you’re looking for ways to whip up meals in a flash, quick recipes are your best friend. These simple recipes allow you to create delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, student, or just someone who wants good food fast, these ideas can help you enjoy meals that are both tasty and time-efficient.

With a variety of options that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, you’ll find there’s something for everyone. Quick recipes can transform your cooking routine and inspire you to try new flavors and ingredients. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

1) Quick Stir-Fry Chicken

Quick stir-fry chicken is a fantastic meal when you’re short on time. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can use any veggies you have on hand, which makes it very flexible.

Start by cutting chicken breasts into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly.

In a hot pan, add olive oil and the chicken. Cook until it’s no longer pink.

Next, toss in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes.

Add a mix of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a delicious finish. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce, honey, and ginger, and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm over rice or noodles.

2) 10-Minute Tacos

Making 10-minute tacos is simple and fun. You can use various proteins, like ground beef or rotisserie chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner.

First, gather your ingredients. You can customize your tacos with toppings like lettuce, salsa, and avocado. The options are endless, so get creative.

To start, brown your protein in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to make it flavorful.

Once cooked, fill taco shells with the meat mixture. Top with your favorite veggies and sauces.

These tacos are ready in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or rotisserie chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Lettuce
• Salsa
• Avocado

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown the protein in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water.
3. Stir until combined and heated through.
4. Fill taco shells with the mixture.
5. Add toppings as desired. Enjoy!

3) Speedy Vegetable Quesadillas

Making speedy vegetable quesadillas is quick and easy. You can use any veggies you have at home. Common choices are bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms.

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat.

Add a tortilla, then sprinkle cheese on one half. Top with your veggies and fold the tortilla in half.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.

These quesadillas are delicious when served hot. Pair them with salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ½ cup chopped spinach
• Optional: salsa or guacamole for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Sprinkle half the cheese on one half.
4. Add the veggies and the rest of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve with salsa or guacamole.

4) Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a quick and creamy dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Using your Instant Pot makes this recipe simple and fast. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 15 minutes.

Start by adding 16 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni and 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot.

Then, add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Use the quick release method to release the steam.

Once done, stir in your favorite cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cheese of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Add macaroni and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Stir in butter, hot pepper sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
4. Release steam quickly.
5. Stir in cheese until melted.

5) Fast Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and delicious dish. You can make it in just 20 minutes! With only a few ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick meal.

To start, you’ll need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt. These basic ingredients come together beautifully.

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Add red pepper flakes and stir.
5. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan, tossing well.
6. Season with salt and serve.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan.
3. Add sliced garlic; cook until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Combine drained spaghetti with the garlic mixture.
6. Season and serve warm.

6) Effortless Chicken Teriyaki

Making Chicken Teriyaki is simple and quick. You will enjoy this tasty dish that is perfect for busy nights.

For this recipe, start with bite-sized chicken pieces. Sauté them in a skillet until they are cooked through. In just a few minutes, you’ll have delicious chicken ready!

Next, prepare a homemade teriyaki sauce. Combine soy sauce, honey, and a dash of garlic for flavor.

Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer. This will give the chicken a rich and savory taste.

Serve your chicken teriyaki over rice or with veggies. It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Cooked rice or veggies for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over rice or with veggies.

7) Rapid Beef and Broccoli

You can enjoy a delicious Beef and Broccoli dish in no time. This recipe is quick and perfect for busy nights. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Start by slicing 1.5 lbs of flank steak into thin strips and preparing 4 cups of broccoli florets. You’ll also need ¼ cup of cornstarch and some olive oil.

Heat your pan over medium-high heat. Coat the beef strips in cornstarch and sauté them in olive oil until they’re browned.

Add the broccoli and a simple sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the broccoli is tender.

Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger

Cooking Instructions:

1. Slice flank steak into thin strips.
2. Coat steak with cornstarch.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan.
4. Sauté steak until browned.
5. Add broccoli and sauce.
6. Cook until broccoli is tender.
7. Serve over rice or noodles.

8) Quick Shrimp Scampi

Quick shrimp scampi is a delicious dish that you can make in no time. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

You’ll need succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with a splash of lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This recipe typically takes around 15 minutes from start to finish. Just prep your ingredients and get ready to savor a lovely dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine or broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley before serving.

9) Easy Breakfast Burrito

The Easy Breakfast Burrito is a quick and satisfying meal you can whip up in no time. It combines eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat or veggies. You can even customize it to your taste!

Start by scrambling some eggs in a pan. Add cooked sausage or bacon for extra flavor. You can also toss in some spinach or bell peppers for a healthy twist.

Once the filling is ready, spoon it into a tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on top, then roll it up tight. Heat the burrito in a pan for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and warm the tortilla.

You can enjoy this burrito fresh or freeze some for later. It’s perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon
• 1 small tortilla
• Optional: spinach or bell peppers

Cooking Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add cooked sausage or bacon to the eggs.
3. Place the filling in a tortilla and add cheese.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly.
5. Toast in a pan for 2-3 minutes until warm and cheese melts.

10) Hasty Tomato Basil Soup

You can whip up a delicious tomato basil soup in no time. This recipe is quick, fresh, and perfect for busy days. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in about 10 minutes.

Start with ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use canned tomatoes if you’re short on time. Fresh basil adds a vibrant touch that brightens the soup.

For creaminess, you can add a splash of olive oil or heavy cream. This gives the soup a smooth texture that feels comforting.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or one can of tomatoes)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth and serve warm.

11) Instant Oatmeal Pancakes

Instant oatmeal pancakes are a quick and tasty breakfast option. They are easy to make and use simple ingredients you might already have at home.

You can prepare them in just a few minutes. All you need is to mix the ingredients, cook them on a skillet, and enjoy.

These pancakes are fluffy and flavorful, making them a family favorite. You can even add fruits or nuts for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 2 instant oatmeal packets (1.5 oz each)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Optional: add-ins like fruits or nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the oatmeal, milk, egg, and baking powder.
2. Stir until just combined.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Pour batter onto the skillet.
5. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.

12) Simple Caprese Salad

A Simple Caprese Salad is refreshing and easy to make. You will love the combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It is perfect as a side dish or a light snack.

To prepare, start by slicing ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Layer them on a plate, alternating between the two. Add basil leaves for flavor and color.

Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra taste. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty dish!

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
2. Arrange the slices on a plate, alternating them.
3. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

13) Fast Baked Salmon

Baking salmon is a simple and quick way to enjoy this healthy fish. You can have it ready in about 12 to 15 minutes. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

You’ll need just a few ingredients. Season the salmon with your favorite spices or a simple glaze. Placing it on a sheet lined with foil makes cleanup easy.

To check if it’s done, the salmon should be opaque and flaky. A fork works well for this. You can also broil it for the last couple of minutes for a nice finish.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add lemon slices if you like.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until flaky.

14) Smashed Avocado Toast

Smashed avocado toast is a simple and delicious dish. You can make it in just a few minutes, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.

To start, toast your favorite slice of bread until it’s golden and crisp. While the bread cools, cut an avocado in half and scoop the flesh into a bowl.

Mash the avocado with a fork until it’s creamy but still has some texture. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor.

Spread the mashed avocado on the toast. You can also top it with sliced tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 slice of bread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the slice of bread until golden brown.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
3. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork.
4. Mix in salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread.

15) Swift Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy snack you can make quickly. They are simple to prepare and perfect for when you want something crunchy.

Start by peeling a couple of sweet potatoes. Cut them into wedges or rounds. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices for flavor. You can add salt, pepper, or even paprika for a kick.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy sweet potato fries right from the oven!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices (like paprika or garlic powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into wedges or rounds.
3. Toss potatoes with olive oil and spices.
4. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-25 minutes. Flip halfway through baking.