10+ Rachel Ray Recipes to Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners

Rachael Ray is known for her delicious and easy-to-make recipes that fit any occasion. Rachael’s recipes offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive dish for a gathering. With her focus on fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can bring the joy of cooking into your home without the stress.

From hearty meals to tasty desserts, Rachael Ray’s approach helps you create wonderful dishes in just 30 minutes or less. You will find that cooking can be both enjoyable and rewarding when you have the right recipes at your fingertips.

Let’s explore some of Rachael’s best recipes that can elevate your meal planning and impress your family and friends.

30-Minute Chicken Marsala

If you want a quick and tasty meal, try making 30-Minute Chicken Marsala. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich mushroom sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sliced mushrooms. The dish gets its flavor from Marsala wine, which adds depth to the sauce.

Start by seasoning and coating the chicken in flour. Then, sauté the chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.

Next, pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer, making a delicious sauce.

Serve your Chicken Marsala with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. Enjoy this comforting dish in just half an hour!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Coat chicken in flour.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (375°F or 190°C).
4. Sauté chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
6. Pour in Marsala wine and simmer for 5 minutes.

Sausage and Roasted Pepper Pasta

This dish is a tasty way to enjoy pasta with the savory flavors of sausage and roasted peppers. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet.

Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.

Next, add chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet and stir for a couple of minutes to warm them. You can use jarred roasted peppers for convenience.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and toss it into the skillet with the sausage and peppers. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to combine.

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serve this delightful pasta dish warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in chopped roasted peppers and warm for 2 minutes.
5. Drain pasta, add to the skillet, and mix well.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving.

3) No-Mess Sheet Pan Salmon

No-Mess Sheet Pan Salmon is a simple and healthy meal option. You can make it using just one pan, which means less cleanup for you. This recipe features salmon fillets alongside colorful vegetables.

To start, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Place your salmon on the pan and surround it with your choice of veggies, like green beans or potatoes.

A quick drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings add flavor without fuss.

Bake everything in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. It’s that easy!

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups of green beans
• 2 cups of baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
3. Place salmon and vegetables on the pan.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

4) Spicy Sloppy Joes

Spicy Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic dish. You will love the combination of ground beef and chorizo for extra flavor. These sandwiches are perfect for a quick meal or a gathering with friends.

Start by heating some oil in a skillet. Then, add onions, peppers, and celery, cooking them until soft. This mix adds a tasty base for your sloppy Joes.

Next, combine your meats in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add your favorite sauces for more flavor.

Serve your Spicy Sloppy Joes on fresh buns. They’re great topped with melted cheese. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound chorizo
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add onions, peppers, and celery, cooking until soft.
3. Mix in ground beef and chorizo, cooking until browned.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve on buns with cheese if desired.

Perfect Meatballs and Spaghetti

Making perfect meatballs and spaghetti is simple and rewarding. Start by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and your favorite seasonings. Form the mixture into small balls for even cooking.

Instead of frying, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This method keeps them round and juicy.

While the meatballs cook, prepare your spaghetti.

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.

For the sauce, heat up your favorite tomato sauce and add in the cooked meatballs. If needed, add a bit of the reserved water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Serve the meatballs over the spaghetti. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs will enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• 1 jar tomato sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into meatballs.
4. Bake meatballs for 20 minutes.
5. Boil spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving pasta water.
6. Heat tomato sauce and add cooked meatballs.
7. Serve meatballs over spaghetti with sauce.

6) Veggie-Loaded Turkey Chili

Veggie-Loaded Turkey Chili is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. This chili is packed with vegetables and lean turkey, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.

Start by heating some oil in a large pot. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. You want it to be crumbly, which gives your chili a nice texture.

Next, toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic. These veggies add great flavor and nutrients.

Season your mixture with chili powder, cumin, and coriander for the perfect kick.

Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Let it simmer on medium heat until everything is cooked through.

For a finishing touch, stir in some frozen corn just before serving.

This chili brings warmth and comfort to any table, making it perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
• 1 cup frozen corn

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add onions, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and coriander.
5. Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans; simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7) Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

Lemon-ricotta pancakes are a delicious twist on traditional pancakes. They are light, fluffy, and packed with bright lemon flavor. Perfect for a special brunch or a cozy breakfast at home, these pancakes are sure to impress.

To make these pancakes, you will need ingredients like ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, and fresh lemon juice. The ricotta adds creaminess and moisture, while the lemon gives a refreshing taste.

You’ll want to heat a griddle to 350°F (175°C) before cooking. For an extra treat, you can fold in blueberries or chocolate chips if you like.

Serve the pancakes warm with syrup or fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Heat the griddle and pour batter to form pancakes.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve warm.

8) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish. The flavor of mushrooms combined with creamy rice makes it a favorite for many.

You can use fresh or dried mushrooms. If you choose dried mushrooms, remember to soak them first. Using a mix of mushroom and vegetable stock adds depth to the flavor.

For a tasty twist, consider adding some sautéed onions or garlic. Finish your risotto with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or mushroom stock
• 1 cup fresh or dried mushrooms
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the stock in a pan until it simmers.
2. In another skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the Arborio rice, stirring until coated.
6. Pour in one cup of warm stock at a time, stirring until absorbed.
7. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Stir in parmesan, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

9) Cajun Blackened Chicken

Cajun Blackened Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish to make. This recipe combines spices and a hot skillet to create a crusty flavor-packed chicken. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference.

The secret to this dish lies in the blackening seasoning. A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper gives it a bold taste. You can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.

For cooking, heat your skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil and sear the seasoned chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Make sure the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

The result is juicy chicken with a crispy outside that’s perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with blackening seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10) Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp

Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp is a simple and tasty dish you can whip up in no time. The shrimp are cooked with fresh herbs and garlic, making them flavorful and fragrant.

To start, you will need large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can mix olive oil, fresh parsley, thyme, and minced garlic in a bowl.

Coat the shrimp in this mixture, allowing the flavors to soak in. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and sprinkle a little salt and black pepper on top.

Roast in your oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and be cooked through.

These shrimp are perfect served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp with family or friends!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, parsley, thyme, and garlic.
3. Coat the shrimp in the herb mixture and spread on a baking sheet.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes until pink and cooked through.