15+ Simple Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple recipes make it easy for you to create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for quick meal ideas, these recipes are designed to fit your busy lifestyle.

You’ll find that simple recipes not only save you time but also allow you to enjoy the cooking process more. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare tasty dishes that your family and friends will love. This article will guide you through wonderful options that make cooking approachable and enjoyable.

1) Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and tasty meal. You can make it in just about 15 to 20 minutes. It uses fresh ingredients that give it a bright flavor.

To start, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. Those ingredients come together beautifully. Adding some pasta and a sprinkle of cheese on top makes it even better.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need a fast lunch. Kids and adults alike will enjoy it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or angel hair)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Mix in the cooked pasta and fresh basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with grated parmesan if desired.

2) Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Making an easy chicken stir fry is quick and fun. You can load it up with fresh veggies and a tasty sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

For this stir fry, you’ll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them thin for quick cooking. Pair the chicken with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.

The sauce is simple too. Mixing honey and soy sauce gives a delicious flavor. Add some toasted sesame oil for a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli and bell pepper, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
5. Stir well to coat everything. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy!

3) Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian chili is a hearty and comforting dish that you can make with simple ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and your favorite spices. This recipe is both easy and delicious.

To make your chili, start by gathering some vegetables. You can use bell peppers, onions, and garlic for flavor. Combine these with canned tomatoes and beans in a pot.

Let it simmer until everything is warm and the flavors blend together. You can enjoy it with rice or bread on the side for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the beans and tomatoes.
5. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

4) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and delicious meal. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. The combination of garlic and butter brings out the shrimp’s natural flavor.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and a few spices. This dish can be served over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup (about 57g) butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Melt the butter in the pan.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
5. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

You will need Arborio rice, which gives risotto its creamy texture. Sauté your choice of mushrooms in olive oil for a rich flavor. Add chopped onions and garlic for extra taste.

Pour in some white wine and let it cook down. Gradually add warm broth, stirring often, until the rice is tender. Finish with Parmesan cheese for a delicious, creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add Arborio rice and stir for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in white wine and let it evaporate.
6. Gradually add warm broth, one cup at a time, stirring often.
7. Continue until rice is creamy and cooked, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Baked honey mustard chicken is a simple and tasty dish you can prepare any night of the week. It’s quick to make and needs only a few ingredients that you might already have at home.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). You will mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to create a delicious sauce. This sauce will add sweet and tangy flavors to the chicken.

Place your chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce over it, making sure it’s well coated. Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl.
3. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
4. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.

7) Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a delicious and simple meal you can make in no time. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare the flavorful filling and assemble your tacos.

Start with ground beef. Cook it in a skillet until browned, then add your favorite seasonings. This could be a mix of chili powder, garlic, and salt.

Prepare your taco shells, either soft or hard. Fill each shell with the cooked beef and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.

Feel free to add guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor. Serve them warm for a tasty dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Optional: guacamole, sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Fill taco shells with the beef mixture.
5. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and any optional toppings.

8) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and easy dish to make. It combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This salad is colorful and tastes great!

To start, slice your tomatoes and mozzarella into thick pieces. Layer them on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella slices. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.

Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic glaze for added flavor. You can use a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

This salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella.
2. Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate.
3. Tear and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta. They are low in carbs and full of nutrients. Making them is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal.

To start, spiralize your zucchini into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a peeler to make thin strips.

You can cook zucchini noodles in various ways. Boiling them for just one minute works well. You can also sauté them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for about a minute, until warmed through.

Zucchini noodles pair nicely with sauces like marinara or pesto. They can also be topped with veggies, cheese, or protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Your choice of sauce and toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil.
3. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 1 minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with your favorite sauce and serve.

10) Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is a quick and healthy dish. You can make it in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side.

Start with canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained. Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados for freshness. You can also include red onions and parsley for extra flavor.

For the dressing, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and enjoy! This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
2. Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
3. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, red onions, and parsley to a bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
6. Enjoy your salad!

11) Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and tasty dish that you can make at home. It’s perfect for using leftover rice and can be made with just a few ingredients.

Start by heating some oil in a pan. Beat a few eggs and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Then, add cold rice and mix it well with the eggs.

Next, season your dish with soy sauce and add some chopped green onions for flavor. You can also include other veggies if you like. This dish cooks in about 10 minutes!

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 4 eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
• 4 cups cold jasmine rice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Scramble the beaten eggs in the pan.
3. Add the cold rice and mix well.
4. Stir in soy sauce and green onions.
5. Cook for another few minutes until heated through.

12) Spinach and Feta Omelette

A spinach and feta omelette is a quick and tasty meal you can enjoy any time of day. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Start by gathering fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients create a delicious and creamy filling. You can even add some herbs for extra flavor.

This dish is healthy, light, and easy to make. You can whip it up in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons feta cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped spinach until wilted.
3. Mix the egg and egg whites in a bowl.
4. Pour the eggs over the spinach.
5. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and feta.
6. Cook until the eggs are set, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Fold the omelette and serve warm.

13) Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious bowl in no time.

You can customize this soup with your favorite veggies or spices. The base usually includes lentils, tomatoes, and herbs, making it nutritious and filling. It’s also a great vegan option that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 clove garlic, finely diced
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and garlic.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

14) Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is simple yet satisfying. It features crispy bread and gooey, melted cheese.

To make it, start with two slices of your favorite bread. Use butter on the outside of the bread to get a nice golden color while grilling.

Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or American cheese. Place the cheese between the slices of bread.

Heat a skillet over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Serve it warm, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 1-2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, etc.)
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides of the bread.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

15) Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

The Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is a simple and nutritious meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Start by cooking your quinoa according to package instructions. While that cooks, rinse your black beans. You can use canned beans to save time.

In a bowl, combine the quinoa and black beans. Add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for fresh flavors. Drizzle with lime juice for a zesty touch.

This bowl is not only tasty but also packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy it as a filling meal or serve it as a side dish.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup quinoa
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• ½ avocado, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix quinoa and black beans.
5. Add avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
6. Drizzle lime juice before serving.