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What’s For Dinner? (#21) | Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas | Easy Recipes

Deciding what to cook for dinner can often feel like a daunting task, especially on busy weekdays. If you’re looking for quick and easy meal ideas that don’t compromise on taste, you’re in the right place! Here are some delightful recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic nights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic and lemon juice, sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

Why It’s Great:

This dish is packed with flavor and the lemon adds a refreshing twist! Plus, cooking everything in one pan means easy cleanup.

2. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Optional: tofu or cooked chicken for protein

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in ginger, soy sauce, and cooked rice or quinoa, mixing well.
4. If using, add tofu or chicken, and stir until heated through.

Why It’s Great:

Stir-fries are versatile and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand. They are healthy, colorful, and make for a satisfying meal in no time!

3. Taco Night in a Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• Toppings: diced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine and heat through for 5 minutes.
3. Serve in a bowl and let everyone add their favorite toppings!

Why It’s Great:

Taco bowls are a fun way to get everyone involved in dinner prep. Plus, they allow for diet customization, making them perfect for families with varying tastes!

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

Why It’s Great:

This salad is light yet filling, perfect for warm evenings. It can also be made ahead of time and served cold!

5. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a sheet pan, combine shrimp, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, and fajita seasoning. Toss well.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Why It’s Great:

This recipe is super quick and brings vibrant flavor with minimal effort. The one-sheet pan method means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

Conclusion

With these quick and easy dinner ideas, you can take the stress out of weeknight cooking. These recipes are not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re craving something light like a salad or hearty like a taco bowl, there’s something here for everyone. So the next time you wonder, "What’s for dinner?" you can refer to this list of easy recipes and whip up a delicious meal in no time. Happy cooking!