Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Weeknights
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time to make a delicious dinner to feed your family during the week? If so, you’re not alone! Many of us feel like we’re too busy to cook during the week, but with a little bit of planning, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Here are some easy weeknight meals that will help you get dinner on the table quickly and easily.
One-Pot Pasta
This one-pot pasta dish is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly. All you need is a pot, some pasta, some sauce, and a few simple ingredients. Ingredients: • 1 pound of your favorite pasta • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1 onion, diced • 2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce • 1/2 cup of water • 1/2 cup of frozen peas • Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until the onion is softened. 2. Add the pasta, pasta sauce, and water to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. 3. Add the peas and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 392 • Fat: 8.4g • Carbohydrates: 61.3g • Protein: 10.3g • Fiber: 5.3g
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is a tasty and easy weeknight meal. It’s a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Ingredients: • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice • 2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup milk • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. Serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 287 • Fat: 9.7g • Carbohydrates: 32.2g • Protein: 12.8g • Fiber: 2.3g
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
These turkey taco lettuce wraps are a great way to get a delicious and healthy dinner on the table quickly. The combination of ground turkey, lettuce, and taco seasoning makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Ingredients: • 1 pound ground turkey • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 red onion, diced • 1 bell pepper, diced • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning • 8-10 lettuce leaves • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup salsa Instructions: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. 2. Add the ground turkey and taco seasoning and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through. 3. To assemble the wraps, place a lettuce leaf on a plate and top with the turkey mixture, cheese, and salsa. Serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 261 • Fat: 11.3g • Carbohydrates: 10.2g • Protein: 27.2g • Fiber: 2.8g
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
These teriyaki chicken bowls are a great way to get a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table quickly. The combination of cooked chicken, rice, and vegetables make for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice • 1/2 red onion, diced • 2 cloves of garlic, minced • 1 bell pepper, diced • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish Instructions: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and teriyaki sauce to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. 3. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice between four bowls and top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. 4. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 447 • Fat: 12.6g • Carbohydrates: 43.8g • Protein: 36.2g • Fiber: 3.2g
Honey Mustard Salmon
This honey mustard salmon is a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s full of flavor and nutritious, too! Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 (4-ounce) salmon fillets • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 2 tablespoons honey • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. 2. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and lemon juice. 4. Brush the salmon fillets with the mustard mixture and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. 5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 245 • Fat: 11.2g • Carbohydrates: 7.1g • Protein: 28.3g • Fiber: 0.3g
Veggie Quesadillas
These veggie quesadillas are a great way to get a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table quickly. They’re full of flavor and so easy to make. Ingredients: • 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup diced red onion • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper • 1/4 cup frozen corn • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro • 2 tablespoons olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, corn, cilantro, salt, and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. 2. Place two of the tortillas on a large plate and top with the cooked vegetables, cheddar cheese, and the remaining two tortillas. 3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the quesadilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. 4. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve warm. Nutrition: • Calories: 314 • Fat: 13.3g • Carbohydrates: 36.3g • Protein: 10.4g • Fiber: 3.3g These easy weeknight meals are sure to be a hit with your family. Not only are they delicious, but they’re quick and easy to make, too! With a little bit of planning, you can get a nutritious and delicious dinner on the table in no time.