10 Delicious and Easy-to-Make Recipes for Busy Weeknights

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Weeknights can often be a whirlwind of work, errands, and family activities, leaving little time for preparing elaborate meals. But just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. These 10 easy-to-make recipes are perfect for busy weeknights—quick to prepare, satisfying, and full of delicious ingredients that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dinner or a fresh, light meal, these recipes are here to save the day.

1. One-Pan Baked Chicken Fajitas

This one-pan wonder combines all the flavors of chicken fajitas without the fuss. Simply toss chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning in olive oil, then bake everything on a sheet pan for 25 minutes. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings, like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, for an easy, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
• Olive oil
• Tortillas, guacamole, and salsa (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a sheet pan, toss chicken, peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings.

2. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

Packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, this veggie stir-fry comes together in just 15 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a protein boost. Serve over brown rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

3. 30-Minute Beef and Broccoli

This classic beef and broccoli dish is made in less time than it takes to order takeout! Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly in a savory garlic sauce, and the broccoli is perfectly tender. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of water.
2. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add broccoli and garlic, then pour in the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and broccoli is tender.
6. Serve with steamed rice.

4. Easy Chicken Parmesan

This lighter version of chicken parmesan skips the frying and is baked in the oven, saving you time and calories without sacrificing flavor. Serve with a side of pasta or a green salad for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
3. Dip chicken breasts into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Serve with pasta or a green salad.

5. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This rich and creamy Tuscan chicken is made in one pot for easy cleanup. A combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic makes this dish bursting with flavor, and it comes together in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve.

6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is light yet flavorful, and it’s quick enough to make on even the busiest evenings. With tender shrimp and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, it’s a refreshing, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in lemon juice, butter, and fresh parsley.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, then serve.

7. Vegetarian Chili

This hearty vegetarian chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and flavorful spices. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to clean up.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese if desired.

8. Beef Tacos

Tacos are a classic weeknight dinner, and they’re incredibly easy to prepare. Season ground beef with taco spices, pile onto tortillas, and add your favorite toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• Tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with the beef and your favorite toppings.

9. Crispy Chickpea Bowls

For a quick, nutritious meal, crispy chickpea bowls are a great option. The chickpeas are roasted to crispy perfection and served over greens with a tangy dressing for a satisfying plant-based dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Mixed greens
• Dressing of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast chickpeas on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
4. Serve over mixed greens with your favorite dressing.

10. Quick Egg Fried Rice

This egg fried rice recipe is a perfect way to use leftover rice and turn it into a delicious meal in under 15 minutes. Packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, it’s a great option for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add frozen peas and carrots, then cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Push veggies to the side, scramble eggs in the pan, then mix with veggies.
4. Add rice and soy sauce, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.