As a mom of two, busy weeknights can really make cooking dinner feel like a chore. Being able to pinpoint a few stress-free meals has made my life a bit easier. Each of these seven dinner recipes will help you stay on top of mealtime while still being able to unwind after a long day.
1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Pasta dishes are great for a low-maintenance meal and if you can make it in one pot, it’s even better. A one-pot lemon garlic shrimp pasta can be ready in 20 minutes and is light and flavorful. Just add pasta, broth, shrimp, and seasonings, then let it simmer until the pasta is perfectly tender. Having everything in one pot makes cleaning up a breeze.
2. Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
This is another quick clean-up meal. Sheet pan meals like this honey garlic chicken and veggies can be a lifesaver during the hectic weeks. All you have to do is put chicken breasts and your favorite vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle it with honey garlic sauce, and stick it in the oven. It’ll be ready to eat in about 30 minutes.
3. 15-Minute Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
Stir fry is a great thing to incorporate into your meal plan for something quick and easy. Saute your vegetables with some garlic and ginger, then add the rice noodles with a soy-based sauce. You can customize this dish based on what you have in your fridge, making it an easy and zero-stress meal. Best of all, it’ll only take about 15 minutes to put together.
4. Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Salmon and other fish dishes cook really quickly. Pairing it with a veggie like asparagus or broccoli makes a well-roaded meal. You can bake everything together in one pan. Just season everything and bake it until the salmon is flaky and tender. It’ll take about 20 minutes and you’ll have a healthy, nutritious meal at the end of a busy day.
5. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini
Again, you can’t go wrong with a pasta dish! Most of them are quick and easy. This creamy tomato and spinach tortellini is no different. The sauce uses cream, tomatoes, and spinach, which offers a really delicious base for cheese-filled tortellini. The pasta winds up absorbing some of the sauce, making each bite explode with flavor. Overall, this dish will take less than 30 minutes and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at home.
6. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
If you’re looking for something different, this chickpea and spinach curry is a great, fast option for dinner throughout the week. It’s hearty and healthy. You’ll need canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder to whip it together. Saute onions, garlic, and spices, then add chickpeas and coconut milk, letting the curry simmer until thick and creamy. Then you’ll stir in spinach until wilted. You can pair it with rice or naan for a complete, filling meal. Best of all, it’ll only take about half an hour.
7. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
You can’t go wrong with a stir fry. Rather than just using veggies, this one uses beef and broccoli and it’s absolutely delicious. Thinly slice your beef and cook it with broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce with a hint of garlic and ginger. It’ll be ready in about 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’ll keep you from spending extra money on takeout.
Make Weeknights a Breeze with Simple, Delicious Recipes
Dinner time can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to feed a family. Everyone is worn out after a long day and sometimes you just want to get something on the table. Each of these dishes calls for minimal prep and simple ingredients, making things easy.