5 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Cooks

Preparing dinner can be a daunting task, especially on busy weeknights when time is at a premium. But fear not! Here are five easy dinner recipes designed to save you time without skimping on flavor. These dishes are perfect for busy cooks looking to whip up something delicious quickly.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish combines the flavors of Italian cuisine into one pot, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a large pot, add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until chicken is no longer pink.
  2. Add pasta, marinara, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, cover to melt.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if available.

💡 Note: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit vegetarian tastes by omitting the chicken or replacing it with plant-based alternatives.

Baked Vegetarian Enchiladas

For a meatless meal, these baked enchiladas are packed with hearty vegetables and cheese, offering a satisfying flavor and texture.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 jar (16 oz) enchilada sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix beans, corn, zucchini, and salsa. Season to taste.
  3. Spread some enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  4. Roll the vegetable mixture into tortillas and place them seam-side down in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Teriyaki Garlic Salmon Foil Packets

Salmon in foil packets not only cooks quickly but also locks in moisture and flavor for a fuss-free dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • ¹⁄₂ cup teriyaki sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large piece of foil, place salmon fillets.
  3. Mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil, then pour over the salmon.
  4. Seal the foil packets, leaving space for steam.
  5. Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Garnish with green onions or chives.

💡 Note: These packets can be prepped ahead of time for an even quicker meal preparation on busy nights.

Instant Pot Shredded Pork Tacos

The Instant Pot speeds up the process of making shredded pork, which you can then use for flavorful tacos.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Corn or flour tortillas
• Instructions:
  1. Cut pork into large chunks and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place in Instant Pot with salsa and set to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
  3. Allow pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
  4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with your favorite taco fixings.

Broccoli and Corn Fritters

These fritters are quick to whip up and can be served as a side or a main dish, making use of common pantry ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated cheese (optional)
  • ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing well to form a thick batter.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flatten slightly, and cook until golden brown on each side.
  4. Drain on paper towels and serve with a dip or as a side dish.

Summing up, these five easy dinner recipes provide a range of options for busy cooks, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're craving pasta, Mexican flavors, or a quick healthy option like salmon, these recipes have got you covered.

How can I ensure these recipes are still nutritious?

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All of these recipes include fresh or at least minimally processed ingredients. You can add more vegetables or opt for whole grain pasta or tortillas for added nutrition.

Can I prepare any of these dishes ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these dishes can be prepped in advance. The Teriyaki Garlic Salmon Foil Packets, for example, can be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.

Are these recipes good for meal prepping?

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Absolutely! The Shredded Pork Tacos, in particular, make for great meal prep as the pork can be cooked in advance and used over the course of a week for different meals.