5 Easy Recipes to Make Tonight

Are you looking for some quick and easy recipes to whip up for dinner tonight? Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these five recipes are simple, delicious, and can be prepared with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here are some easy meal ideas that will help you enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Pasta dishes are always a good option because they’re simple, quick to cook, and loved by almost everyone.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink.
4. Melt butter into the skillet, stir in the parsley, and then add the cooked pasta.
5. Mix well, adjust seasoning, and add lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

🍤 Note: For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

2. Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup

This classic pairing is comfort food at its finest, providing a quick meal that’s satisfying and nostalgic.

• Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
• 4 slices of bread
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• Butter
• Ingredients for Tomato Soup:
• 1 can of tomato soup (or homemade)
• 1 cup milk or water (to dilute the soup)
• Fresh basil, optional

Directions:

1. Prepare the tomato soup according to can instructions, heating with milk or water until warm.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a generous amount of cheese between two slices, butter side facing out.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver for those looking to minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Tortillas, salsa, sour cream, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken, bell peppers, and onion on a sheet pan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, and toss to coat.
3. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the cooked chicken and veggies. Serve with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings.

4. Quick Vegetarian Fried Rice

Turn leftover rice into a vibrant and satisfying meal with this easy vegetarian fried rice recipe.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high. Add garlic and green onions, stir-fry for a minute.
2. Add the peas and carrots, cook until heated through. Push everything to the side, add eggs, and scramble.
3. Mix in the rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir in soy sauce, and cook for a couple more minutes to heat everything evenly.

🍳 Note: If your rice is fresh, spread it out on a tray and let it cool in the fridge for a bit before using; this prevents the rice from becoming mushy when stir-fried.

5. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

This stuffed chicken is as elegant as it is easy, perfect for when you want something a little more fancy with minimal effort.

• Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Make a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing through the side without cutting all the way through.
2. Season the inside with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff with spinach and feta, then secure with toothpicks.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

In summary, these five recipes offer a range of flavors and cuisines, perfect for anyone looking to prepare a delicious meal in a short amount of time. From the comforting classics like Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to the more sophisticated Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. With straightforward ingredients and simple cooking methods, you can impress your family or guests without the stress of complex recipes. Cooking at home has never been so easy or satisfying.

Can these recipes be made gluten-free?

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Yes, these recipes can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet. Use gluten-free pasta, tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure all your pantry staples like seasonings are labeled gluten-free. For the chicken fajitas, simply choose gluten-free tortillas or opt for lettuce wraps.

How can I reduce the sodium in these recipes?

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To lower sodium, use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of canned goods, reduce the amount of salt, and choose low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. You can also enhance flavors with herbs and spices instead of salt.

What sides would you recommend for these recipes?

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For the pasta dishes, consider a side salad or steamed broccoli. With the Grilled Cheese, try adding a cucumber tomato salad. Chicken fajitas can be served with Mexican rice or refried beans. And for the Stuffed Chicken, roasted or mashed potatoes, or sautéed asparagus would complement the dish nicely.