7 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Cooks

Are you constantly juggling your professional life, family commitments, and trying to squeeze in some semblance of a social life? Your evenings can end up as an unappetizing mix of reheated take-out or whatever can be scavenged from the pantry. Here’s the great news: cooking a tasty, nutritious dinner doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex. Here are seven easy dinner recipes designed for the busy cook, requiring little time and even less effort to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Begin your week with a dish that minimizes washing up. One-pot meals like this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta are a life-saver:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
• 3 cups of broccoli florets
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 3 cups of water
• Parmesan and salt to taste

Here’s the process:

1. In a large pot, cook chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce to simmer, return chicken to the pot, and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

🍳 Note: Adjust the water level to ensure the pasta cooks evenly without becoming mushy.

2. Taco Salad in a Jar

When the thought of cooking feels overwhelming, this no-cook recipe is perfect:

• Ground beef or turkey, cooked with taco seasoning
• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomato, diced
• Black beans, drained
• Corn, canned or frozen
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa, sour cream, and tortilla chips for topping

To assemble:

1. In a jar, layer ingredients starting with salsa, followed by beans, corn, meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
2. Top with sour cream and a handful of crushed tortilla chips when ready to serve.

3. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon and Asparagus

Salmon is packed with nutrients and is incredibly easy to prepare. Pair it with asparagus for a balanced meal:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil, add garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Top the salmon with lemon slices.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is done and asparagus is tender.

4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The slow cooker is a busy cook’s best friend. Here’s a beef stew recipe that practically makes itself:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, quartered
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 package of beef stew seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth
• Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme (optional)

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
3. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

5. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa make for an appealing and healthy dinner:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Preparation:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Mix quinoa with beans, corn, and salsa.
3. Stuff peppers with the mixture, top with cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.

6. Instant Pot Chickpea Curry

The Instant Pot simplifies cooking this flavorful chickpea curry:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• Spices: turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cayenne (optional)
• 1 can coconut milk
• Cilantro for garnish

Procedure:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.
2. Add spices, tomatoes, chickpeas, and coconut milk.
3. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Release steam, garnish with cilantro, and serve with naan or rice.

7. Caprese Chicken Sandwich

This sandwich is ideal for when you want something quick but satisfying:

• Chicken breast, cooked and sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Mozzarella slices
• Tomato, sliced
• Balsamic glaze
• 2 slices of your favorite bread or ciabatta roll

Here’s how to put it together:

1. Layer chicken, basil, mozzarella, and tomato on bread.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
3. Heat until the cheese is just melted or enjoy it cold.

🍅 Note: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled eggplant or portobello mushroom.

These seven easy dinner recipes offer a delicious solution for those hectic evenings when time is at a premium. By choosing quick-to-prepare, flavorful dishes, you'll find that dinner doesn't have to be a chore but can instead be a moment of relaxation and enjoyment amidst your busy schedule. Each meal not only saves you time but also brings a variety of flavors to your table, ensuring that despite your tight schedule, you can still savor your food and spend quality time with family or friends. Remember, the goal isn't just to eat, but to enjoy what you eat, making your evenings a bit more special, no matter how busy your day has been.

Can I prepare these meals in advance?

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Yes, many of these recipes, like the Beef Stew or Chickpea Curry, can be prepared ahead of time. They often taste even better as the flavors meld. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.

What can I substitute if I’m on a vegan diet?

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You can replace chicken in the Alfredo pasta with tofu or tempeh, use plant-based cheese, and opt for vegan Alfredo sauce. For the Taco Salad, skip the meat and use more beans, avocado, or vegan cheese. Substitute meat with lentils or more veggies in the beef stew, and use plant-based milk instead of coconut milk in the curry.

How can I make these recipes even quicker?

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Prep ingredients ahead of time, keep pre-made ingredients like pre-cut veggies or canned products in stock. Use frozen, already-cooked proteins like shrimp or chicken. Batch cook grains like quinoa or rice for the week. Consider using frozen veggies for stir-fries or stews to cut down prep time.