5 Simple Recipes for Busy Cooks

Are you a busy cook looking for quick, simple recipes that don't compromise on flavor? You've landed in the right place! Cooking after a long day can be daunting, but with the right recipes, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. In this article, we'll explore five incredibly simple recipes tailored for those who find themselves pressed for time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

1. 15-Minute Veggie Pasta

Quick pasta dishes are a savior for busy cooks. Here's a recipe that combines the simplicity of pasta with the goodness of vegetables, ensuring you get a nutritious meal in just 15 minutes.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a pan. Sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add the vegetables and cook until tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes.
  4. Toss in the cooked pasta, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and mix well.
  5. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil.

🍳 Note: You can vary the vegetables according to what's in season or in your fridge for a quick change-up.

2. Speedy Stir-Fried Chicken

Stir-fries are a staple for fast meals, and this one is particularly quick and easy.

• Ingredients:
  • 250g chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup of broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil
  • Minced garlic and ginger
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl to make the sauce.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or pan, add garlic and ginger, and cook until aromatic.
  3. Add the chicken, stir-fry until it’s no longer pink.
  4. Add the vegetables, continue stir-frying for a couple of minutes.
  5. Pour the sauce over and stir until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve with rice or noodles.

3. Instant Pot Soup

The Instant Pot makes soup prep a breeze with this fast, hearty recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, cook onions and garlic until softened.
  2. Add celery, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
  3. Close the lid, set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
  4. After cooking, quick-release pressure. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.

4. No-Bake Energy Bites

These energy bites are perfect for when you need a quick snack or a no-fuss dessert.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Chia seeds, flax seeds (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Speedy Sheet-Pan Dinners

Sheet-pan dinners are the epitome of easy cooking, requiring minimal cleanup and prep time:

• Ingredients:
  • 4-5 chicken thighs or your preferred protein
  • 1 lb potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 bunch asparagus or other greens
  • 3 cloves garlic, whole
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs of choice
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet, season, and drizzle with oil. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, season the chicken and vegetables. Add them to the sheet.
  4. Bake until everything is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Serve directly from the sheet for a rustic feel.

All these recipes offer not just convenience but also the flexibility to adjust flavors or ingredients based on your pantry. Quick meals don't have to be devoid of taste or nutrition, and with a bit of creativity and these easy recipes, you can prepare something tasty and healthy in minimal time.

Final Thoughts

By incorporating these simple recipes into your cooking routine, you'll find that preparing meals becomes less of a chore and more of an enjoyable activity. Even the busiest of cooks can produce fantastic dishes with minimal effort. Remember, the key is to keep it simple, use fresh ingredients where possible, and adapt the recipes to suit your taste or what you have available. Now, you can look forward to coming home to a stress-free cooking experience with delicious, home-cooked meals ready in a snap.

Can these recipes be made in advance?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared in advance. For example, the pasta dish can be made the night before and reheated, or you can store the energy bites in the fridge for up to a week.

How can I add more protein to these dishes?

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You can boost protein content by adding tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or even extra meat in the sheet-pan or stir-fry dishes. Another option is to sprinkle in seeds like chia or flax for the energy bites.

What are some quick vegetarian or vegan options?

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The pasta and soup recipes can be easily made vegetarian by omitting meat. For vegan options, simply swap out animal products with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese or meat substitutes.