We all know how hectic dinnertime can be, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or spend hours in the kitchen. With these 15 easy and affordable dinner recipes, you can have a tasty meal ready in minutes. From veggie-packed stir-fries to comforting pasta dishes, each recipe is designed to fit into your busy schedule without blowing your budget.
Contents
- 1 Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- 2 Quick Chickpea Stir-Fry
- 3 One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- 4 Veggie Tacos with Black Beans
- 5 15-Minute Stir-Fried Rice
- 6 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
- 7 Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken
- 8 Chicken Caesar Wraps
- 9 Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
- 10 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- 11 Veggie Fried Rice
- 12 One-Pan Baked Salmon with Veggies
- 13 Simple Veggie Soup
- 14 Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
- 15 More From RetailShout
- 16 Top 20 Items You Can Buy at Aldi for $20
- 17 13 Must-Try Costco Prepared Foods (And 11 Not Worth It)
Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple, yet delicious dish that requires just a few ingredients and can be made in under 20 minutes. Start by boiling 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and saute until golden brown. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with garlic and oil, adding red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and season with salt and pepper. For added flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Quick Chickpea Stir-Fry
This chickpea stir-fry is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 chopped onion. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the chickpeas are crispy. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Finish with a drizzle of soy sauce and serve over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
One-pot meals are perfect when you’re in a hurry. To make this garlic Parmesan pasta, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked pasta, 3 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley for a creamy, savory dinner.
Veggie Tacos with Black Beans
These veggie tacos are both healthy and filling. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 bell pepper until softened. Add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Warm up your tortillas, and fill them with the bean mixture. Top with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, avocado slices, and your favorite salsa.
15-Minute Stir-Fried Rice
This quick stir-fried rice is perfect for using up leftover rice. In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1/2 cup of peas, cooking until softened. Push the vegetables to one side and crack 2 eggs into the pan, scrambling them until cooked through. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with chopped green onions on top.
5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a quick, flavorful meal that only requires a few ingredients. Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, blend 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Drain the pasta, then toss it with the pesto sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste. This dish is perfect for a light, satisfying dinner.
Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken
This refreshing caprese salad is made even better with grilled chicken. Start by grilling or pan-searing 2 chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. While the chicken cooks, slice 2 tomatoes and 1/2 pound of fresh mozzarella into thick slices. Arrange them on a plate with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper. Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on top of the salad for a complete, healthy dinner.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Chicken Caesar wraps are an easy and satisfying dinner. Start by grilling or pan-searing 2 chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Slice the chicken into thin strips and set aside. Lay out large flour tortillas, and spread Caesar dressing in the center. Add the chicken, 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Roll up the tortillas tightly, slice them in half, and serve with your favorite side.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
This sweet potato and black bean chili is hearty and packed with flavor. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until softened. Stir in 2 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and serve with a dollop of sour cream or avocado.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic, comforting meal. To make the soup, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened. Stir in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend the soup until smooth. For the grilled cheese, butter two slices of bread, add 1-2 slices of cheese, and grill in a pan until golden and melted. Serve together for a cozy dinner.
Veggie Fried Rice
This veggie fried rice is quick and perfect for a fast dinner. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced carrot, 1/2 cup of peas, and 2 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing until the veggies are tender. Add 3 cups of cold cooked rice and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, stir-frying for 5 minutes. Scramble 2 eggs in a separate pan, then add them to the rice. Finish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
One-Pan Baked Salmon with Veggies
One-pan meals are a time-saver, and this salmon recipe is no exception. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place 2 salmon fillets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Arrange your favorite vegetables (like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini) around the salmon, drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Simple Veggie Soup
A simple veggie soup is comforting and full of nutrients. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced carrot, cooking until softened. Stir in 1 diced potato, 1 zucchini, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and enjoy with a side of crusty bread.
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
This easy chicken stir-fry is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Slice 2 chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 carrot, and 1/2 cup of broccoli, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and serve over rice for a complete meal.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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