16 Hassle-Free Weeknight Meals to Make in Under an Hour

Weeknights can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be a stress point. Imagine coming home and whipping up a delicious meal in under an hour, from prep to finish. That’s exactly what these 16 recipes offer: tasty, quick, and satisfying dishes that make busy evenings a breeze. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with taste, ensuring you enjoy every bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo

This one-pot meal is a family favorite that combines tender chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and melted cheese. Ingredients include chicken breast, Alfredo sauce, pasta, and a blend of cheeses. To prepare, cook the chicken until golden, add the sauce and pasta, then simmer until the pasta is tender. The final touch is a layer of cheese melted under the broiler. It tastes rich and comforting with a creamy, cheesy texture. Total cooking time is about 30 minutes.

Cashew Chicken Skillet Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful stir-fry that features tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables. Ingredients include chicken breast, cashews, bell peppers, soy sauce, and garlic. Begin by stir-frying the chicken until browned, then add the vegetables and sauce, cooking until everything is tender and flavorful. The dish has a savory and slightly sweet taste with a satisfying crunch from the cashews. Cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

These tacos are light, fresh, and perfect for a quick dinner. Ingredients include shrimp, tortillas, mango, red onion, and lime. Cook the shrimp with spices until pink and tender, then assemble the tacos with mango salsa and fresh cilantro. The combination of sweet mango and spicy shrimp creates a vibrant, zesty flavor. Total cooking time is around 20 minutes.

Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Ingredients include spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. Cook the pasta, then toss it with cooked pancetta, beaten eggs, and cheese until creamy. The dish has a rich, velvety texture with a savory, cheesy flavor. Total cooking time is about 25 minutes.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A simple yet flavorful dish that pairs tender beef with crisp broccoli. Ingredients include beef sirloin, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the beef until browned, then add the broccoli and sauce, cooking until everything is tender. The dish has a savory, slightly sweet taste with a hint of garlic and ginger. Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.

Lemon Garlic Salmon

This dish is light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Ingredients include salmon fillets, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Bake the salmon with a lemon garlic sauce until flaky and tender. The result is a bright, tangy flavor with a hint of garlic. Total cooking time is around 20 minutes.

Chicken Fajitas

A quick and easy Tex-Mex favorite. Ingredients include chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Cook the chicken and vegetables in a hot skillet until tender and slightly charred. The dish has a smoky, savory flavor with a hint of spice. Total cooking time is about 25 minutes.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A healthy and colorful dish that’s easy to customize. Ingredients include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas, plus soy sauce and garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp, then toss with the sauce. The dish is light, fresh, and full of flavor. Cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.

Margherita Pizza

A classic pizza that’s simple yet delicious. Ingredients include pizza dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Spread the sauce on the dough, top with cheese, and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. The pizza has a fresh, tangy flavor with a hint of basil. Total cooking time is around 30 minutes.

Chicken Parmesan

A comforting Italian-American dish. Ingredients include chicken breast, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bread and fry the chicken, top with sauce and cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The dish is savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Total cooking time is about 40 minutes.

Beef Tacos

A simple and flavorful meal. Ingredients include ground beef, taco seasoning, tortillas, and your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Cook the beef with the seasoning, then assemble the tacos with the toppings. The dish is savory, spicy, and customizable. Total cooking time is around 20 minutes.

Pad Thai

A popular Thai street food that’s quick to prepare. Ingredients include rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are tender. The dish is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.

Chicken Caesar Salad

A fresh and satisfying salad. Ingredients include romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the lettuce with the dressing, top with chicken and croutons, and sprinkle with cheese. The salad is creamy, savory, and refreshing. Total cooking time is about 20 minutes.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful and hearty dish. Ingredients include bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, tomatoes, and cheese. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of meat, rice, and tomatoes, then bake until tender. The dish is savory, satisfying, and full of flavor. Cooking time is approximately 45 minutes.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting Italian dish. Ingredients include jumbo pasta shells, spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. Stuff the shells with a mixture of spinach and ricotta, top with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Total cooking time is about 40 minutes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A quick and elegant pasta dish. Ingredients include shrimp, garlic, butter, pasta, and parsley. Cook the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, then toss with cooked pasta and fresh parsley. The dish is rich, garlicky, and satisfying. It pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine for a cozy, weeknight dinner. Total cooking time is around 20 minutes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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