20 Simple Dinner Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. These 20 simple dinner recipes are designed to help you whip up something tasty with minimal effort and time. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a bit more filling, these dishes are as quick as they are satisfying.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss the spaghetti in the garlic oil, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, and season with salt. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a quick, flavorful dish.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces in a hot pan with a bit of oil until golden. Add your favorite mixed vegetables, like bell peppers and snap peas, and stir-fry until tender. Drizzle with soy sauce, add a splash of sesame oil, and serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked through. Slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, and layer them with basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and serve with the sliced chicken on top for a light yet filling dinner.

Shrimp Scampi

Cook shrimp in a pan with butter and minced garlic until pink. Add a splash of white wine and lemon juice, and simmer briefly. Toss in cooked pasta and a handful of fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tacos with Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a skillet with taco seasoning, then fill warm tortillas with the beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Top with sour cream and salsa, and you’re ready to enjoy a quick and tasty meal.

Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Place salmon fillets and asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest, then bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Veggie-Packed Omelette

Whisk together eggs and a splash of milk, then pour into a hot, oiled pan. Add your favorite chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms. Cook until the eggs are set, fold the omelette in half, and serve with a slice of toast.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Sauté chicken thighs in a large pot until browned, then set aside. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add rice, chicken broth, and the browned chicken, then simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

Margherita Pizza

Spread tomato sauce over a pre-made pizza crust, then top with fresh mozzarella slices and basil leaves. Bake according to the crust instructions until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Drizzle with olive oil before serving for an easy homemade pizza.

Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Slice beef thinly and stir-fry in a hot pan with a bit of oil. Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, and cook until tender. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles for a speedy dinner.

Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with a generous spoonful of pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is coated in the pesto and serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Grill or pan-cook chicken breasts, then slice them thinly. Toss with Caesar dressing, Romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Wrap in a large tortilla for a simple, handheld dinner that’s ready in minutes.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Arrange sliced sausages, baby potatoes, and mixed vegetables on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes until everything is golden and cooked through.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Spread a layer of black beans, corn, and shredded cheese between two tortillas. Cook in a hot, dry pan until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

Greek Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Toss chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives with feta cheese and a simple vinaigrette. Top with grilled shrimp seasoned with lemon juice and oregano for a quick, refreshing meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces until golden, then add teriyaki sauce and simmer until the chicken is coated and the sauce is thickened. Serve over steamed rice with a side of broccoli or snap peas for a balanced dinner.

Simple Ratatouille

Sauté diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs until tender. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a hearty, vegetable-forward dinner that comes together in one pan.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Cook shrimp in a pan with garlic and butter until pink, then toss with spiralized zucchini noodles. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a light, low-carb dinner.

Chicken Fajitas

Sauté sliced chicken breasts with bell peppers and onions in a hot pan with fajita seasoning. Serve with warm tortillas, sour cream, and guacamole for an easy, customizable meal that’s full of flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Simmer canned tomatoes with garlic, onions, and basil until the flavors meld, then blend until smooth. Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for dipping—a comforting, quick dinner that’s sure to please.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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