20 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes That’ll Make You Look Like a Kitchen Wizard

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Quick and easy dinner recipes are here to save you time and stress. These simple meals can be ready in 30 minutes or less, using basic ingredients you likely already have at home. You’ll find tasty options for all diets and tastes, from comforting classics to fresh new ideas.

With these fast recipes, you can whip up delicious dinners even on your busiest nights. Try air fryer pork chops, skillet lasagna, or fish tacos for a satisfying meal without the fuss. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into dishes that take so little time to make.

Spaghetti Carbonara

You’ll love this quick and easy spaghetti carbonara! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. While pasta cooks, fry the pancetta in a large skillet until crispy. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

  4. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat.

  5. Quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing constantly. Add pasta water as needed for a creamy sauce.

  6. Sprinkle with parsley if using. Serve right away and enjoy your delicious carbonara!

This meal comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying.

Stir-Fry Chicken And Vegetables

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  3. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  4. In the same pan, stir-fry vegetables for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.

  5. Mix soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

  6. Return chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour sauce over and stir.

  7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Your quick and tasty stir-fry is ready to serve! Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

You’ll love this quick and easy grilled cheese recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 slices cheese (cheddar or American work great)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions:

  1. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

  2. Place a skillet over medium heat.

  3. Put one slice of bread in the pan, buttered side down.

  4. Add cheese slices on top of the bread in the pan.

  5. Place the second bread slice on top, buttered side up.

  6. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

  7. Flip the sandwich carefully with a spatula.

  8. Cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and both sides are crispy.

  9. Remove from pan, let cool for a minute, then cut in half.

  10. Enjoy your warm, gooey grilled cheese!

Try mixing it up with different cheeses or adding extras like ham or tomato slices. Serve with soup for a comforting meal.

Taco Salad

Ready for a tasty and quick meal? Let’s make a taco salad! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 head lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

  3. Stir in the black beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

  4. While the beef cools, chop the lettuce and place it in a large bowl.

  5. Top the lettuce with the beef mixture, cheese, crushed chips, and tomatoes.

  6. Add a dollop of sour cream on top.

  7. Mix everything together and enjoy your delicious taco salad!

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can even prep some ingredients ahead of time to make it even quicker.

Omelette

Want a quick and tasty dinner? Try making an omelette! It’s super easy and only takes about 10 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • ¼ cup cheese (your choice)
  • ¼ cup filling (like diced ham, veggies, or herbs)
See also  20 Weight Watchers Recipes to Keep You on Track

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

  2. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

  3. Pour in the eggs and tilt the pan to spread them evenly.

  4. When the eggs start to set, add your cheese and fillings to one half of the omelette.

  5. Use a spatula to fold the other half over the fillings.

  6. Cook for another minute or two until the cheese melts.

  7. Slide onto a plate and enjoy your yummy dinner!

Feel free to mix up the fillings based on what you like or have in your fridge. Omelettes are a great way to use up leftovers too!

One-Pan Salmon And Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Place the salmon fillets and trimmed asparagus on the prepared sheet pan.

  3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic.

  4. Drizzle the garlic butter over the salmon and asparagus. Squeeze half a lemon over everything.

  5. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh herbs if you like.

  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

  7. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Quesadillas

Ready for a quick and tasty dinner? Quesadillas are your answer! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup refried beans
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • Optional: jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream

Directions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Warm a tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

  3. Spread refried beans on half of the tortilla.

  4. Sprinkle cheese over the beans.

  5. Add diced bell pepper and onion.

  6. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the fillings.

  7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

  8. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

For extra flavor, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A dollop of sour cream on top makes it even yummier!

Shakshuka

Ready for a tasty and quick dinner? Try shakshuka! This Middle Eastern dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4-6 eggs
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Now, let’s cook:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

  3. Stir in garlic and spices. Cook for another minute.

  4. Pour in tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

  5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.

  6. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny.

  7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve straight from the skillet.

Enjoy your homemade shakshuka with crusty bread for dipping!

Fried Rice

You’ll need:

  • 3 cups cooked rice (cold)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Here’s how to make it:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Crack the eggs and scramble them until cooked. Remove and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the onions and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Dump in the mixed veggies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Add the cold rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and mix well with the veggies.

Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Mix the scrambled eggs back in. Add any extra protein if you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Give it all a final stir and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and tasty fried rice!

Pasta Primavera

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish

Now, let’s cook this tasty dish:

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions.

  2. While the pasta cooks, chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Toss in the rest of your veggies and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.

  5. Drain your pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

  6. Add the pasta to your veggie skillet. Pour in the cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese.

  7. Stir everything together, adding pasta water if needed to create a smooth sauce.

  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy your homemade Pasta Primavera!

See also  Zucchini Lasagna

BLT Sandwich

Ready for a quick and tasty dinner? Let’s make a classic BLT sandwich!

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of bread
  • 4-6 strips of bacon
  • 1 ripe tomato, sliced
  • Lettuce leaves
  • 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  2. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.

  3. Spread mayonnaise on each slice of toasted bread.

  4. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and bacon on two bread slices.

  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.

  6. Top with the remaining bread slices, mayo side down.

  7. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally.

Your BLT is ready to enjoy! Serve with chips or a side salad for a complete meal.

Greek Salad With Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives

Directions:

  1. Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Put half the mixture in a zip-top bag with the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes.

  3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

  4. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.

  5. Add the sliced chicken, feta cheese, and olives to the salad.

  6. Drizzle the remaining yogurt mixture over the salad as dressing.

  7. Toss everything together and serve right away.

You’ll love how quick and tasty this Greek salad is! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light but filling.

Veggie Burgers

Want to make tasty veggie burgers at home? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Now let’s make these yummy burgers:

  1. Mash the black beans in a bowl.

  2. Mix in the quinoa, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and spices.

  3. Form the mixture into 4 patties.

  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  5. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  6. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

These veggie burgers are easy to make and so good! You can add extra veggies like grated carrot or zucchini if you want. Feel free to play around with different spices too.

Shrimp Scampi

You’ll love this quick and tasty shrimp scampi! Here’s what you need:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Now, let’s cook!

Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the shrimp start to turn pink.

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has reduced a bit.

Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Your shrimp scampi is ready to serve! Enjoy it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce.

Breakfast For Dinner (Pancakes Or Waffles)

You’ll love these quick and easy pancakes for dinner! They’re perfect when you want a fun twist on the usual evening meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.

  2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.

  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!

  4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.

  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.

  6. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

See also  20 Gluten-Free Bread Maker Recipes That Will Make You Forget Regular Bread

Serve your pancakes with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. For a savory twist, try topping them with scrambled eggs and bacon. Enjoy your breakfast-for-dinner treat!

Caprese Sandwich

Get ready to make a tasty Caprese sandwich in no time! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of ciabatta or artisan bread
  • 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella
  • 1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Pesto
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Toast your bread slices until golden brown.

  2. Spread a layer of pesto on one side of each slice.

  3. Layer the mozzarella and tomato slices on one piece of bread.

  4. Add fresh basil leaves on top of the tomatoes.

  5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze if using.

  6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down.

  8. Press gently to help everything stick together.

Your Caprese sandwich is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. You can even grill it for a warm, melty treat.

Tuna Melt

Ready to make a tasty tuna melt? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon diced celery
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 slices of cheddar cheese

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Mix the tuna, mayo, onion, celery, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Toast your bread slices until they’re lightly golden.

  3. Spread the tuna mixture on one slice of toast.

  4. Top with cheese slices.

  5. Place the open-faced sandwich under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

  6. Watch closely until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

  7. Take it out, let it cool for a minute, and enjoy your yummy tuna melt!

This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy nights. You can have it ready in about 10 minutes. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like tomato slices or pickles for extra flavor.

Frittata

Ready for a quick and tasty dinner? Let’s make a frittata!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or feta work great)
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Your favorite add-ins (veggies, meats, herbs)

Now, let’s get cooking:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in most of the cheese.

  3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

  4. Add onions and any other add-ins. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  5. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies in the skillet.

  6. Cook on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes until edges start to set.

  7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

  8. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and set.

Your frittata is done when it’s puffed up and doesn’t jiggle in the middle. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy your easy, delicious dinner!

Pesto Pasta

Get ready for a quick and tasty dinner! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (any shape)
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/4 cup pasta water
  • Salt to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente.

  2. Before draining, save 1/4 cup of pasta water.

  3. Put the cooked pasta back in the pot. Add pesto and the saved pasta water.

  4. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with pesto.

  5. Taste and add salt if needed.

  6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.

This easy meal takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You can jazz it up by adding roasted tomatoes or grilled chicken. Enjoy your quick and yummy pesto pasta!

Sheet Pan Fajitas

You’ll love these quick and tasty sheet pan fajitas! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, salsa

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Mix the chicken, peppers, and onion on a large sheet pan.

  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on the spices. Toss to coat evenly.

  4. Spread everything in a single layer on the pan.

  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

  6. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven.

  7. Serve the fajita mix in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

That’s it! You’ve got a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Enjoy your fajitas!