Almost all of us struggle with the same thing on busy weeknights. Do we cook something at home or order takeout? While ordering takeout is easy when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day, it can be a bit heavy on the wallet.
But, thankfully, deciding what to eat for dinner doesn’t have to be a pain every single day. There are so many easy, healthy, and quick dishes you can make that won’t take much time and will still be delicious!
This article presents four quick and simple dinner suggestions that will easily fit into your hectic schedule.
Table of Contents
1. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican dish that’s made with tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Shredded chicken
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 corn tortillas
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce, then fill with the chicken mixture. Roll up the tortillas and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
If you want a little twist on enchiladas, try this easy slow cooked chicken enchilada casserole instead!
2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
One-pot pasta Primavera is a satisfying pasta dish featuring colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce. It is perfect for those who need pasta to unwind after a long day. The sauce is made in the same pot as the pasta, so minimal cleanup is required.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (any type)
- 2 cups of assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Now drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta
- In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the vegetables and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Then, add the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
3. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet Pan Fajitas offers a quick and easy way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fajita seasoning
- Tortillas, salsa, and toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Set your oven’s temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the onions, bell peppers, and tofu or chicken on a baking sheet.
- Then, add a drizzle of olive oil and some fajita seasoning. Toss everything to coat it evenly.
- Now bake the chicken or tofu for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are well cooked.
- Serve them with your favorite toppings, salad, and warm tortillas.
4. Stir-Fried Rice
Rice can be stir-fried with various ingredients to make stir-fried rice, which is a fantastic way to use leftover rice and make a quick, savory dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 1 cup diced vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 cup cooked protein (e.g., chicken, shrimp, tofu)
- 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 eggs (optional)
- Sesame oil for flavor
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Ingredients:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add some
- If using eggs, scramble them in the pan and set them aside.
- Add more oil to the pan, then stir-fry the vegetables and protein until heated.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
- If you want, drizzle with sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Conclusion
These simple meal suggestions will help you get a delicious and filling meal on the table quickly so you can have more time to relax and enjoy your evening. After all, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen cooking after a busy work day.
So, let’s make hectic weeknights a thing of the past and embrace the simplicity of these delicious dishes.