5 Easy and Delicious Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. These quick and easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights—delicious, nutritious, and ready in 30 minutes or less!

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggies 🦐

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
4. Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and the remaining butter. Stir well.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm!

Serve with: Rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken 🍗

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt & pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add spinach (if using) and cook until wilted. Return chicken to the pan and coat in sauce.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Serve with: Pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.

3. One-Pan Teriyaki Salmon & Broccoli 🐟

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets and broccoli on the baking sheet. Drizzle the sauce over everything.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until salmon is flaky and broccoli is tender.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serve with: Rice or noodles.

4. 15-Minute Caprese Pasta 🍝

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella (cubed)
• ½ cup fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
4. Toss in cooked pasta, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor.

Serve with: Garlic bread or a side salad.

5. Quick & Easy Beef Stir-Fry 🥩

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (thinly sliced, such as flank steak)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Cook beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add mixed veggies and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
4. Return beef to the pan. Stir in oyster sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
5. Cook for another 2 minutes and serve hot.

Serve with: Rice or noodles.

Final Thoughts

With these quick and easy recipes, weeknight dinners don’t have to be stressful! Each dish is flavorful, balanced, and takes under 30 minutes to prepare.

🔥 Which recipe are you trying first? Let me know in the comments! 🍽️