Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience on busy weeknights? Look no further! In this article, we’re sharing 20 quick and delicious dinner recipes that are perfect for those nights when you need a meal in a flash. From steak bites with asparagus to Mediterranean chickpea stew, these mouth-watering dishes are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, these recipes will help you get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired flavors, our collection of quick dinner recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each dish can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, so you won’t have to sacrifice your evening routine to get a great meal on the table.
So go ahead and take a peek at our recipe collection below, and get ready to spice up your weeknight dinners!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus
Succulent steak bites smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside tender asparagus spears. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound fresh asparagus spears
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Season steak bites with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle garlic butter mixture evenly over the steak bites.
5. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet.
7. Roast asparagus in the oven alongside the steak bites for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and chopped parsley (if using) to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Honey Garlic Salmon with Vegetables
This recipe is a sweet and savory twist on traditional salmon, featuring honey and garlic as the star players. With only one pan required, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and garlic powder.
7. Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.
8. Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon some of the vegetable-honey sauce over each filet.
9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Savor the flavor of Mexico with these spicy black bean and corn quesadillas, perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack. This recipe combines the creaminess of cheese with the bold flavors of black beans, corn, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and jalapeño; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the black beans, corn kernels, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then spoon the bean and corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Sprinkle with cheese, then fold the tortilla in half.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted; flip and cook for an additional minute.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Quickly cook beef and broccoli in a savory stir-fry dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
4. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine with broccoli.
5. Return beef to the skillet and stir to combine with broccoli mixture. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegetable Coconut Curry with Rice
This flavorful curry combines a medley of colorful vegetables with creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices, served over fluffy basmati rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, zucchini, snap peas)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 teaspoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked basmati rice
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mixed vegetables, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in coconut milk and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve over cooked basmati rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and flavorful recipe for baked Parmesan crusted pork chops.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Dip each pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place coated pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Quickly cook succulent shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, served atop zucchini noodles for a nutritious and tasty meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium zucchini
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, garlic, and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
2. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. If using wine and lemon juice, add to the skillet and simmer for 1 minute.
3. Meanwhile, spiralize the zucchini into noodle-like strands.
4. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve the shrimp mixture atop the zucchini noodles, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory goodness of tacos. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking into small pieces.
4. Add onion, garlic, and taco seasoning; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the nutty taste of chickpeas with the earthy sweetness of spinach, all wrapped up in a rich Mediterranean broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the red bell pepper; cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves; cook until wilted (2-3 minutes).
8. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Get ready to elevate your game-day gatherings or backyard BBQs with these mouthwatering sliders. Tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is piled high onto soft buns, perfect for snacking.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 slider buns
– Coleslaw or pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with remaining BBQ sauce.
7. Assemble sliders by placing shredded chicken onto buns. Top with coleslaw or pickles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating time)
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful Caprese-stuffed breast, featuring fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half lengthwise.
3. Stuff each breast with a slice of mozzarella, some chopped tomato, and a sprinkle of basil leaves.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
This zesty shrimp dish combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of garlic butter, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour in the lemon juice and stir until melted.
6. Serve the shrimp over the cooked rice, spooning some of the garlic-lemon sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
A rich and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This creamy mushroom pasta is made with just a few ingredients, but packs a big flavor punch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In the same pot, heat 2 tbsp of heavy cream over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning (about 5 minutes).
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in the remaining heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Elevate your dinner routine with this simple sheet pan recipe, featuring juicy sausage and a colorful medley of vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place the sausage on one half of the pan, leaving space between each link.
4. Arrange the vegetables around the sausage in an even layer.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs with Rice
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this simple yet impressive dish. Tender meatballs smothered in a rich teriyaki glaze, served over fluffy rice – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– Teriyaki glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
5. In a small saucepan, heat teriyaki glaze over medium heat until warmed.
6. Serve meatballs over cooked rice and drizzle with warm teriyaki glaze.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe. A perfect blend of savory and tangy, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay each chicken breast flat and make a horizontal incision in the center of each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
This classic Russian-inspired dish is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner option. With tender beef, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces beef broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook beef strips in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until tender; drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Add cooked beef, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in broth; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken.
6. Stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
This hearty curry combines the nutty flavor of lentils with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
2. While lentils cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add sweet potatoes, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in coconut milk and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked lentils and curry mixture. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Veggie Skewers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the creamy richness of pesto with the tender juiciness of chicken and colorful veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly made or store-bought pesto
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto and chicken until well coated.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas? Look no further! This article features 20 mouth-watering recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic comfort food to international twists, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Try Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Asparagus, Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta, or Spicy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas. Or go global with Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew, Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry, or Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs with Rice. Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone in this collection of quick dinner recipes.
