15 Quick and Delicious Recipes for Busy Nights

 15 Quick and Delicious Recipes for Busy Nights

Life can get hectic, and sometimes the last thing you want to worry about after a long day is what to cook for dinner. We've all been there, craving something delicious but also wanting it to be quick and easy to make. Well, fret not, as we have compiled a list of 15 mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for those busy nights when time is of the essence. From flavorful stir-fries to hearty pasta dishes, these recipes will save you time without compromising on taste. So, grab your apron and let's dive into these easy-to-follow recipes that will satisfy your hunger pangs in no time!

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a true crowd-pleaser and comes together in just one pot. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
• 8 oz of penne pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced chicken until golden brown.
2. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until tomatoes begin to soften.
3. Stir in the penne pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

This sheet pan honey garlic shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Here's how to whip it up:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the shrimp in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
4. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

These crockpot chicken tacos are a game-changer for busy nights when you want a fuss-free meal. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken breast
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 cup of salsa
• Tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breast in the crockpot and sprinkle taco seasoning over it.
2. Pour salsa over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the salsa in the crockpot.
5. Serve the chicken in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry

This teriyaki beef stir-fry is a flavorful and speedy dish that will satisfy your cravings in no time. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the beef slices in teriyaki sauce for 15-30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and stir-fry the beef until browned.
3. Add sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Serve the teriyaki beef over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Roasted Veggie Quesadillas

These roasted veggie quesadillas are a delightful vegetarian option for busy nights when you want a quick and tasty meal. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Place a tortilla on a skillet over medium heat and sprinkle cheese on one side.
5. Top with roasted veggies and fold the tortilla in half.
6. Cook the quesadilla until golden brown on both sides.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

This creamy lemon garlic chicken recipe is a burst of flavors that will impress your taste buds without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, cook the chicken in butter until golden brown on both sides.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Vegetarian Chickpea Curry

This vegetarian chickpea curry is a hearty and satisfying dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and curry powder.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until flavors are well combined.
4. Serve the chickpea curry over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Pesto Tortellini with Roasted Veggies

This pesto tortellini with roasted veggies is a simple yet flavorful dish that will brighten up your dinner table on busy nights. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 package of cheese tortellini
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup of pesto
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the veggies in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
5. Toss the cooked tortellini with pesto and roasted veggies.
6. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Quick and Easy Beef Tacos

These quick and easy beef tacos are perfect for nights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. Here's how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Drain any excess fat and sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef.
3. Add a splash of water and simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Serve the beef in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

This lemon garlic shrimp scampi is a light and refreshing dish that comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy nights. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz of linguine
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking until pink and opaque.
4. Pour in white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Toss in cooked linguine and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

This caprese stuffed chicken breast is a restaurant-quality dish that is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for busy nights when you want something special. Here's how to whip it up:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup of basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with foil.
2. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

This creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that comes together in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of fettuccine
• 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups of baby spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms until browned.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in baby spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then add cooked fettuccine.
6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

This honey soy glazed salmon is a delectable and nutritious option for busy nights when you want a quick and healthy meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with the honey soy glaze.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry is a classic takeout favorite that you can recreate at home in no time. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
2. In a skillet, stir-fry flank steak until browned, then remove from the pan.
3. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger in the same skillet.
4. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce, stirring until thickened.
6. Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

Conclusion

And there you have it – 15 quick and delicious recipes for those busy nights when you need a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy pasta dishes to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with more time to relax after a hectic day. So, give these recipes a try, and enjoy a stress-free dinner that is as delightful to cook as it is to eat!