5 Easy and Delicious Recipes for Busy Weeknights

 

Quick and Tasty Meal Ideas for Busy Weeknights

For many people, weeknights are a time of chaos and stress. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and other obligations, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to cook a healthy and delicious meal. However, eating well is important for our physical and mental health, so it's essential to have some quick and easy recipes on hand for those busy nights.

In this article, we'll share five recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. These meals are all easy to make, require minimal prep time, and are packed with flavour and nutrition. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, these recipes will help you simplify your weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste or quality.

Recipe 1: One-Pan Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a great option for busy weeknights because they're quick to make and can be customised with whatever ingredients you have on hand. This one-pan chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a healthy and delicious meal that can be made in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for serving

Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the peppers, onion, broccoli, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Tips for customisation:
- Use any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms.
- Swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

Recipe 2: Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Pasta is a classic weeknight meal, but it can get boring if you always make the same sauce. This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve over the cooked spaghetti with Parmesan cheese.

Tips for customisation:
- Use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or fettuccine.
- Add some protein with cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Recipe 3: Oven Tray Salmon and Roasted Vegetables

Oven tray meals are a great option for busy weeknights because they require minimal prep time and can be customised with whatever ingredients you have on hand. This oven tray salmon and roasted vegetables is a healthy and delicious meal that can be made in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (180degC).
2. Place the salmon fillets on an oven tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the potatoes, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes around the salmon on the oven tray.
5. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips for customisation:
- Use any type of fish you like, such as tilapia or cod.
- Swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, such as aubergine or bell peppers.
- Add some flavour with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker meals are perfect for busy weeknights because you can set them up in the morning and come home to a hot and delicious meal in the evening. This slow cooker beef stew is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with crusty bread.

Tips for customisation:
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use any type of meat you like, such as chicken or pork.
- Add some extra vegetables, such as potatoes or mushrooms.

Recipe 5: Easy Homemade Pizza with Fresh Toppings

Pizza is a favourite weeknight meal for many people, but ordering takeout can be expensive and unhealthy. This easy homemade pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza at home without breaking the bank.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or pepperoni)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (220degC).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add your desired toppings.
6. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Slice and serve.

Tips for customisation:
- Use any toppings you like, such as pineapple or bacon.
- Make it healthier by using whole wheat pizza dough and adding lots of veggies.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goats cheese.

Simplify Your Weeknight Dinners with These Delicious Recipes

Cooking healthy and delicious meals during busy weeknights doesn't have to be a chore. With these five recipes, you can simplify your dinner routine without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you're in the mood for stir-fry, pasta, salmon, beef stew, or pizza, these recipes are sure to please. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the weeknight rush, give one of these recipes a try and enjoy a tasty and stress-free meal.

Published with permission from our friends at VUUWS Magazine