Weeknights can be hectic, and finding time to cook a wholesome meal often feels impossible. But you don’t have to rely on takeout or frozen dinners! With the right ingredients and recipes, you can whip up a delicious, homemade meal in just 30 minutes. Here are five easy recipes that will help you save time without compromising on flavor.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan. Toss well and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
2. One-Pan Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in soy sauce and honey. Mix well.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
3. Taco Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the taco mixture into lettuce leaves. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.
4. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add mushrooms and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
5. 15-Minute Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Push veggies to one side of the pan and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble until cooked.
- Add cooked rice and mix everything together. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Toss well and cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Tags:
Recipes