5 Easy Meals to Cook for Busy Weeknights

5 Easy Meals to Cook for Busy Weeknights

Do you often find yourself scrambling to figure out what to make for dinner on busy weeknights? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with these 5 easy meals that are not only quick and simple to make, but also healthy and delicious.

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

This dish only takes 20 minutes to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, while broccoli is loaded with vitamins and fiber. Plus, the combination of lemon and garlic adds a burst of flavor to this dish.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until pink and fully cooked.
4. Add the broccoli and sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and broccoli.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Bake

This meal is not only easy to make, but it only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, while chicken is a great source of lean protein.

Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
– 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, chopped onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Toss everything together until the chicken and sweet potatoes are coated in the seasoning.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

3. Cauliflower Fried Rice

This vegetarian dish is a great alternative to traditional fried rice that’s loaded with carbs. Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamin C, while the other vegetables add flavor and nutrients to the dish.

Ingredients:
– 1 head cauliflower, riced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side.
5. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
6. Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl

This vegan-friendly dish is packed with plant-based protein and nutrients from the black beans and quinoa. The addition of avocado and lime juice adds a fresh and flavorful touch to this dish.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 avocado, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped red bell pepper and jalapeño pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the black beans to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
5. Combine the cooked quinoa with the bean and pepper mixture.
6. Top with chopped avocado and lime juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also loaded with nutrients from the salmon and vegetables. The seasoning adds a burst of flavor to this dish.

Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets
– 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and red bell pepper with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them on top of the vegetable mixture.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked.

FAQs:

Q: Can I substitute the protein in these dishes with vegetarian options?
A: Yes, for example, you can use tofu instead of shrimp in the Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe or skip the chicken in the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Bake and add more vegetables.

Q: Are these dishes gluten-free?
A: Some of these meals are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of the ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
A: Some dishes, like the Cauliflower Fried Rice and Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl, can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to eat. However, the Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables and One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Bake are best served fresh out of the oven.