Life can be hectic, especially during the week when balancing work, school, and extracurricular activities leaves little time for preparing dinner. The good news is that with a bit of planning and the right recipes, you can get a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Here are some of our favorite quick and easy dinner ideas that will save you time and keep your family satisfied.

1. Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced;
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots);
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce;
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce;
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil;
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening);
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced;
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger;
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving.

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat;
  2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes;
  3. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute;
  4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until tender;
  5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch with a bit of water. Pour over the chicken and vegetables;
  6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens;
  7. Serve over rice or noodles.

2. Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined;
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil;
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder;
  • 1 teaspoon cumin;
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder;
  • Salt and pepper, to taste;
  • 8 small corn tortillas;
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage;
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro;
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges;
  • Your favorite taco toppings (sour cream, avocado, salsa).

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper;
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes;
  3. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave;
  4. Assemble the tacos: place shrimp on each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and your favorite toppings;
  5. Serve with lime wedges.

3. One-Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice);
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved;
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth;
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced;
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced;
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano;
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil;
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese;
  • Salt and pepper, to taste;
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish.

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, oregano, and basil;
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced, about 10-12 minutes;
  3. Season with salt and pepper;
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese;
  5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

4. Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced;
  • 4 cups broccoli florets;
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce;
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce;
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch;
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced;
  • Cooked rice, for serving.

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with a bit of water;
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat;
  3. Add the steak and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes;
  4. Add garlic and cook for another minute;
  5. Add broccoli and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until tender;
  6. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens;
  7. Serve over cooked rice.

5. Veggie Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked and cooled rice;
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil;
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots;
  • 1 small onion, diced;
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced;
  • 2 eggs, beaten;
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce;
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil;
  • 2 green onions, chopped.

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat;
  2. Add onion and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes;
  3. Add peas and carrots, and cook for another 3-4 minutes;
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix with the vegetables;
  5. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, until heated through;
  6. Garnish with green onions and serve.

6. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken;
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce;
  • 4 large flour tortillas;
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend);
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion;
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro;
  • Sour cream and salsa, for serving.

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce;
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat;
  3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese over one half of the tortilla;
  4. Add half of the chicken mixture, red onion, and cilantro;
  5. Sprinkle with more cheese and fold the tortilla over;
  6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown;
  7. Repeat with the remaining tortilla and ingredients;
  8. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

These recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and satisfying, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With these meals, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family, enjoying delicious home-cooked dinners together.