Top Quick Dinner Ideas for Weeknight Meals with Recipes-Education Blogs

Are you tired of the same old dinner ideas every night? Do you try to make quick, easy, and healthy meals for your family during the week? We know how stressful it can be to find new and exciting dinner ideas that don't take forever to make. That is why we have created a list of the top 10 quick dinner ideas with recipes for weeknight meals that are not only delicious but also easy to make.

Top Quick Dinner Ideas for

Weeknight Meals with Recipes

Table of Contents

• One-Pan Chicken and Veggies
• Shrimp Scampi Linguine
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
• Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• Baked Teriyaki Salmon
• Greek Chicken Salad
• Turkey Chili
• Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa Bowl
• Veggie Fried Rice
• Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

One-Pan Chicken and Veggies

For a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal, try this one-pan chicken and veggies recipe. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then stack them in a baking dish with carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is done and the veggies are soft.

Here is the recipe for One-Pan Chicken and Veggies:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in the center of a large baking dish.
3. Add the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans to the dish, arranging them around the chicken.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and veggies, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
5. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and easy One-Pan Chicken and Veggies!

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

This classic Italian dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Cook linguine according to the package instructions, then sauté shrimp in garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Here is the recipe for Shrimp Scampi Linguine:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
4. Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through.
6. Pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced and thickened.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
9. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and toss again to distribute.
10. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Shrimp Scampi Linguine!

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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan dinners are a great way to make a complete meal with minimal cleanup. For this recipe, simply toss sliced chicken, onions, and bell peppers in a mixture of olive oil and fajita seasoning, and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Serve with warm tortillas, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Here's a recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8-10 small tortillas

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sliced bell peppers, and onion.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables and sprinkle the spice mixture on top.
6. Toss everything together to evenly coat with the spices.
7. Spread the chicken and vegetables out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
9. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken and vegetables.
10. Warm up tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
11. Serve the fajitas with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole.

Enjoy your delicious Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas!

This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a flavorful and healthy meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

A warm and comforting classic, tomato soup with grilled cheese is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Heat up a can of tomato soup, then stir in some heavy cream for a creamy texture. Make a grilled cheese sandwich with your favorite bread and cheese, and serve it with the soup.

here is the recipe for Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cans (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, with their juice
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of bread
• 8 slices of cheddar cheese
• Butter, for grilling

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
8. Butter one side of each slice of bread then places a slice of cheddar cheese on the other side of 4 of the slices.
9. Top the cheese with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing up.
10. Grill the sandwiches in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
11. Serve the soup hot with the grilled cheese sandwiches on the side for a delicious and comforting meal.

Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese!

Baked Teriyaki Salmon

This simple and healthy baked teriyaki salmon recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option. Marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, then bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with steamed vegetables and brown rice for a complete meal.

Here is the recipe for Baked Teriyaki Salmon:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, mirin, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add the mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce has thickened further.
5. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin-side down.
6. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets, making sure they are coated evenly.
7. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
8. Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve the Baked Teriyaki Salmon hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Teriyaki Salmon!

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Greek Chicken Salad

For a healthy and refreshing dinner option, try this Greek chicken salad recipe. Marinate chicken breasts in Greek dressing, then grill or bake them until cooked through. Serve on top of a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with more Greek dressing for added flavor.

Here is the recipe for Greek Chicken Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the chopped chicken to the bowl of salad ingredients and pour the dressing over the top.
4. Toss the salad until all of the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
5. Serve the Greek Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional feta cheese and parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Salad!

Turkey Chili

Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This turkey chili recipe is healthy and easy to make. Simply brown ground turkey in a pot with onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes and serve with your favorite toppings.

Here's a recipe for Turkey Chili:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the pot with the turkey and cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
3. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the chili to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have blended and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the chili is too thick, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out.
6. Serve the turkey chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and diced avocado.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty turkey chili!

Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa Bowl

This vegetarian and gluten-free mushroom and spinach quinoa bowl is a quick and healthy dinner option. Cook quinoa according to the package instructions, then sauté mushrooms, spinach, and garlic. Top the quinoa with the sautéed vegetables and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Here's a recipe for a Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa Bowl:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they have released their moisture and are tender.
4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has wilted.
5. When the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide the quinoa between 4 bowls, then top each bowl with the mushroom and spinach mixture.

Serve the mushroom and spinach quinoa bowls hot and enjoy!

This recipe is a nutritious and delicious vegetarian meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Veggie Fried Rice

This vegetarian recipe is a quick and simple way to use up any cooked rice. Just cook some cut vegetables in a pan with olive oil and soy sauce, like carrots, peas, and chilies. With the use of rice and fried eggs, you have a tasty and filling supper ready in minutes.

Here's a recipe for Veggie Fried Rice:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
2. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until it's slightly browned.
3. Add the frozen vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cooked rice and toss everything together until the rice is heated through.
6. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Move the rice mixture to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked and then mix them in with the rice mixture.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your Vegetable Fried Rice as a main dish or as a side dish with your favorite Asian-style foods.

This dish is quick and simple to make, and it's a good way to use rice and vegetables. It's a healthy and full dish that can be catered to with different vegetables, meats, and spices.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Stir fries are a good way to use up any extra vegetables in your freezer. Only stir-fry some cut chicken and vegetables with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for this recipe. For a full meal, serve with rice or noodles.

Here's a recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
2. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until it's cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and onion to the same pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir everything together.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry over rice or noodles.

This recipe is simple to make and serves a healthy and tasty meal that is ideal for busy weeknights. You can add more vegetables or swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu. The sauce is the main part of this meal, so feel free to change the sweetness to taste. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry!

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