In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a wholesome dinner can be a challenge. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, having a repertoire of Simple dinner recipes can make life much easier. These quick and delicious meal ideas are perfect for busy evenings, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange the chicken breasts, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Lay lemon slices on top of the chicken.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until golden.

3. Add red pepper flakes and the reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and parsley. Mix well, season with salt, and serve hot.

3. Easy Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 8 taco shells

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• Optional: sour cream and salsa

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Assemble tacos with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any additional toppings. Serve immediately.

4. Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.

3. Stir in soy sauce and ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

5. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 4 slices of bread

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 slices of cheese

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat the crushed tomatoes over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make grilled cheese sandwiches by spreading butter on the bread and toasting them with cheese in a skillet.

3. Serve the soup hot with grilled cheese on the side.

Tips for Simplifying Dinner Prep

• Plan Ahead: Create a weekly meal plan to reduce stress and save time.

• Keep it Simple: Use versatile ingredients like chicken, pasta, and vegetables.

• Batch Cooking: Prepare larger portions and save leftovers for another meal.

With these simple dinner recipes, you can whip up tasty and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Bon appétit!