Category: Dinner Recipes

  • 5 Easy Weeknight Recipes to Simplify Your Dinner Routine

    5 Easy Weeknight Recipes to Simplify Your Dinner Routine

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    Busy weeknights can make preparing dinner feel like a daunting task. To help ease the burden, we’ve compiled five quick, delicious, and family-friendly recipes that will have dinner on the table in no time. These dishes use simple ingredients and require minimal prep work, making them perfect for hectic schedules.


    1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

    Ingredients:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 cups baby carrots
    • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
    • 4 medium potatoes, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Arrange chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
    3. Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. Toss to coat.
    4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

    2. 15-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

    Instructions:

    1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
    2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
    3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
    4. Toss in vegetables and soy sauce, stir-frying for another 5 minutes.
    5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

    3. Creamy Tomato Pasta

    Ingredients:

    • 12 ounces penne pasta
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil, for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
    2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
    3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
    4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy.
    5. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and garnish with basil.

    4. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers click for sheet pans

    Ingredients:

    • 4 Italian sausages
    • 3 bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 large onion, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    2. Place sausages, bell peppers, and onions on a baking sheet.
    3. Drizzle with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
    4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until sausages are cooked through.

    5. Quick Beef Tacos

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 8 taco shells
    • 1 cup shredded lettuce
    • 1 cup shredded cheese
    • ½ cup diced tomatoes
    • Sour cream and salsa, for serving

    Instructions:

    1. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
    2. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook until well combined.
    3. Assemble tacos by filling shells with beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
    4. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

    Conclusion

    With these five easy recipes, you can create delicious weeknight meals without the stress. They’re versatile, quick to prepare, and sure to please the whole family. Enjoy your time at the dinner table instead of the kitchen!

  • Cozy and Comforting Easy Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup

    Cozy and Comforting Easy Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup

    Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of noodle soup, especially during the chilly months or when you’re feeling under the weather. This Easy Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also quick to prepare, thanks to a few pantry staples and frozen veggies. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, or you can make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using vegetable broth instead. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!


    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 onion, diced
    • 1 carton (32 oz) chicken or turkey broth
    • 4 cups water
    • 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor
    • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
    • 1 tsp turmeric
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 2 cups medium egg noodles
    • 1/2 bag (about 1 cup) frozen peas and carrots
    • 1/2 cup frozen broccoli
    • 1/4 cup half and half
    • Salt, to taste
    • Optional: 1-2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or turkey (if desired)

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Base:
      • In a large pot, combine the diced onion, chicken or turkey broth, and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
    2. Add Seasonings:
      • Stir in the Better Than Bouillon, chicken bouillon cubes, turmeric, onion powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    3. Cook the Vegetables:
      • Add the frozen peas, carrots, and broccoli to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
    4. Cook the Noodles:
      • Turn off the stovetop and stir in the egg noodles. Cover the pot and let the residual heat cook the noodles until tender (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    5. Incorporate the Protein (Optional):
      • If you’re using cooked chicken or turkey, stir it into the soup during the last 2-3 minutes of resting to warm through.
    6. Add Half and Half:
      • Stir in the 1/4 cup of half and half during the final minutes for a creamy finish.
    7. Adjust Seasonings:
      • Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You may also add more bouillon for a richer flavor if desired.
    8. Serve and Enjoy:
      • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

    Tips and Variations:

    • Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk toward the end for a creamy version of this soup.
    • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken or turkey.
    • Add Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme make great garnishes for added flavor.
    • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    This Easy Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Enjoy the warmth and comfort in every spoonful!

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