10+ Easy Cooking Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Cooking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially when you have simple recipes to follow. Easy cooking recipes allow you to create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or just looking to simplify your meal prep, these recipes can help you whip up tasty dishes in no time.

You may find joy in trying new flavors or cooking classic comfort foods. The best part is that these recipes often require minimal ingredients and time, making it easier for you to enjoy home-cooked meals.

Let’s explore how easy cooking can fit into your routine!

1) Quick Stir-fry Vegetables

Making a quick stir-fry is simple and fun. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your chopped vegetables and stir them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them bright and tender but still a bit crisp.

For flavor, mix soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Pour it over the cooked vegetables and stir for about 2 more minutes, letting the sauce coat everything nicely.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir for 5-7 minutes.
3. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
4. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir for 2 more minutes.

2) Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Making an easy chicken pot pie is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can use leftover chicken or even store-bought rotisserie chicken.

The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and a tasty sauce makes it a comforting dish.

You will need a flaky crust that can be store-bought or homemade. Frozen mixed vegetables and simple seasonings add flavor and texture.

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pre-made pie crust (or 2 for top and bottom)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, vegetables, soup, and spices.
3. Pour the mixture into a pie crust in a pie dish.
4. Cover with another crust, sealing the edges. Make a few slits on top.
5. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. Enjoy your tasty pie!

3) Simple Baked Salmon

Baking salmon is easy and quick. This dish is healthy and full of flavor. You will love how the lemon and garlic enhance the taste.

To start, gather your ingredients. Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper on top.
4. Lay lemon slices on each fillet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy your tasty and flaky baked salmon!

4) One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can load it with fresh vegetables and enjoy a creamy sauce.

This recipe usually takes about 30 minutes to make. All the cooking happens in one pot, which makes cleanup easy. You’ll love the variety of colors and flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup cream or a plant-based alternative
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and stir for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
6. Stir in cream, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

5) Taco Salad Bowl

Taco salad bowls are a fun and easy meal you can make at home. They are perfect for lunch or dinner and can be customized to your taste.

Start with a tortilla bowl. You can make one by baking a flour tortilla at 425°F (220°C) until it’s crispy. Just brush it with olive oil first.

Next, fill your bowl with fresh ingredients. Use lettuce, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings like salsa or sour cream.

This meal is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it great for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush the tortilla with olive oil and shape it into a bowl.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Remove the tortilla bowl and let it cool.
5. Fill with lettuce, ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

6) Classic Margherita Pizza

Making a classic Margherita pizza is simple and fun. You just need a few fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. The main toppings are tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.

Start with a pizza dough that you can either make from scratch or buy pre-made. For the sauce, you can use canned tomatoes or fresh marinara sauce.

Once you have your dough ready, spread the sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and add fresh basil leaves.

Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• 1 cup canned tomatoes or fresh marinara sauce
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough.
3. Spread the sauce on the dough.
4. Add mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

7) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and delicious. You only need a few ingredients to create a creamy, satisfying meal.

This recipe uses spaghetti, pancetta or bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors blend beautifully for a comforting dish.

Cooking Carbonara is quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 12 oz. spaghetti (or another long pasta)
• 4 oz. pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy.
3. Whisk eggs and mix in the Parmesan cheese.
4. Drain pasta and mix it with pancetta.
5. Remove from heat and add egg mixture, stirring quickly.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

8) Veggie Omelette

A veggie omelette is a simple and tasty breakfast option. It’s packed with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can use whatever veggies you like for a custom meal.

Start by whisking your eggs in a bowl.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. You can use around 300°F (150°C) for cooking. Add a little oil or butter, then sauté your chosen vegetables until they’re soft.

Pour the whisked eggs over the veggies. Cook until the edges are set, then gently fold the omelette in half. Let it cook for another minute. Your veggie omelette is now ready to serve!

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil or butter for cooking

Cooking Instructions:

1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Sauté the vegetables until soft.
4. Pour in the eggs and cook until edges set.
5. Fold the omelette and cook for another minute.

9) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a tasty and quick meal that you can whip up in no time. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and is loaded with flavor. You can make it with fresh vegetables and shrimp, making it nutritious and satisfying.

To start, gather your ingredients. This dish is usually ready in about 20 minutes. You’ll love how easy it is to make your own version that tastes even better than takeout.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the shrimp to the side and scramble the eggs in the skillet.
4. Add the cooked rice and mixed vegetables. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well.
6. Cook for another 3-4 minutes and serve hot.

10) Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a delicious and easy meal that you can whip up quickly. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or a fun Taco Tuesday.

You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them a hit with the whole family.

To make them, start by cooking lean ground beef in a skillet. Season the meat with taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Once the beef is cooked through, fill taco shells or tortillas with the meat. Top with ingredients like shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and guacamole.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Guacamole

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C).

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Then, drain excess fat and add taco seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Fill taco shells with beef and top with your favorite toppings.