Question

What are some quick easy dinner recipes to make?

Answer 1

Sure! Here are some quick and easy dinner recipes that you can make:

1. One-Pot Pasta:

   • Ingredients:
     • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
     • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz/400g)
     • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
     • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
     • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
     • 1 teaspoon dried basil
     • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
   • Instructions:
     1. In a large pot or deep skillet, add the pasta, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
     2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly been absorbed (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
     3. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

2. Stir-Fry with Veggies and Protein:

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 lb (450g) protein of choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu), sliced
     • Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.), sliced
     • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
     • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
     • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
     • 2 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
     • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
   • Instructions:
     1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Marinate the sliced protein in this sauce for 10-15 minutes.
     2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds.
     3. Add the marinated protein and cook until it's almost done. Then, add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry until they're tender-crisp and the protein is fully cooked.
     4. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

3. Caprese Salad with Avocado:

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
     • 1 avocado, diced
     • 4 oz (120g) fresh mozzarella, diced
     • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
     • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
     • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Instructions:
     1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
     2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
     3. Toss everything gently to combine and serve as a refreshing salad.

4. Quesadillas:

   • Ingredients:
     • 4 large flour tortillas
     • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or cooked black beans (for a vegetarian option)
     • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
     • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
     • 1/2 cup diced onions
     • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
     • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Cooking spray or butter for the skillet
   • Instructions:
     1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken or black beans with diced bell peppers, onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
     2. Place one tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
     3. Spoon half of the chicken or black bean mixture on top of the cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
     4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
     5. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

5. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes:

   • Ingredients:
     • 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, etc.)
     • 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
     • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
     • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Instructions:
     1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
     2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with basil pesto until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
     3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese.
     4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

These are just a few ideas for quick and easy dinners. You can customize these recipes with your favorite ingredients and get creative in the kitchen. Happy cooking!