These simple weeknight dinners will help you quickly make a meal for your busy schedule! During the weeknights, it is hard to come up with healthy fulfilling dinners with school, work, sports practice, and other appointments. If you are like me, I am always thinking about what we are going to have for dinner. I try to keep it as easy as possible but always feel guilty when the dinners are not as healthy or wholesome as I would like.
Quick Side Dish Suggestions for Simple Weeknight Dinners
- salad
- apple slices
- apple sauce
- angel hair pasta
- rice
- sweet potato sliced
- packaged fries
- garlic bread
- canned corn
- canned peas
- sliced baked zucchini
- sliced baked squash
- raw sugar snap peas
- store-bought potato salad
- store-bought cole slaw
- macaroni and cheese
- green beans
- broccoli
- chips
Here are some simple yet flavorful weeknight recipes that include 5 ingredients or less to make your weeknights easier and your grocery list shorter!
1. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
This creamy garlic mushroom chicken recipe is the perfect addition to your simple weeknight dinners rotation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying simple weeknight dinner in no time.
Start by heating some oil in a pan and seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Next, add some sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them until they’re tender and golden.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, until fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the cream! Pour in some heavy cream and stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and bubbly.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the top.
Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve with a side salad and enjoy!
2. Soy Glazed Salmon
Simply marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for about 15 minutes and then pan-sear it until flaky.
The result is a perfectly caramelized, sweet and savory salmon that will have your taste buds dancing.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added flavor and beauty!
Side dish suggestions include roasted potatoes, broccoli, or lo mein for one of the very tastiest simple weeknight dinners.
3. 5 Simple Weeknight Dinners: Cheesy Baked Tortellini
If you’re looking for a comfort food that’s easy to make, look no further than cheesy baked tortellini. This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
To make this dish, start by boiling a package of cheese tortellini according to the instructions on the package. I love Rana tortellini! I always try to buy as many as I can when it is on sale!
Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and place it in a baking dish.
Then, pour a jar of your favorite marinara sauce over the tortellini, making sure to coat it evenly.
Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Caprese Stuffed Avocado
This recipe of the 5 simple weeknight dinners only requires a handful of fresh ingredients and can be put together in just a few minutes.
To start, slice a ripe avocado in half and remove the pit.
Next, fill the center cavity of each avocado half with a mix of diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Yum!
5. 5 Simple Weeknight Dinners: One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake
Another simple and delicious recipe option to add to your weeknight repertoire is the One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
To make this dish, simply chop up your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and toss them onto a baking sheet with some sliced sausage. Drizzle a little olive oil and some seasoning over the top, and pop it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.
The best part about this recipe is that it only requires one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Swap out the sausage for chicken or tofu, or switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand.
Serve the One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake alongside a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Dinner time doesn’t have to be stressful.
These 5 ingredients or less weeknight recipes are a game-changer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can impress your family and save time in the kitchen. So go ahead, try them out and find your favorite. Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to cooking. Happy cooking!
Check out my other blog posts for creative ways to make dinner on a budget:
[…] 5 Simple Weeknight Dinners with 5 Ingredients or Less […]
[…] 5 Simple Weeknight Dinners with 5 Ingredients or Less […]