10+ Clean Easy Dinner Recipes for Stress-Free Weeknights
When you’re looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time, clean easy dinner recipes come to the rescue. These recipes help you prepare delicious dishes while sticking to healthy ingredients.
With a few simple steps and wholesome foods, you can enjoy a homemade dinner without the stress.
Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who wants a quick meal after a long day, clean eating options are perfect for you. They focus on fresh ingredients that are both nutritious and flavorful, making dinner a breeze.
You’ll discover how easy it is to whip up meals that everyone in your family will love.
1) One-Pan Protein Packed Pizza Bake
This One-Pan Protein Packed Pizza Bake is a great option for a quick and tasty dinner. You can enjoy all the pizza flavors without much fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying.
You will need chicken thighs, turkey pepperoni, and colorful bell peppers. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. The recipe comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 package nitrate-free turkey pepperoni
- 2 bell peppers
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet.
- Add the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers and turkey pepperoni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Top with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your meal!
2) Arroz Con Pollo Skillet
Arroz Con Pollo Skillet is a quick and tasty meal you can make on busy nights. This one-pan dish combines seasoned chicken and rice, creating a comforting meal for any day of the week.
You will enjoy the blend of spices like smoked paprika and oregano, which add great flavor to the chicken. The simplicity of cooking everything in one skillet makes clean-up a breeze.
Gather your ingredients, and you’ll be ready to impress your family with this delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 ½ cups rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the chicken in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Check if the rice is cooked, then serve hot.
3) Green Chicken Curry
Green chicken curry is a delicious and easy dinner idea. You can prepare it quickly using fresh ingredients. The bright flavors from the green curry paste and coconut milk make it a favorite.
To get started, gather some chicken, bell peppers, and Thai basil. You can also add baby corn for extra crunch. This meal is great for busy nights because it’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) baby corn
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
Cooking Instructions
- In a pan, heat the green curry paste in a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the bell pepper and baby corn.
- Cook for 10 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Top with fresh Thai basil before serving.
4) Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole
This Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for dinner or even brunch. You can easily prepare it with fresh ingredients.
You will need zucchini, corn, eggs, and your choice of cheese. This casserole comes together quickly and is both nutritious and filling. Baking it gives a wonderful flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup cheese (such as cheddar or feta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix zucchini, corn, and eggs.
- Add cheese, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden. Enjoy!
5) Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew
Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew is a tasty and filling meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with nutrients. You’ll love how quickly it comes together.
To start, mash some chickpeas for added texture. Heat olive oil in a pot and add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
Next, stir in the mashed chickpeas, broth, and tomato paste. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt. Season with your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. You can even double the recipe and freeze some for later.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Mash the chickpeas with a fork.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in the mashed chickpeas and broth.
- Add tomato paste and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6) Instant Pot Cabbage with Sausage
Making Instant Pot Cabbage with Sausage is a quick and tasty choice for dinner. It’s simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare everything in one pot.
Start by chopping your cabbage and onions. Then, add them to the pot with your choice of sausage. You can use smoked sausage or kielbasa for a great taste.
Season with salt and pepper, and add a bit of broth for moisture. Set the Instant Pot to cook for about 5 minutes on high pressure. When it’s done, you can enjoy a hearty meal with minimal clean-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Chop the cabbage and onion.
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release the pressure and serve warm.
7) Tomato Basil Salmon
Tomato Basil Salmon is a quick and delicious dinner option. It combines fresh salmon with vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
You can serve it with a side of sautéed spinach or a light salad. The flavors are refreshing and work well together. Plus, it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare.
To make it, you’ll need your favorite salmon fillets. Adding garlic and a splash of olive oil enhances the taste. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this tasty dish!
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on top and drizzle with more olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
8) Simple Lemon Herb Chicken
Simple Lemon Herb Chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can prepare in under 30 minutes. It uses a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start with chicken breasts, marinated in fresh lemon juice, herbs, and garlic. This combination keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. You can serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking this chicken is easy. You just need one pan, which means less cleanup. Enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until done (165°F / 74°C).
- Serve with your favorite sides.
9) Mexican Chicken Quinoa Salad
This Mexican Chicken Quinoa Salad is a tasty and healthy dinner option. It combines chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal. You will love the burst of flavors from the salsa, avocado, and jalapeños.
To make this salad, you start by cooking quinoa according to the package instructions. Then, chop your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, corn, and scallions.
Next, mix everything in a large bowl. Toss in cooked chicken, black beans, and diced avocado for creaminess.
It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and scallions.
- Stir in salsa and jalapeño if using.
- Gently fold in avocado.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!
10) Grilled Chicken with Pilaf and Beet Salad
For a delicious and healthy dinner, try grilled chicken with pilaf and beet salad. It’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Start by marinating your chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Then, grill the chicken to perfection.
In the meantime, prepare a fluffy pilaf using rice, broth, and diced vegetables for added taste.
For the beet salad, roast fresh beets until tender. Then, slice them and toss with arugula, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette. This combination creates a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and pilaf.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots)
- 2 medium beets
- 2 cups arugula
- ¼ cup goat cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
-
Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
-
Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side at 165°F (75°C).
-
Cook rice in chicken broth and add diced vegetables.
-
Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until tender.
-
Slice beets and mix with arugula and goat cheese.
-
Serve grilled chicken with pilaf and beet salad.
Enjoy!