10+ Quick Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When you’re pressed for time, quick recipes can save the day. You can prepare these meals in 30 minutes or less, making it easy for you to enjoy homemade dishes even on busy nights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for family and friends, quick recipes provide a satisfying solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to cook delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen is essential. With a variety of simple and easy-to-follow recipes, you can whip up everything from hearty dinners to tasty snacks in no time. So, let’s explore how quick recipes can fit into your busy lifestyle while still pleasing your palate.

1) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are tasty and easy to make. They are crispy chicken strips that you can enjoy with many sides or in a wrap. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner and takes just about 30 minutes to prepare.

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Use fresh chicken breast, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings. These bites are a great alternative to store-bought options.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: garlic powder or paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
3. Season the strips with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each strip into the egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
5. Place the strips on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

2) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a simple and warming recipe. It’s perfect for a quick meal on a chilly day. You will enjoy its creamy texture without needing cream.

To prepare this dish, start by cooking leeks and potatoes in butter until they soften. Then add vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer. Purée the mixture until it’s smooth, and season to taste.

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make. You can serve it topped with herbs or crispy bacon if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs or bacon for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and potatoes. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Purée the soup using an immersion blender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with toppings if desired.

3) Broccoli and Stilton Soup

This Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a quick and delicious meal. It blends the fresh taste of broccoli with rich Stilton cheese, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll find this soup easy to prepare, even on busy days. Just a few steps will lead you to a tasty bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 8 oz (225 g) potatoes
• 1 lb (450 g) broccoli
• 4 teaspoons butter
• 3 ½ cups (850 ml) vegetable stock
• 4 oz (115 g) Stilton cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the onion and sauté it in butter for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the pot.
4. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the Stilton cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

4) Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are a tasty and easy side dish. They are perfect for casual dinners or gatherings. With just a few ingredients, you can make them crispy and delicious.

Start by cutting the potatoes into wedge shapes. You can leave the skin on for added flavor. Toss them with oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings.

Bake the wedges at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. When they are golden and crispy, they’re ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Your choice of seasonings (like garlic powder or paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut potatoes into wedges.
3. In a bowl, mix potatoes with olive oil, salt, and seasonings.
4. Spread wedges on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Enjoy your crispy potato wedges!

5) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful dish that is easy to make. It involves marinating chicken pieces in a yogurt-based sauce with spices. This dish is both juicy and delicious, perfect for a quick dinner.

You can use chicken thighs or breasts. Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps all the flavors soak in. If you’re short on time, even a quick marinade works well.

To cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through. For an even better taste, you can use a grill or air fryer.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori spice, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and salt.
2. Coat the chicken in the marinade.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

6) Stir-fry Vegetable Noodles

Stir-fry vegetable noodles are a quick and delicious meal option. You can customize this dish with your favorite veggies and protein. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a mix of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) noodles
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Add vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in cooked noodles and soy sauce. Mix well for 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

7) 10-Minute Quesadillas

Making quesadillas is quick and simple. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients. They are perfect for a quick meal any day of the week.

For a basic quesadilla, you will need tortillas, cheese, and a filling. Popular fillings include beans, veggies, or leftover meat. Heat a skillet on medium (about 350°F or 180°C).

Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle cheese on one half. Add your chosen filling and fold the tortilla over. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden.

These quesadillas are tasty and filling. Serve them warm with salsa or guacamole for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

• 1 large flour tortilla
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup cooked beans (black or pinto)
• Optional: veggies, meat, or salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet on medium (350°F or 180°C).
2. Place the tortilla in the skillet.
3. Sprinkle cheese on one half.
4. Add beans and any other filling.
5. Fold the tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

8) One-pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

This One-pot Cajun Chicken and Rice is a tasty and easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful. You’ll enjoy juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and seasoned rice all cooked together in one pot.

Gather your ingredients, and you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. The Cajun spices give it a nice kick, making it exciting for your taste buds. Plus, you won’t have a lot of dishes to wash afterward since everything cooks in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
• 1 cup andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken thighs and sausage, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in bell pepper and onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add rice and Cajun seasoning, mixing well.
5. Pour in chicken broth, cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

9) Cheeseburger Nachos

Cheeseburger nachos are a fun and tasty twist on your favorite burger. You can whip them up quickly for a snack or as a meal. Start with your favorite tortilla chips for a crunchy base.

Brown some ground beef in a pan. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. Once cooked, layer the beef over the chips on a baking dish.

Next, add cheese. You can use shredded cheddar or a cheddar sauce. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Top with your choice of diced pickles and drizzle with ketchup or mustard for that classic cheeseburger taste. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a pan.
3. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Layer the tortilla chips in a baking dish.
5. Add the cooked beef on top of the chips.
6. Sprinkle cheese over the beef.
7. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. Top with pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
9. Enjoy!

10) Tuna Mornay Jacket Potatoes

Tuna Mornay Jacket Potatoes are a tasty and quick meal. You can easily prepare them with just a few ingredients. The creamy filling makes them extra delicious.

Start by baking large potatoes until they are soft. While they bake, mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, corn, and cheese. This will create a wonderful filling for your potatoes.

Once the potatoes are ready, scoop out some of the insides and mix it with your tuna mixture. Then, stuff the potatoes and top them with more cheese. Bake again until the cheese melts and is golden.

These jacket potatoes are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They are satisfying and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 370 g canned tuna in olive oil
• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup corn kernels
• 1/3 cup cheese, grated
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes until soft.
3. In a bowl, mix tuna, Greek yogurt, corn, and cheese.
4. Scoop out some potato from the baked potatoes.
5. Combine the scooped potato with the tuna mixture.
6. Stuff the potatoes with the filling.
7. Top with extra cheese.
8. Bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted.