Home | Food and Recipes | 5 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Weekdays
We all know the feeling—after a long day of work, school, or running errands, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But with a little planning and the right ingredients on hand, you can whip up delicious, satisfying meals in no time. Here are five quick and easy recipes that will save you time and energy on those busy weekdays.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies
This dish is a game-changer for busy nights. Everything is cooked on a single sheet pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. You can customize the veggies based on what you have in your fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, broccoli, or zucchini)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, drizzle the olive oil, then place the chicken pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add your chopped vegetables to the pan around the chicken.
- Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve everything from the pan and enjoy!
Why it’s great: Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and a tasty, balanced meal in under 40 minutes.
2. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
When you need something healthy and satisfying, a veggie stir-fry is always a win. Packed with flavor and easy to throw together, this dish comes together in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftovers work great!)
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked rice and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir to combine and heat through.
- If using, scramble the egg in a separate pan and add to the stir-fry.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for an added crunch.
Why it’s great: It’s flexible—you can use any veggies you have and the dish comes together in under 20 minutes.
3. 5-Minute Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best, and avocado toast is both nutritious and quick to prepare. Add a poached egg for extra protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the bread to your desired level of crispiness.
- While the bread is toasting, poach the eggs by cracking them into simmering water with a splash of vinegar. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk.
- Mash the avocado in a bowl, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread the mashed avocado onto the toast and top with the poached eggs.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a little extra flavor.
Why it’s great: It’s ready in less than 10 minutes and makes for a delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner.
4. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and this one-pot dish reduces cleanup time while incorporating plenty of fresh veggies.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Toss the cooked pasta back into the pot along with the spinach. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to make the sauce creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Why it’s great: This dish is a one-pot wonder, minimizing both cooking time and cleanup while delivering a flavorful, veggie-packed meal.
5. Quick Chicken Caesar Wraps
If you're craving something light yet filling, these chicken Caesar wraps are perfect for a busy weekday. They take just a few minutes to assemble and make for a great lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled, rotisserie, or leftovers)
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions:
- Shred or slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Lay the tortillas flat and divide the lettuce and chicken evenly between the two.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- If you like a bit of crunch, add a handful of croutons.
- Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides as you go, and slice them into wraps.
Why it’s great: A protein-packed, handheld meal that’s ready in minutes—perfect for busy days when you need something filling without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
Eating well on busy weekdays doesn’t have to be stressful. With these quick and easy recipes, you can enjoy homemade meals that are both nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for something healthy, hearty, or just a little indulgent, these recipes have got you covered. Happy cooking!