My friend Jessica always struggled with getting dinner on the table after long workdays. But she discovered these simple recipes that transformed her evenings from stressful to satisfying.
Now she’s excited to share her favorite quick and tasty meals that any busy mom can master.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipes |
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes from Simple Home Edit.
Cooking Time: 1 h 15 min.
Rating: 5.
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One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce from Little Spice Jar.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Rating: 4.9.
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Easy, Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken from The Kitchn.
Cooking Time: 26 min.
Rating: 4.5.
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Source: Google.com
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This zesty chicken dish is a weeknight wonder. Simply toss chicken breasts, lemon slices, minced garlic, and your favorite veggies into a single baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and pop it in the oven. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze with only one pan to wash!
2. 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta
15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipes |
15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta from Delicious by Design.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Rating: 4.7.
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Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp from Cafe Delites.
Cooking Time: 4 min.
Rating: 4.9.
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15 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta from Carol Bee Cooks.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
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Source: Google.com
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Pasta night just got easier! Boil your favorite pasta shape while you simmer a quick tomato sauce. Blend canned tomatoes with cream cheese for an instant creamy sauce. Toss in some fresh basil and grated Parmesan, and dinner is served. This comforting meal comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout.
3. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipes |
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas from Tastes Better From Scratch.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Rating: 5.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas from Allrecipes.
Cooking Time: 1 h 5 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas from EatingWell.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Rating: 4.9.
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Source: Google.com
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Spice up your routine with these colorful fajitas. Slice bell peppers, onions, and chicken or beef into strips. Spread them on a sheet pan, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, and roast until sizzling. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. It’s a hands-off meal that feels like a fiesta!
4. 5-Ingredient Chili
5-Ingredient Chili Recipes |
5-Ingredient Easy Chili from Gimme Some Oven.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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Easy 5-Ingredient Chili from Allrecipes.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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5 Ingredient Chili Recipe + Video from The Slow Roasted Italian.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Rating: 5.
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Source: Google.com
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This hearty chili is perfect for chilly evenings. Brown some ground beef, then add canned beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Let it simmer while you unwind from your day. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a cozy bowl of comfort food. Garnish with cheese and sour cream for extra indulgence.
5. Crispy Baked Fish Sticks
Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipes |
Homemade Crispy Baked Fish Sticks from Ambitious Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Rating: 4.7.
Ingredients: Cod, olive oil, milk, eggs, cayenne pepper.
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Fish Sticks Recipe (Baked) from The Cookie Rookie.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Rating: 4.7.
Ingredients: Tartar sauce, cod fillets, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, olive oil.
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Baked Fish Sticks from Kevin Is Cooking.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Lemon pepper seasoning, tartar sauce, panko bread crumbs, cod fillets, butter.
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Source: Google.com
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Skip the freezer aisle and make these homemade fish sticks instead. Cut white fish fillets into strips, dip in beaten egg, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy. Serve with a quick tartar sauce made from mayo, pickle relish, and lemon juice. Your kids will love this healthier twist on a classic favorite.
6. Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
Veggie-Packed Quesadillas Recipes |
Veg-Packed Quesadilla from BOSH!. |
Easy Veggie Quesadillas from Gimme Some Oven.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Sweet potato, black beans, sour cream, flour tortillas, bell pepper.
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The Best Vegetable Quesadillas from Inspired Taste.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Corn tortillas, mushrooms, bell pepper, smoked paprika, monterey jack.
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Source: Google.com
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These quesadillas are a sneaky way to add more veggies to your family’s diet. Sauté a mix of finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach. Spread the veggie mixture and shredded cheese between tortillas, then cook in a skillet until crispy and melted. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping. It’s a fun, handheld meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
7. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipes |
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork from Slow Cooker Gourmet.
Cooking Time: 4 h 15 min.
Rating: 5.
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Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork from Allrecipes.
Cooking Time: 5 h 15 min.
Rating: 4.5.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork from NYT Cooking – The New York Times.
Rating: 4.
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Source: Google.com
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Let your slow cooker do the work with this tender pulled pork. Place a pork shoulder in the crock pot with your favorite BBQ sauce, sliced onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours while you’re at work. When you get home, shred the meat and serve on buns with coleslaw. It’s like having a backyard barbecue any day of the week!
8. 10-Minute Greek Salad
10-Minute Greek Salad Recipes |
10-Minute Greek Cucumber Salad from Mary’s Whole Life.
Rating: 5.
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Greek Chickpea Salad from Crowded Kitchen.
Rating: 4.9.
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Easy Peasy Greek Salad from Easy Peasy Foodie. |
Source: Google.com
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For a light and refreshing meal, try this quick Greek salad. Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, then toss with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives. Drizzle with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. It’s a cool and crisp dinner that’s perfect for warm evenings.
9. Breakfast-for-Dinner Frittata
Breakfast-for-Dinner Frittata Recipes |
Elevated Breakfast For Dinner Frittata from Eggs.ca.
Cooking Time: 17 min.
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Frittata Recipe, plus 5 Variations from Love and Lemons.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Rating: 5.
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48 frittata recipes that are great hot and cold from Delicious. |
Source: Google.com
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Turn breakfast favorites into a satisfying dinner with this versatile frittata. Whisk eggs with milk, then pour over a mixture of cooked potatoes, veggies, and cheese in an oven-safe skillet. Bake until set and golden. You can customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
10. 3-Ingredient Pesto Chicken
3-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Recipes |
3-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Breast from iFoodReal.com.
Cooking Time: 24 min.
Rating: 5.
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Baked Pesto Chicken (3-Ingredient) from Eatwell101.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
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4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake from Simply Sissom.
Cooking Time: 35 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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Source: Google.com
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This recipe is almost too easy to be true. Spread store-bought pesto over chicken breasts, top with sliced mozzarella, and bake until the cheese is bubbly. The result is a flavorful, Italian-inspired dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Pair it with a simple side of roasted vegetables or pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
11. No-Bake Energy Balls
No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes |
No Bake Energy Bites from Gimme Some Oven.
Rating: 4.9.
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No-Bake Energy Bites from Allrecipes.
Rating: 4.8.
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Energy Balls from Well Plated by Erin.
Rating: 4.9.
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Source: Google.com
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End your meal on a sweet note with these wholesome treats. Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and your choice of add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. Roll into balls and chill until firm. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or packing in lunchboxes. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
With these easy recipes in your arsenal, you’ll never have to stress about dinner again. From one-pan wonders to slow cooker saviors, there’s something here for every taste and schedule.