24+ Simple Main Dishes You Can Whip Up in No Time! Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals
When life gets busy, cooking can sometimes feel like a chore. But what if I told you that delicious meals can be prepared without a lot of fuss? Here’s a collection of tasty dishes that will have you enjoying a home-cooked meal in no time!
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
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This dish is a delightful blend of tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The cooking technique involves sautéing and boiling, which makes it both quick and simple.
8 oz spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is loved for its incredible flavor that feels gourmet yet is super easy to make. The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner!
Ingredients: Chicken tenders, taco seasoning, red bell pepper, avocado oil, green pepper
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Spicy, colorful, and full of flavor, these fajitas come together in one pan for easy cleanup. You’ll be baking and sautéing your way to a delicious meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tsp fajita seasoning
Tortillas (for serving)
Olive oil
These One-Pan Chicken Fajitas are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and onions make the dish visually appealing, while the spices bring the heat that makes every bite exciting!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Baby corn, broccoli, rice, zucchini, soy sauce Total Time: 16 min.
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This colorful dish is a fantastic way to pack in a variety of vegetables, all tossed together in a quick stir-fry. Using high heat helps to keep the veggies crunchy and full of flavor.
2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Vegetable Stir-Fry is celebrated for being both healthy and quick, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce waste!
Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes. This dish is baked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist.
2 chicken breasts
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Caprese Stuffed Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic salad, bringing all those fresh flavors into a hearty main dish. It’s not only tasty but also visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing dinner guests!
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, white corn tortillas, avocado, chili powder Total Time: 22 min.
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These tacos come together in a flash, with seasoned ground beef and all your favorite toppings wrapped in soft tortillas. The cooking method is simple: just sauté and assemble!
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
Tortillas
Chopped lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Sour cream (optional)
Quick Beef Tacos are a family favorite, perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you crave something delicious. The best part? Everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings, making it a fun meal for everyone!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Salmon, garlic powder, black pepper, melted butter Total Time: 20 min.
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This dish features tender salmon fillets baked to perfection, enhanced with lemon and herbs. Baking is a gentle cooking method that locks in moisture and flavor.
2 salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
Easy Baked Salmon is praised for its health benefits and incredible taste, making it a winner in any household. It’s quick to prepare, and the citrusy flavor brightens up the dish, making it feel light and refreshing!
These quesadillas are packed with gooey cheese and a medley of colorful veggies, all melted to perfection. The cooking method involves pan-frying, giving them a crispy exterior and a deliciously melty inside.
4 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup mixed vegetables (like spinach, peppers, and onions)
Olive oil
Cheesy Vegetable Quesadillas are not only quick to whip up, but they also make for a fabulous lunch or light dinner option. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them a versatile dish that everyone will love!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 5 ingredients 15 minutes.
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This hearty chili combines ground meat, beans, and spices, simmered to create a comforting bowl of warmth. The best part? You can make it in one pot!
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Simple Chili is a go-to for chilly nights, known for its robust flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the flavors only get better with time!
This dish features tofu cubes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, tossed with vibrant veggies and a spicy garlic sauce. The technique used here is a combination of frying and stir-frying, which adds depth to the flavors.
14 oz firm tofu, cubed
2 cups mixed vegetables (like snap peas and bell peppers)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chili paste
Cooked rice (for serving)
Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry is a fantastic choice for a quick vegetarian meal that still packs a punch. It’s not just about the heat; the garlic adds a beautiful depth of flavor that’s hard to resist!
