5 Quick and Delicious Dinner Ideas for Tonight

Finding the perfect quick and delicious dinner can be a challenge, especially after a long day. Here are five easy recipes that will help you put a scrumptious meal on the table in no time.

Meta Description

Discover 5 quick and delicious dinner ideas perfect for busy nights. Easy recipes include Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Vegetarian Tacos, Teriyaki Salmon, and more.

Content

1. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

2. Vegetarian Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: avocado, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

Preparation:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
4. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the bean and vegetable mixture. Add your favorite toppings and serve.

3. Teriyaki Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Preparation:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets, reserving some for serving.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve over cooked rice with extra teriyaki sauce.

4. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the rice and stir to coat in the butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the chicken broth, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the shrimp to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

5. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and place them in a baking dish.
6. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

A: Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them when ready to serve.

Q: Are there vegetarian options?

A: Yes, the Vegetarian Tacos and One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice are great vegetarian-friendly options. You can also modify other recipes by substituting meat with plant-based alternatives.

Q: Can I use different ingredients?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipes with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.

Conclusion

These quick and delicious dinner ideas are perfect for any night when you need a fast, home-cooked meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a variety of flavorful dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your meals!