5 Easy Weeknight Dinners Under 30 Minutes for Busy Families

Finding time to cook a nutritious meal on weeknights can be a challenge, especially for busy families. The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make delicious and satisfying meals. Here are five easy dinners you can prepare in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings!

1. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Who doesn’t love a meal that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup? One-pan chicken fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and come together in just half an hour.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• Bell peppers and onions (sliced)
• Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chicken, peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

This dish is perfect for taco Tuesdays or any night when you’re craving something Mexican-inspired!

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2. 15-Minute Stir-Fried Shrimp and Vegetables

If you’re looking for something fast and packed with protein, shrimp stir-fry is an excellent option. Shrimp cook quickly, and when paired with fresh vegetables, you have a complete meal in no time.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Broccoli, snap peas, and carrots
• Soy sauce and sesame oil
• Garlic and ginger (minced)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Toss in the shrimp and vegetables, stir-frying until the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are tender (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

Pro tip: Buy frozen, pre-peeled shrimp to save even more time!

3. Quick and Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

Who can resist a comforting pasta dish? This creamy pasta is both light and satisfying, thanks to the addition of fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Fresh spinach
• Cream cheese or heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, sauté cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil until they soften.
3. Add fresh spinach and stir until it wilts.
4. Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream to create a sauce, then toss with the cooked pasta.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

This dish is perfect for picky eaters, as it sneaks in some veggies while still feeling indulgent.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a takeout favorite that you can whip up at home in less than 30 minutes! Plus, it’s much healthier than ordering in.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak)
• Broccoli florets
• Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a dash of honey
• Garlic and cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Toss the beef in a little cornstarch to get that crispy texture.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef over high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the beef, then stir-fry the broccoli until tender.
4. Add the beef back to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture (soy, hoisin, honey), and toss everything together.

Serve this delicious stir-fry over steamed rice for a complete meal.

5. Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans and Corn

For a vegetarian option that’s quick and full of flavor, these black bean and corn tacos are the way to go. They're simple, yet packed with nutrients and bold Mexican flavors.

Ingredients:

• Black beans (canned)
• Corn (fresh or canned)
• Taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Avocado, cilantro, and lime for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat black beans and corn in a skillet with taco seasoning.
2. Warm up tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
3. Assemble tacos by spooning the black bean mixture into the tortillas.
4. Top with diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

These tacos are quick and budget-friendly, making them perfect for a busy weeknight.

When life gets busy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ordering takeout or pre-packaged meals. However, with these five easy weeknight dinners, you can prepare fresh, flavorful meals in under 30 minutes. Whether you prefer something hearty like beef and broccoli stir-fry or a lighter option like vegetarian tacos, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time—without the stress!

So the next time you’re in a pinch, try one of these recipes and enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s quick, nutritious, and delicious!

In this Video you will find New Options for Quick and Easy Dinners

Source: Julia Pacheco

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