**Simple and Truly Easy Dinner Recipes**
Preparing dinner shouldn’t be a daunting task, especially when time is limited. Here, we present a selection of straightforward and delicious dinner recipes that are truly easy to make. These recipes are designed to streamline your cooking process without sacrificing taste or nutrition, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.
### 1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
**Ingredients*
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150g) broccoli florets
- 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup (75g) sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions*
1. In a large pot or skillet, combine pasta, broth, heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
### 2. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
**Ingredients*
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions*
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Place chicken breasts in the center of the baking sheet. Arrange potatoes and asparagus around the chicken.
3. Drizzle olive oil over everything. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Toss vegetables to coat.
4. Place lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and vegetables are tender, stirring vegetables halfway through cooking.
6. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
### 3. Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
**Ingredients*
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (150g) cooked rice
- 1 cup (150g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150g) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup (150g) salsa
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving
**Instructions*
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bell pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning mix, cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
4. Spoon the taco filling evenly into each bell pepper half, packing it down slightly.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender.
6. Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
### Conclusion
These easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy individuals and families looking to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you opt for a creamy one-pot pasta, a flavorful sheet pan chicken dish, or hearty taco stuffed peppers, these recipes promise simplicity and satisfaction. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a tasty dinner any night of the week, leaving more time to relax and enjoy your mealtime with loved ones.
#dinner