**Fast & Simple Dinner Recipes for Hectic Weeknights**

Life can get incredibly busy, leaving little time to prepare elaborate meals. Luckily, these quick and easy dinner recipes are here to save the day!

**1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera**

This one-pot wonder is a lifesaver on busy evenings. Simply toss pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce into a pot, and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. It's a colorful and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

**Ingredients*
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

**Instructions*
1. In a large pot, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add pasta, mixed vegetables, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

**2. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken**

Sheet pan dinners are a game-changer for busy weeknights. This lemon garlic chicken is juicy and flavorful, with roasted vegetables all on one pan for easy cleanup.

**Ingredients*
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions*
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts, baby potatoes, asparagus, and lemon slices on the baking sheet.
4. Brush garlic olive oil mixture over chicken and vegetables.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

**3. Taco Salad with Homemade Dressing**

This taco salad is a fresh and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful dinner option.

**Ingredients*
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- Tortilla chips for serving

**Homemade Dressing*
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions*
1. In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, corn, black beans, and diced avocado.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Add cooked taco meat to the salad and toss with homemade dressing.
6. Serve taco salad with tortilla chips on the side.

**Conclusion*

#dinner