Ingredient Weeknight Dinners to Save Time

   Introduction : 

   When you’re juggling a busy life, cooking elaborate meals can feel impossible. But what if you only needed five ingredients to create a delicious dinner? These recipes are designed for those nights when time is short, but you still want something wholesome and satisfying. 

   Recipes:  

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Pasta : All you need is shrimp, garlic, butter, pasta, and lemon. In under 20 minutes, you’ve got a fresh, restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 lb (225g) pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
    • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown the garlic).
    • Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
  3. Combine Shrimp and Pasta:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra flavor and serve warm.

   Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas : Combine chicken, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, and tortillas on one pan for a low-mess, high-flavor dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
  • Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Make sure everything is well coated.
  3. Bake the Fajitas:
    • Spread the chicken and veggies evenly on a large sheet pan.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  4. Warm the Tortillas:
    • While the chicken and veggies bake, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  5. Assemble and Serve:
    • Once the fajitas are done, serve the chicken and veggies in the tortillas.
    • Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese. Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

  

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup : A creamy, comforting soup made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, onion, and vegetable broth.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 4-5 minutes).
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Make the Roux:
    • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup.
  3. Add Broth and Broccoli:
    • Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth to avoid lumps.
    • Add the broccoli florets, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Blend the Soup (Optional):
    • If you like a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.
  5. Add Milk and Cheese:
    • Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and bring the soup back to a simmer.
    • Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Make sure to keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from curdling.
  6. Season and Serve:
    • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, if using.
    • Serve hot, optionally topped with extra shredded cheddar or a slice of crusty bread.

   Caprese Salad Flatbread : Top flatbread with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, and olive oil for a quick and fresh pizza-style dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Assemble the Flatbreads:
    • Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
    • Drizzle each flatbread with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and spread it evenly.
    • Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the flatbreads.
    • Add the halved cherry tomatoes on top, spacing them out.
  3. Bake the Flatbreads:
    • Place the flatbreads in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the flatbreads are crispy around the edges.
  4. Add Basil and Season:
    • Once baked, remove the flatbreads from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Finish with Balsamic Glaze:
    • Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional) for a sweet tangy finish.
  6. Serve:
    • Slice and serve immediately while warm.

 

  Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry : Quick stir-fry using beef, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve over rice or noodles for an easy meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for richer flavor)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss the sliced beef in the mixture to coat and set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the Broccoli:
    • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets in the boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender but crisp. Drain and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Beef:
    • In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook the Garlic and Ginger:
    • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using), and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Combine Beef and Broccoli:
    • Return the beef to the pan and add the broccoli.
    • Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (if using), and 1/4 cup of water.
    • Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Finish with Sesame Oil:
    • Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry for added flavor (optional). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve:
    • Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, and serve hot with rice or noodles.

   Conclusion :

   Who says you need a long ingredient list for a great meal? These 5-ingredient recipes prove that simplicity can still be delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights!