7 Easy Lazy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Busy week ahead? No worries! Here are some lazy dinner recipes that are quick to whip up and won’t leave you stuck in the kitchen for hours. Perfect for those nights when all you want is a simple meal with minimal fuss, these dishes prioritize flavor and ease, so you can enjoy dinner without the stress.

Quick Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These quick shrimp tacos are perfect for a laid-back dinner. They combine juicy shrimp with a fresh avocado salsa, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. The tacos are not only easy to prepare but also light and refreshing, making them ideal for any weeknight meal.

With minimal cooking time and a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the spiced shrimp, while the vibrant veggies add crunch. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
2. Prepare the Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and lime juice. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
3. Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Place a portion of shrimp on each tortilla, top with avocado salsa, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve: Enjoy your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side!

Chickpea Salad with Feta and Olives

This chickpea salad is a quick and tasty option for a lazy dinner. It brings together the creaminess of feta, the briny flavor of olives, and the heartiness of chickpeas, creating a balanced dish that's satisfying yet light.

It's simple to whip up, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want something refreshing without too much fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

If you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce is perfect. It’s colorful, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. The creamy peanut sauce adds a delightful twist that brings everything together, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.

This recipe is incredibly simple to whip up, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish. With a mix of your favorite vegetables and a rich peanut sauce, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Plus, it's easily customizable based on what you have in your fridge!

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice or noodles
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth.
4. Pour the peanut sauce over the stir-fried vegetables, mixing well to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and chili flakes if desired.

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner option that packs a punch of flavor without much fuss. Tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in just minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.

With its rich umami taste and a hint of sweetness, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced thin
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a little pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil, then add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Add Aromatics: Incorporate the garlic and ginger into the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Everything: Return the broccoli to the skillet and add the oyster sauce, beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy!

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight dinner. It's bursting with fresh flavors, combining juicy chicken breast with colorful vegetables, all infused with the bright zest of lemon and a hint of garlic. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also super easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well.
3. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet, surrounded by the assorted vegetables. Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken and vegetables.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in 15 Minutes

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to whip up. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a lazy dinner. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying pasta dish that will leave you feeling happy and full.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious, creamy tomato basil pasta right away!

Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

Sheet pan sausage and peppers is a deliciously simple dish that packs a punch of flavor while keeping your meal prep effortless. With juicy sausages and sweet bell peppers roasted together, this dish brings a lovely balance of savory and slightly sweet tastes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, let the oven do the work, and you’ll have a colorful, tasty dinner ready to go. Serve it over rice, pasta, or simply on its own for a wholesome meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large sheet pan, combine the sausage, bell peppers, and onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss everything together until well coated.
4. Arrange the sausage and vegetables in a single layer on the pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring halfway through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.