What is your go to 'easy' dinner to cook?

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Pasta Aglio e Olio

When I want something quick, comforting, and delicious, my go-to easy dinner is always pasta aglio e olio. This classic Italian dish consists of spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and sometimes a sprinkle of parsley. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it's also super versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences.

All you need to do is cook the pasta according to package instructions, and while it's cooking, heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the garlic and oil, tossing everything together to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated. If you like, you can also add some freshly grated parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying on the table.

Sheet Pan Dinners: Your New Weeknight Savior

Another go-to easy dinner idea that I absolutely love is a sheet pan dinner. These one-pan wonders are perfect for when you want a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and cleanup, sheet pan dinners have become a staple in my weekly meal rotation.

The concept is simple: choose your protein, vegetables, and seasoning, then place everything on a sheet pan and bake it in the oven. Some of my favorite combinations include lemon-garlic chicken with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, or roasted salmon with green beans and baby potatoes. The possibilities are truly endless, and you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what's in season.

Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Customizable Favorite

Stir-fry is another easy dinner option that I turn to regularly. Not only is it a great way to use up any vegetables in my fridge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to get creative with flavors and textures. Plus, stir-fry is perfect for those nights when I'm craving takeout but want something healthier and homemade.

A basic stir-fry starts with a protein, like chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or snap peas. To make the dish, simply heat some oil in a large skillet or wok, then add your protein and cook until it's almost done. Add your vegetables and cook until they're crisp-tender, then stir in your sauce of choice. Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Breakfast for Dinner: A Fun and Easy Twist on Tradition

Who says breakfast foods are only for mornings? One of my favorite easy dinner ideas is to whip up a delicious breakfast dish for dinner. Not only is it a fun way to switch up my usual dinner routine, but breakfast dishes are often quick and easy to prepare.

Some of my favorite breakfast-for-dinner options include savory frittatas, fluffy pancakes with bacon, or a hearty breakfast burrito filled with eggs, cheese, and veggies. Don't forget to serve up a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to round out your meal.

Taco Tuesday, Any Day: Easy and Flavorful Tacos

Tacos are a fun and easy dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. You can keep it traditional with seasoned ground beef or get creative with different proteins like grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. The best part about tacos is that they're completely customizable, so everyone can build their perfect taco with their favorite toppings.

To make taco night even easier, I like to prepare my taco fillings and toppings ahead of time, so all I have to do is heat up the tortillas and assemble. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Quick and Easy Soup Recipes for Cozy Nights In

On those chilly nights when I want a warm and comforting meal, I often turn to soup as my go-to easy dinner. Soup is incredibly versatile and can be made with just about any combination of ingredients, making it perfect for using up leftovers or pantry staples.

Some of my favorite easy soup recipes include tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, or a hearty vegetable and bean soup. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying and cozy meal.

Pizza Night: Homemade and Healthier

Who doesn't love pizza? Making your own pizza at home is not only easy, but it's also a healthier alternative to takeout or frozen pizza. Plus, it's a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

To make homemade pizza, start by preparing your dough (store-bought dough works great too) and preheating your oven. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, then top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Some of my favorite pizza combinations include margherita, BBQ chicken, and veggie-loaded supreme. Bake your pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and serve with a simple side salad for a delicious and easy dinner.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: A Classic Comfort Food Combo

Sometimes, all you want is a comforting, nostalgic meal that takes you back to your childhood. For me, that meal is a gooey grilled cheese sandwich and a steaming bowl of tomato soup. This classic comfort food combo is simple to make and always hits the spot.

To make the perfect grilled cheese, start by buttering one side of two slices of bread. Place one slice, buttered-side down, on a hot skillet, then top with your favorite cheese (I love a combination of cheddar and mozzarella). Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Pair your grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup, either homemade or store-bought, for a delicious and easy dinner that never disappoints.

Quinoa Bowls: A Healthy and Satisfying Dinner Option

If you're looking for a healthy and satisfying dinner that's also easy to make, look no further than quinoa bowls. Quinoa is a versatile and protein-packed grain that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Start by cooking your quinoa according to package instructions, then choose your toppings. Some of my favorite quinoa bowl combinations include Mediterranean-inspired with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a lemon-tahini dressing, or a Mexican-inspired bowl with black beans, avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy a delicious and easy dinner that's also good for you.

One-Pot Pasta: Minimal Clean-Up, Maximum Flavor

When I want a delicious pasta dinner without the mess, I turn to one-pot pasta recipes. These dishes are not only easy to make, but they also require minimal clean-up, which is always a win in my book.

One-pot pasta recipes typically involve cooking your pasta, protein, and vegetables all together in the same pot, along with your sauce ingredients. As the dish cooks, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. Some of my favorite one-pot pasta recipes include creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, sausage and kale pasta, or a simple tomato and basil pasta. Give one-pot pasta a try for your next easy dinner, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal clean-up.