Best Dinner Recipes: Easy, Delicious and Nutritious

Are you tired of cooking the same old meals every night? Do you want to try something new and exciting? Look no further than these best dinner recipes that are not only easy and delicious but also nutritious. From classic comfort foods to exotic flavours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!

1. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

One-pan chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Tortillas, for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and add the sliced peppers, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the mixture and stir to coat.
6. Serve the fajita mixture on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

2. Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipes

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and will give you delicious meatballs and a flavorful tomato sauce to serve over spaghetti.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil

Pasta:

• 1 lb. spaghetti
• Salt, for boiling water

Instructions:

Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the cooked meatballs. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the spaghetti and divide among four plates. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti and serve hot.

3. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipes

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, this honey garlic glazed salmon is the perfect recipe. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tbsp. water. Add the mixture to the saucepan and whisk until the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Brush the glaze over the salmon fillets, making sure they are coated evenly.
7. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the salmon before serving.

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipes

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful dinner option, this vegetable stir-fry recipe is a great choice. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, and snap peas to the wok or skillet.
4. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
6. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the vegetables are coated evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.

5. Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier version of chicken Parmesan, this baked chicken Parmesan recipe is a great option. It’s easy to prepare and is packed with flavor that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
5. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and spray them with cooking spray.
7. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
10. Bake the chicken for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve the chicken Parmesan hot, with additional marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

6. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, flavorful pork is slow-cooked to perfection and then smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Serve it on a bun with some coleslaw and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-4 lb) pork shoulder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 8 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork shoulder in a baking dish or Dutch oven and cover it with foil or a lid.
5. Bake the pork shoulder for 4-6 hours, or until it is tender and falling apart.
6. In a small saucepan, mix together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
7. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through and the sugar has dissolved.
8. Remove the pork shoulder from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces.
10. Mix the shredded pork with the BBQ sauce until it is coated evenly.
11. Toast the hamburger buns and spoon the pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun.
12. Top with coleslaw, if desired, and then place the top half of the bun on top.
13. Serve the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches hot and enjoy!

Conclusion:

These best dinner recipes are not only easy to make but also delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort foods or exotic flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you’re feeling uninspired in the kitchen, try one of these recipes and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.

FAQs

What are some healthy dinner recipe options?

1. Answer: Some healthy dinner recipe options include grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and quinoa bowls.

How do I make sure my dinner is nutritious?

2. Answer: Focus on incorporating a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains into your meals.

Can I modify these recipes to fit my dietary restrictions?

3. Answer: Yes! Many of these recipes can be modified to fit a variety of dietary restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.

How long do these recipes take to make?

4. Answer: Most of these recipes can be made in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

5. Answer: Yes! Many of these recipes can be prepped ahead of time or stored in the freezer for later use.