Moms’ Favorite Quick Dinner Recipes

Busy moms know that dinner time can be one of the most hectic parts of the day. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, finding time to prepare a nutritious and delicious dinner can be challenging. That’s why quick and easy recipes are a lifesaver. Here are some of moms’ favorite quick dinner recipes that are both tasty and simple to make.

1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (any type)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
3. Add bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot and mix well. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, combine chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

3. Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add beef slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add snap peas, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Stir in green onions and serve hot over cooked rice.

4. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

5. Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
3. Add grated zucchini, corn, and black beans. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.
5. Heat a separate skillet over medium heat.
6. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of it with cheese.
7. Add a layer of the veggie mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle more cheese on top of the veggies.
8. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
10. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

Conclusion

These quick dinner recipes are perfect for busy moms who need to get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. By incorporating a mix of protein, vegetables, and whole grains, you can ensure your family enjoys nutritious and satisfying meals even on the busiest of nights. Happy cooking!