10 Simple Dinner Recipes that are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

 

Looking for some easy and delicious dinner recipes to try out at home? Look no further! In this blog post, I'll be sharing 10 simple dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. And to make things even more fun, I'll also be including a mocktail recipe pairing for each dish, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink along with your meal.

1. Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken

This baked lemon garlic chicken is a savory and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. To make this dish, marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake the chicken in the oven until cooked through and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Mocktail Pairing: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

For a refreshing and fruity drink to pair with your lemon garlic chicken, try making a sparkling strawberry lemonade. Simply mix together fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey for a delightful beverage that complements the savory flavors of the chicken perfectly.

2. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

For a comforting and satisfying dinner, try making this one-pot spaghetti bolognese. In a large pot, cook ground beef, onions, garlic, and bell peppers until browned. Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked spaghetti noodles, and simmer until heated through. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Mocktail Pairing: Cucumber Mint Sparkler

To balance out the richness of the bolognese, pair it with a light and refreshing cucumber mint sparkler. Simply blend together cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water for a cool and crisp drink that's perfect for a warm evening.

3. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet pan fajitas are a quick and easy dinner option that's perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply toss sliced bell peppers, onions, and chicken or beef strips in a mix of fajita seasoning and olive oil, then spread them out on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

Mocktail Pairing: Virgin Jalapeno Margarita

For a spicy and satisfying drink to go along with your fajitas, try making a virgin jalapeno margarita. Blend together fresh jalapenos, lime juice, orange juice, and agave syrup for a zesty and flavorful mocktail that will add a kick to your meal.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and delicious dinner option that's perfect for a cozy night at home. To make this dish, slice the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of cooked ground meat (such as beef or turkey), cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings, then bake until the peppers are tender.

Mocktail Pairing: Pineapple Coconut Spritzer

For a tropical and refreshing drink to pair with your stuffed bell peppers, try making a pineapple coconut spritzer. Mix together pineapple juice, coconut milk, sparkling water, and a splash of grenadine for a sweet and bubbly mocktail that's the perfect complement to the savory flavors of the peppers.

5. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is a simple and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions, then toss it with store-bought or homemade pesto sauce and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Mocktail Pairing: Minty Watermelon Lemonade

For a refreshing and vibrant drink to go along with your pesto pasta, try making a minty watermelon lemonade. Blend together fresh watermelon, lemon juice, mint leaves, and a touch of honey for a sweet and tangy mocktail that's bursting with summer flavors.

6. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. In a wok or large skillet, stir-fry sliced chicken breast with assorted vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas) in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Mocktail Pairing: Strawberry Ginger Fizz

For a zesty and refreshing drink to pair with your teriyaki chicken stir-fry, try making a strawberry ginger fizz. Mix together fresh strawberries, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavorful and fizzy mocktail that will add a burst of flavor to your meal.

7. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Baked salmon with asparagus is a healthy and nutritious dinner option that's perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Simply season salmon fillets with a mix of herbs and spices, then bake in the oven until cooked through. Serve with roasted asparagus and a squeeze of lemon on top.

Mocktail Pairing: Cucumber Elderflower Spritz

For a light and floral drink to pair with your baked salmon, try making a cucumber elderflower spritz. Mix together fresh cucumber slices, elderflower cordial, sparkling water, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing and elegant mocktail that will complement the flavors of the salmon perfectly.

8. Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

Veggie stir-fry with tofu is a delicious and meatless dinner option that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. In a wok or skillet, stir-fry a mix of colorful vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas) with cubed tofu in a savory soy sauce-based sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Mocktail Pairing: Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer

For a citrusy and aromatic drink to pair with your veggie stir-fry, try making a grapefruit rosemary spritzer. Mix together fresh grapefruit juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, sparkling water, and a sprig of rosemary for a sophisticated and refreshing mocktail that will elevate your meal.

9. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

BBQ pulled pork sliders are a delicious and indulgent dinner option that's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. Slow-cook pork butt in a mixture of BBQ sauce, onions, and spices until tender and falling apart, then shred the meat and assemble sliders with coleslaw on top of mini buns.

Mocktail Pairing: Virgin Blackberry Mojito

For a fruity and minty drink to pair with your BBQ pulled pork sliders, try making a virgin blackberry mojito. Muddle fresh blackberries, mint leaves, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup together, then top with sparkling water for a refreshing and flavorful mocktail that will balance out the richness of the sliders.

10. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

Lemon herb roasted chicken thighs are a simple and flavorful dinner option that's perfect for a cozy night at home. Rub chicken thighs with a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or vegetables.

Mocktail Pairing: Lavender Lemonade

For a soothing and floral drink to pair with your lemon herb roasted chicken thighs, try making a lavender lemonade. Infuse fresh lavender flowers in simple syrup, then mix with lemon juice and sparkling water for a fragrant and refreshing mocktail that will add a touch of elegance to your meal.

I hope you enjoy trying out these 10 simple dinner recipes with mocktail recipe pairings! Let me know in the comments which dishes you try and how they turn out. Happy cooking!