Quick Easy Food Recipes For Weeknights

Name: Quick Easy Food Recipes For Weeknights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of cooked pasta; 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup of spinach, chopped; 1 cup of grilled chicken, diced; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 teaspoon of garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for topping

Highlighted under: Easy Kitchen Classics

I often find myself busy during the week, juggling work and family obligations, which makes quick and easy meals a necessity. That's why I love these recipes that come together in a flash without sacrificing flavor. Each dish is packed with ingredients that are easy to find and prepare, so I can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with my loved ones. These recipes have become my go-to options for hassle-free weeknight dinners.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:40:13.199Z

When I set out to create quick and easy recipes for weeknights, I wanted something that would satisfy my cravings and be fulfilling enough for my family. After several trials, I discovered that incorporating one-pot meals dramatically reduces cooking and cleanup time. Using fresh ingredients and ensuring a balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, I found the perfect combo that everyone in my family loves.

One of my favorite tips is to prep ingredients ahead of time, especially during the weekends. Chopping vegetables or marinating proteins in advance has cut down my cooking time significantly during the week. It allows me to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes on those busy evenings when time is not on my side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Delicious flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Versatile recipes that can easily adapt to what you have on hand.

Understanding Your Ingredients

The combination of cherry tomatoes and spinach in this recipe not only adds vibrant color but also contributes vital nutrients. Cherry tomatoes offer a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory grilled chicken. When sautéed, they soften and release their natural sugars, creating a slightly tangy sauce that clings to the pasta. Make sure to choose ripe tomatoes to maximize flavor; they should feel firm yet yielding to a gentle squeeze.

Spinach brings a mild, earthy flavor to the dish and is rich in vitamins A and K. When added to the skillet, it will wilt down significantly, so don't worry if it feels like too much at first. This quick cooking also helps retain its bright green color, ensuring that the dish looks as good as it tastes. For an extra flavor boost, try tossing in some red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice during the sautéing.

Techniques for a Perfect Pasta Dish

Cooking pasta to al dente is crucial for the perfect texture in this dish. You want it to be firm to the bite rather than mushy. Follow package instructions, but begin checking for doneness about two minutes before the suggested time. The pasta should look slightly less cooked than you want, as it will continue to cook when you combine it with the other ingredients in the pan. Save a little pasta water before draining; it can be added to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

When sautéing vegetables, the goal is to achieve a glossy finish rather than a brown one. Keep your skillet at medium heat and stir regularly, allowing just enough time for the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to burst. If the skillet starts to dry out too much, add a teaspoon of water or stock to help create a light sauce. Don't overcrowd the pan either; if you have a lot of veggies, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and flavor development.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Main Ingredients

2 cups of cooked pasta
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of spinach, chopped
1 cup of grilled chicken, diced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping

Make sure to taste your dish and adjust seasonings before serving!

Instructions

Start by heating up your pan and gathering all essential tools for cooking.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, and sauté until the spinach is wilted.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and diced grilled chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well to combine.

Serve

Plate the dish and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy your meal with loved ones and savor every bite!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or proteins you have at home. It's perfect for using up leftovers!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, I suggest keeping the pasta and sauce separate if possible to avoid sogginess. Store the sautéed vegetables and grilled chicken in an airtight container, and when ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If you find the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water can revive its texture.

For those looking to freeze the dish, consider freezing the grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables together. When reheating, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before warming them up in a pan. Be cautious, as freezing may alter the texture of the spinach slightly, making it a little mushy, but it will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a heartier meal, serve this pasta dish alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread, which complements the flavors beautifully. You can also consider adding roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for more texture and tastes. Mixing in fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving can enhance the freshness of the dish as well.

If you're looking for variations, this recipe adapts well to different proteins. Swap out grilled chicken for shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp will cook in about three to four minutes, while chickpeas only need to be heated through. Feel free to experiment with different cheese toppings as well; feta or crumbled goat cheese can bring a wonderful creaminess to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just thaw them before cooking.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it's best to cook it fresh to maintain texture.

→ What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Any type of pasta works well, but I recommend penne or fusilli for better sauce adherence.