I have spent years in the kitchen experimenting with recipes and discovering easy and delicious dishes. One question I often hear is, “What Are Some Things That You Can Cook Easy?” Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to expand your cooking repertoire, there are many simple meals that are both tasty and enjoyable to make. Here are some great ideas to get you started!
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish has become a classic in my home. It’s full of flavor and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the mixture over the chicken. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tip: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Quick and Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it versatile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute before adding the mixed vegetables.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add soy sauce in the last minute and toss to combine.
Tip: Serve over rice or noodles for a heartier dish.
Simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This dish is a perfect example of how five basic ingredients can transform into something delightful. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan, adding garlic. Sauté until golden.
- Toss cooked pasta with garlic oil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Garnish with parsley.
Tip: Grated Parmesan cheese makes a wonderful addition to this dish.
Oven-Baked Fajitas
Fajitas are always a hit at dinner parties! By baking them in the oven, you can save time and effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil and fajita seasoning in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Tip: Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings such as guacamole and salsa.
Classic Scrambled Eggs
A breakfast staple that is easy to whip up, scrambled eggs are perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs and milk in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Pour in the egg mixture. Stir continuously until soft curds form.
Tip: Add shredded cheese or diced vegetables for extra flavor.
Refreshing Greek Salad
When I want something light and healthy, a Greek salad always does the trick. It’s colorful and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- Olive oil and vinegar for dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Toss gently to combine.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread for an easy lunch.
Easy Banana Pancakes
Pancakes are not just for weekends. These easy banana pancakes can be made quickly and are a great way to start the day.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl. Add eggs and baking powder, mixing until well combined.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Pour batter to form pancakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
Tip: Top with maple syrup or fresh fruit for extra sweetness.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Risotto
Risotto may seem complicated, but with a one-pot method, it becomes a breeze. This dish brings comforting flavors to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Sauté onions in a pot until translucent. Add Arborio rice, stirring for 1 minute.
- Gradually add broth and diced tomatoes, stirring often until the rice is creamy and tender.
- Stir in fresh basil before serving.
Tip: Add grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Casseroles are perfect for busy families. This cheesy broccoli casserole is nutritious and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix broccoli, rice, half of the cheddar cheese, soup, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Tip: Use leftover chicken for added protein.
Homemade Pizza
Making pizza at home is a fun and customizable option. Everyone in the family can choose their favorite toppings, making it perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the crust instructions.
- Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over it.
- Top with mozzarella and your favorite toppings. Bake as directed.
Tip: Experiment with different sauces like pesto for a unique twist.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create mouth-watering dishes. I hope these easy recipes inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new. Enjoy your cooking adventures!