The good news is that with some easy recipes and preparation, anyone can make quick, delicious dinners for their family.

1. Pesto Pasta with Chicken or Shrimp

Begin this flavorful pesto pasta dish by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8-10 ounces of pasta like farfalle or rotini, and cook according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of diced chicken breast or medium shrimp and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the protein is cooked through and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ¼ cup of prepared basil pesto sauce.

Drain the pasta once al dente and immediately toss it with the pesto chicken or shrimp mixture in the skillet. To serve, transfer the pesto pasta to a platter or individual bowls. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a delicious, quick weeknight dinner.

2. Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

For a classic Italian dish with a burst of flavors, this recipe of spaghetti alla puttanesca from cucinebyelena.com is a must-try. Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in a finely chopped onion and shallot, letting them sauté until they’re soft and aromatic. Next, incorporate a large, finely chopped garlic clove, and if you like a touch of heat, throw in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. After a minute, pour in a 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, followed by either 5 finely chopped anchovy fillets or a tablespoon of anchovy paste, depending on your preference. For added texture and a Mediterranean kick, mix in ½ cup of pitted black olives and 2 tablespoons of drained capers. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.

As the sauce works its magic, bring a pot of water to boil, seasoning it generously with salt. Add in 1 lb. of spaghetti and cook it until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, but remember to set aside ⅓ cup of the pasta water. Combine this with your simmering sauce, stirring them together for an even consistency.

Finally, toss your spaghetti in the rich sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. Before plating, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve up this traditional Italian masterpiece with a slice of rustic bread, and transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

For easy chicken fajitas with tender meat and perfectly charred veggies, arrange 1 pound of sliced chicken breast, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow onion, and 1 sliced zucchini on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss the chicken and vegetables with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 minced garlic clove, and the juice from 1 lime. Use tongs to evenly coat everything.

Roast the sheet pan of ingredients at 450° F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender with nice char marks. While the chicken cooks, warm 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing in the oven for the last 5 minutes.

When the chicken and vegetables are done, assemble fajitas by placing the hot chicken-veggie mixture into the warm tortillas. Serve with your choice of toppings like guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.

1. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

For a simple baked salmon dinner, begin by preheating the oven to 400° F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, toss 1 pound of fresh asparagus spears with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to evenly coat. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on one-half of the prepared baking sheet. Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes, until bright green and just tender when pierced with a fork.

While the asparagus roasts, pat dry 4 6-ounce salmon fillets and brush them with olive oil. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices like garlic powder or paprika. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully place the salmon fillets on the empty side. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes more, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

The salmon releases juices and flavors that perfectly complement the roasted asparagus. Serve this simple baked salmon dinner with brown rice or quinoa for a balanced, nutritious meal.

5. Stir-Fry with Pre-Cut Vegetables

For a quick and easy veggie stir-fry that comes together in minutes, begin by preparing your ingredients. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable, peanut, or sesame oil in a large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add 8 ounces of bite-sized pre-cut chicken or shrimp and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Move the protein to one side of the wok. To the cleared center space, add your choice of fresh or frozen, pre-cut vegetables like 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup thinly sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, 1 cup snap peas, and ½ cup diced water chestnuts. Stir fry the crisp vegetables for 4-5 minutes, tossing them constantly.

Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, add ¼ cup stir fry sauce or teriyaki sauce to the wok. Return the protein to the vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. Serve the quick and easy stir-fry over white or brown rice. The pre-cut vegetables make this a super-fast, healthy dinner.

Conclusion

With a well-stocked pantry, some easy recipes, and ingredients like eggs, cheese, and vegetables on hand, anyone can make simple, satisfying dinners for their family. Getting dinner on the table quickly doesn’t have to mean takeout or processed foods. All it takes is a little planning and some easy homemade recipes.

Use these weeknight-friendly dinner ideas for tasty, nourishing meals that will bring your family together. Home cooking is worth the effort!

But let’s be honest: grilling can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the game. Fear not! Here’s a guide to make your BBQing adventure stress-free and absolutely delicious.

1. Start with the Right Tools

Your quest for a perfect BBQ starts with the proper set of tools. Trust me; a pair of kitchen tongs won’t cut it when you’re flipping a juicy steak on a sizzling hot grill. Invest in long-handled grilling tongs, a sturdy grill brush for cleaning, and a reliable meat thermometer.

Oh, and don’t forget the basting brush to slather on those tantalizing sauces! The tools you choose are like your sidekicks in this grilling journey, so choose wisely.

Having the right gadgets not only makes the job easier but also makes you look like a BBQ pro. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

2. Choose Your Fuel Wisely

Charcoal or gas? Ah, the age-old debate! Both have their merits and downsides. Charcoal grills give you that authentic smoky flavor but take time to heat up. Gas grills, on the other hand, are quick and convenient but may not give you that deep smoky essence. But what about electric grills?

If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of Electric Grills, they generally offer ease of use and are perfect for places where gas or charcoal grills aren’t allowed, like apartment balconies. However, they might not provide that classic grilled flavor that many BBQ enthusiasts crave.

Choose according to your needs and priorities. If you’re all about flavor and have the time to nurture your coals, then charcoal is the way to go. If convenience is your mantra, a gas or electric grill could be your best friend. Either way, the success of your BBQ doesn’t solely depend on the type of grill you use, but how you use it.

3. Prepping the Meat: The Make-or-Break Moment

Choosing and preparing the meat can either make your BBQ a hit or a sad, dry disaster. Go for fresh cuts, and if possible, purchase your meat from a local butcher. Now, marination is key.

A good marinade not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it. Whether you like a classic BBQ sauce, a zesty lemon-herb concoction, or a spicy rub, make sure to give your meat plenty of time to soak up those flavors. At least a few hours, but overnight is best. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to BBQ.

4. Master the Art of Temperature Control

Ah, temperature control, the unsung hero of a successful BBQ. It might seem tedious, but it’s crucial. The first rule of thumb: don’t overcrowd the grill. This can cause temperature fluctuations, leading to uneven cooking.

Use the two-zone method: one side of the grill should be hotter for searing, and the other side cooler for cooking the meat through. A meat thermometer is invaluable here; guessing the doneness of meat is a risky game that you don’t want to play. Internal temperatures don’t lie, so invest in a good meat thermometer and take the guesswork out of grilling.

5. The Finishing Touches: Sides and Sauces

Let’s face it: a BBQ isn’t complete without mouthwatering sides and dipping sauces. Go beyond the regular coleslaw and potato salad. How about grilled veggies with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of olive oil? Or some smoky grilled corn on the cob?

For sauces, mix it up with options like spicy Sriracha mayo, tangy tzatziki, or a homemade BBQ sauce that has your unique signature. These finishing touches can turn your BBQ feast from good to unforgettable.

6. Safety First: Important BBQ Precautions

Safety might not be the most exciting part of a BBQ, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. First of all, never leave a lit grill unattended. It sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people step away “just for a moment,” risking not just the quality of the food but also creating a fire hazard. If you’re using a charcoal grill, keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby, just in case.

When it comes to food safety, always keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Use different utensils for raw and cooked meats, and make sure to wash your hands frequently.

Also, don’t leave perishable food items like salads or dips out in the sun for too long. Invest in some ice trays or cooling dishes to keep them fresh. Last but not least, always check the internal temperature of your meat to make sure it’s cooked to a safe level. Safety measures may not be glamorous, but they are crucial for ensuring that your BBQ is a hit for all the right reasons.

So, now you’re not only armed with the basics of BBQing, but you’ve also got a solid plan for scheduling your grilling and essential safety measures to keep in mind.

Remember, the aim is to have an enjoyable, safe, and delicious BBQ experience. With all these tips, you’re more than ready to host a fantastic summer BBQ that your friends and family will rave about. Happy grilling!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Follow these easy BBQ tips, and you’re well on your way to becoming the grill master of your summer gatherings.

The main ingredient in any BBQ is the love and joy you put into it, so don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it. After all, BBQ is more than just a cooking method; it’s a summer tradition that brings people together. Happy grilling!