Dinner in a Flash

During my singlehood, dinner could mean an oversized bowl of Cheerios at 9:00 p.m. and I was good to go.  Sure, my choices weren’t the most fulfilling, but at the time I was more concerned with tackling my to do list than my taste buds.  So when the day came that someone else depended on me for dinner too, someone that required a little more substance than cold cereal at that, I was, needless to say, illprepared.

Topping things off, a busy workday and long commute left little time and energy to cook a well balanced meal.  The struggle is real folks… or so I thought until I began my search for quick cooking answers.  And thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by how many quick, healthy and easy recipe solutions I found!  Not to mention, a little creativity and ingredient swaps can go a long way.  I’ve shared a sampling of some of my favorite dinner in a flash options to help keep both your waistline and your weeknight sanity intact!

15 Minute Easy Tilapia

Tilapia, appealing to many who fear “fishy” flavor, has a mild taste, is low in fat and high in protein.  Found on the blog Princess Pinky Girl, this recipe can take you from prep to plate in less than 15 minutes!  One of the best parts about this recipe is it’s designed to be made with frozen tilapia filets.  Nuke a steamer bag of quinoa for a quick and healthful side.

Recipe and Pictures at:  http://princesspinkygirl.com/easy-tilapia-recipe/2/

Easy Italian Chicken Bake

After stumbling upon this Easy Italian Chicken Bake recipe from The Pinning Mama, I figured it was too simple (and looked too mouthwatering delicious!) not to try.  With only four ingredients required and a prep under five minutes, this recipe has quickly made its way into our regular dinner rotation.  I’ve even substituted the cheese topping for the fat free version and we still cleaned our plates!  Boil some whole wheat pasta while your chicken is in the oven and layer the baked filets on top for a little taste of Italy at home.

Recipe and Pictures at:  http://www.thepinningmama.com/2014/09/21/easy-dinner-recipe-italian-chicken-bake/

Artichoke Pasta

Another newfound favorite in our household, I love this Better Homes and Gardens’ recipe for its unique Mediterranean flair and healthy helpings of veggies.  Before heading off to work, I quickly toss the canned ingredients and garlic into the Crock Pot and let the sauce simmer throughout the day.  Then before it’s time to eat, boil some whole wheat pasta to pour the sauce over.  To lighten things up, blend one part fat free cottage cheese and one part skim milk (blend until it develops a smooth and somewhat fluffy texture) and pour into the sauce in lieu of whipping cream.  A great one to freeze the leftovers from, this recipe is also tasty with ground turkey mixed in the sauce too!

Recipe and Pictures at:  http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pasta/artichoke-pasta/

Honey BBQ, Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Potato Packets

This Honey BBQ, Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Potato Packets recipe seems to be made for a warm, spring night!  With simple ingredients that are a cinch to throw together, this one can be cooked on the grill or in the oven if you need to be hands off.  Simply open the packets and broil the last few minutes to crisp the bacon.  Try turkey bacon too for a lighter spin on this ultimate man food dish!

Recipe and Pictures at:  http://busy-mommy.com/2014/05/honey-bbq-bacon-chicken-sweet-potato-packets.html#_a5y_p=2414407

Turkey Burger with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta

With only four ingredients necessary (can you spot a trend here?), this is a great one to make ahead of time and freeze the patties for later.  Either way you choose to do it though, this zesty turkey burger recipe is a breeze to prepare.  Slice some avocados for a tasty topping and serve on whole wheat buns, or sans the bun if you prefer!  And with the feta already in the patty, there’s no need to pile on the extra cheese.

Recipe and Pictures at:  http://skinnyms.com/turkey-burger-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-feta-cheese/

What’s in your repertoire of quick weeknight dinner recipes?  Let us know some of your family’s favorites!