Introduction
When it comes to weeknight meals, simplicity and affordability are key. After a long day at work or school, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing an elaborate meal. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly recipes that can be whipped up in no time. In this article, we will share ten of our favorite cheap and simple weeknight meals that are sure to satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss well to coat the pasta with the garlic-infused oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 2 and contains approximately 500 calories per serving.
2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the rice and stir until it is coated with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 4 and contains approximately 400 calories per serving.
3. Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 2 and contains approximately 250 calories per serving.
4. Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of ziti pasta
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 6 and contains approximately 450 calories per serving.
5. Tomato and Mozzarella Panini
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Spread the pesto sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the tomato slices and mozzarella cheese on two slices of bread. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down.
- Heat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. Spread the butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 2 and contains approximately 400 calories per serving.
6. Black Bean Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup of canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Spread half of the black beans, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro over the cheese. Sprinkle with ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Top with another tortilla and press down gently.
- Cook for a few minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
Nutrition: This recipe serves 2 and contains approximately 500 calories per serving.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
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