Don’t you love those recipes that require almost no time to make? So do we! And we get it — not everyone has the time to cook for hours every day. This is especially the case in the summer when it’s already hot outside, so we don’t want you cooking next to the stove either. That’s why we’re bringing you four of our favorite quick and easy recipes you can make when you have absolutely no time to cook.
While these recipes are for busy parents and people coming home from work hungry, everyone can try them out. Why? Because they’re quick to make and delicious. In fact, some of these might even become a staple of your home. Their simplicity allows you to experiment, add your personal touch and some secret ingredients, and create something incredible. So, let’s get cooking!
Lemon Chicken
You and your partner are coming back from the office, and you’re starving. But nobody wants to wait hours until dinner is made. So, let us tell you about one of our favorite quick dinner ideas for 2 — lemon chicken!
The best part of it all? The ingredients are so simple that we’re sure you have them in your home at all times. Plus, this is a very quick and easy low-carb dinner recipe. Interested? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 chicken breasts or thighs (depending on what you prefer)
- Olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Seasoning of choice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
The ingredients list screams that this is an easy dinner idea for two, right? All you’ll need for this dinner recipe is an air fryer and a resealable bag. In fact, any bag will do. Follow these steps:
- Place your chicken and all other ingredients (except the whole lemon) in a bag and coat it well.
- Let marinate for 30 minutes or skip this step altogether if you don’t have the time.
- Cut your whole lemon into thin slices and preheat your air fryer at the highest temperature.
- Place your chicken and lemon slices in the fryer and let cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.
- Serve with any sides or a salad, and enjoy!
Banana Pudding
Okay, we know this isn’t a part of your easy dinner recipes for family list because banana pudding isn’t really a nutritious meal. However, this is a good dessert you can make fast, whenever you want to surprise your kids, significant others, or loved ones.
So, what’s the best thing about this recipe? Ingredients can be adjusted to serve however many people you want, and ours will be enough to serve four. Let’s get into this quick banana pudding recipe! You’ll need:
- 5oz instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp cold milk
- 14oz sweetened condensed milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 12oz frozen whipped topping
- 16oz vanilla wafers
- 2-3 bananas
Instructions
We know what you’re thinking — the ingredients alone make this dessert seem delicious, and you can’t wait to assemble it. And putting everything together won’t even be that difficult! You'll need an electric mixer, mixing bowl, and serving bowls. These are the steps:
- Mix the pudding and milk in a mixing bowl for around 2 minutes.
- Add condensed milk and blend well.
- Stir vanilla extract in and fold in thawed whipped topping. Folding it is crucial!
- Start layering vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mix until you run out of ingredients.
- Enjoy!
Pancakes With Fruit Compote
Got a sweet tooth? We know we are! That’s why we’re moving on to another dessert that can be a great breakfast meal too. Don’t let the fancy title scare you because this is something you can whip up even when you think you’re going to be late for work.
Not to mention, this is a recipe everyone will love, so keep it a secret or share it. It is up to you! What will you need? We’re glad you’ve asked:
- 1 pack Tropical Mango and Guava Pancake and Waffle Mix
- 1oz your fruit of choice
- 2 tbsp honey / some sugar / sweetener of choice
Instructions
We’re onto instructions already?! Oh yes, this is probably the fastest recipe you can make, and it will be delicious. And you’ll only need a pancake pan and a saucepan. Follow along:
- Follow the instructions on your pack of the Pancake mix and make pancakes until you run out of batter.
- Add your fruit and sweetener of choice into a saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil, then let simmer on a lower heat for a few minutes.
- Pour over pancakes and enjoy!
Pasta With Tomato Sauce
For the last recipe, we have to talk about something we all love — pasta! There are so many intricate pasta recipes that will blow your mind. But this isn’t the time to talk about them. Instead, we’ll give you a recipe you’ll always come back to. Why? Because it’s unbelievably easy to make. Here’s what you need:
- 1oz pasta of choice (we recommend tagliatelle)
- 1 jar of Rosa Roma Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 1 whole chicken breast
- A handful of fresh spinach
- Salt, pepper, and other spices
Instructions
There’s no time to waste! Let’s jump straight into this easy recipe. These are the steps:
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packaging.
- Cube your chicken breasts, coat in spices, and grill until golden.
- Serve pasta in these beautiful Wave Edge Bowls, add as much or as little tomato sauce, mix, and finish with chicken cubes and fresh spinach leaves. Bon appétit!
Simple but Delicious
Simple recipes are often more delicious than complex ones. Plus, just because you can make something fast doesn’t mean it’ll lack the flavor or love you put in it. Did you sense the urgency in our last recipe? We just wanted you to have a taste of what it will feel like when you actually cook with limited time. And we know you’ll find it easy.
If you think your fridge is lacking anything, check out our assortment of locally-sourced Food & Wine. Happy cooking!