Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes for Every Night of the Week
Introduction
Cooking a satisfying dinner brings joy to the end of a long day. A well chosen recipe lets you unwind, impress loved ones and nourish your body. I believe a great dinner recipe should be simple enough to respect your time and versatile enough to please a range of tastes. Once you find the perfect mix of ingredients you can adjust flavors and textures to match your mood and creativity. In this article I will share a delicious dinner idea that feels like home while offering room for your personal touch. Let us get started with a recipe that balances ease and flair.
Ingredients Needed
Here is an easy to follow list of items you will need along with their approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 2 breasts (~300g) | 220 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves (minced) | 20 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | 8 |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 3 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup (halved) | 30 |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups | 14 |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup grated | 110 |
| Cooked whole grain pasta | 4 cups | 680 |
Total approximate calories per serving (serves 4): 331 kcal
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
- Begin by prepping your ingredients. Wash the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop garlic cloves finely. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Grate Parmesan cheese. Rinse spinach and let it drain. Have fresh lemon juice measured out.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in olive oil and let it heat up for about a minute.
- Place the chicken breasts gently in the skillet. Cook each side for about five to seven minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest under foil.
- In the same skillet drop in minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, about three to four minutes.
- Pour in lemon juice. Stir in oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a minute so flavors combine.
- Add baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until it wilts, about two minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat with the sauce and vegetables.
- Add cooked whole grain pasta. Mix well to combine with sauce, chicken and veggies. Let everything warm together for another minute.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Give a final stir to melt the cheese slightly.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can swap ingredients easily here. Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Try zucchini noodles for a low carb option. Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase vegetable variety. Swap herbs to change flavor profile. Fresh basil and parsley work beautifully. Sprinkle crushed red pepper for heat. Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy note. Drizzle balsamic vinegar before serving if you like a sweet tang. Use gluten free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Double the sauce ingredients if you want a saucier dish.
Nutritional Information
A single serving of this meal offers a balanced profile of macronutrients:
- Protein: Approximately 27 g from chicken and Parmesan
- Carbohydrates: Around 45 g from whole grain pasta and tomatoes
- Fat: Roughly 15 g largely from olive oil and cheese
- Fiber: About 6 g from veggies and whole grains
It also delivers a range of vitamins and minerals. Baby spinach provides iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Cherry tomatoes supply vitamin A and lycopene. Olive oil gives heart healthy monounsaturated fats. Whole grain pasta adds B‑vitamins and fiber. You can reduce calories by using less oil or skipping the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish straight from the skillet onto warm plates. Garnish with a few basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Pair it with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cucumber and balsamic dressing. A crisp green vegetable like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also complements the flavors. Offer warm whole grain bread or garlic bread on the side. Finish the meal with a light dessert. Fresh berries with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small slice of lemon pound cake works well.
Conclusion
Cooking a satisfying dinner does not have to be complicated. A handful of wholesome ingredients, a skillet and minimal steps can deliver a flavorful and nourishing meal. You can customize this recipe in countless ways to match your preferences or the contents of your pantry. Whether you stick with chicken or swap it out, keep the fresh herbs and simple technique. The result will be a dinner you feel proud to serve and enjoy. Gather loved ones around the table. Share conversation alongside food made with care. That relaxing feeling at the end of the day is well worth it.
