Play With Food

In a busy household, preparing delicious, nutritious meals quickly is essential. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create meals the whole family will love. Here are seven easy, satisfying recipes that can be made in 20 minutes or less, perfect for hectic weeknights or when you’re short on time.

1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

This quick one-pan dish brings together tender shrimp with crisp asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a healthy and tasty dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  3. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Return shrimp to the pan, add remaining butter, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Stir well and serve immediately.

2. Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas

These cheesy quesadillas with tender chicken and spinach are a fast, fun meal that everyone can enjoy, especially when served with salsa and sour cream.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use rotisserie for convenience)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tortilla. Layer with cheese, spinach, chicken, and more cheese. Place another tortilla on top.
  2. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and the cheese is melted.
  3. Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.

3. 15-Minute Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies

A quick stir-fry of beef and colorful vegetables creates a well-balanced, tasty meal in minutes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef (like flank or sirloin)
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add veggies to the skillet and stir-fry until tender, about 4 minutes.
  3. Return beef to the skillet, add soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir everything together. Serve over rice or noodles.

4. Spaghetti Carbonara

This Italian classic is quick, creamy, and satisfying, perfect for a hearty family meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and cheese together.
  3. Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water, and add to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat and stir in egg mixture, tossing quickly to coat. Add pasta water as needed for creaminess.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

5. Tuna Melt Wraps

A quick and tasty spin on the classic tuna melt that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans tuna, drained
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Optional: diced onions, pickles, or tomatoes
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, and any desired add-ins.
  2. Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Spread tuna mixture on one side, top with cheese, and fold in half.
  3. Cook for 3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts. Slice and serve warm.

6. Veggie-Packed Fried Rice

This fried rice is an easy way to use leftover rice, packed with vegetables and ready in a flash.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggs and scramble until just cooked, then set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add veggies and cook until tender. Add rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs, stirring everything together for about 5 minutes.
  3. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

7. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This light and refreshing pasta dish is simple yet flavorful, perfect for busy nights.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz pasta (like penne or spaghetti)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Toss pasta with the tomato mixture, adding fresh basil and Parmesan on top. Serve warm.

Tips for Quick and Easy Family Meals

• Prep Ahead: Pre-chop veggies, cook rice, or make sauces in advance to save time.
• Choose Quick-Cooking Proteins: Shrimp, chicken breast, or thin-sliced beef cook quickly and work well in fast meals.
• Use Leftovers: Turn leftover rice, pasta, or meats into new meals like fried rice, pasta salads, or quesadillas.
• One-Pot and One-Pan Meals: These dishes simplify cleanup and reduce cooking time, perfect for busy nights.

With these quick, delicious recipes, you’ll be able to whip up family dinners in under 20 minutes without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and making dinnertime stress-free!