10 Quick and Easy American Dinner Recipes

Ah, the hustle of everyday life — sometimes, it’s a whirlwind, isn’t it? When dinner time rolls around, who has the energy for anything complicated?

I’ve been there, staring at my kitchen like it’s an unsolvable puzzle. That’s why these quick and easy American dinner recipes are a lifesaver — they’re like a warm, cozy hug on a busy weeknight.

Think of them as your culinary superheroes, ready to swoop in and save the day.

Steps

1. Season chicken with lemon juice, herbs, and salt.
2. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
3. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Marinate salmon fillets in a sesame oil and soy sauce mixture.
5. Grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
6. Serve with grilled vegetables and wild rice.
7. Cook pasta in a large pan with salted water until al dente, then drain.
8. Add olive oil, garlic, and a handful of vegetables to the same pan and sauté until tender.
9. Toss pasta back into the pan to combine and serve.
10. In a pot, combine chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and spices.



11. Add shredded cooked chicken and simmer for about 20 minutes.
12. Serve hot with tortilla strips and toppings of choice.
13. Brown ground beef with onions and spices in a skillet.
14. Mix with tomato sauce and place in a baking dish, layering with cheese.
15. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
16. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic to make a marinade for pork chops.
17. Grill the chops, basting with the marinade, for about 5 minutes on each side.
18. Top with grilled onions before serving.
19. Sauté chicken breasts in butter until golden and cooked through.
20. In the same pan, make a sauce with cream, capers, and lemon juice.
21. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.
22. Brown ground beef with onions and seasonings.
23. Roll the mixture in tortillas, place in a baking dish, and cover with enchilada sauce.
24. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and serve with toppings of choice.
25. Mix canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
26. Form into patties and fry until golden on both sides.
27. Serve with your choice of side dish.
28. Season pork chops and brown them in a skillet.
29. Add white wine and herbs to the pan, simmering until sauce thickens.
30. Serve chops with sauce drizzled over them.
31. Mix canned tuna with lime juice and seasonings.
32. Spread mixture onto tostada shells.
33. Top with sliced avocado and enjoy.
34. Cook spaghetti, then toss with diced ham and a creamy mushroom sauce.
35. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes.
36. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley.
37. Grill seasoned chicken breasts and slice them thin.
38. Combine with mixed greens, beans, and corn.
39. Toss with a light vinaigrette and serve chilled.
40. Roasted Chicken Breasts
41. Season chicken breasts with herbs and sear in a hot pan.
42. Finish cooking in the oven for about 10 minutes.
43. Serve with a pan sauce made from the drippings.
44. Cook pancetta until crispy, then add garlic and onions.
45. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
46. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with grated cheese.
47. Sauté sliced chicken with garlic in a hot pan.
48. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
49. Serve over rice or noodles.
50. Form ground beef into patties and brown in a skillet.
51. Remove patties and cook onions in the same pan.
52. Return patties, add gravy, and simmer until heated through.
53. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and sauté in olive oil.
54. Add white wine and simmer until chicken is cooked.
55. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.
56. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
57. Sear in a hot pan for about 4 minutes on each side.
58. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
59. Brown sirloin tips in a skillet with flour and seasonings.
60. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
61. Simmer with beef broth until sauce thickens.
62. Season chicken with Mediterranean spices and brown in a pan.
63. Add olives and tomatoes, then simmer until chicken is done.
64. Serve with a sprinkle of feta cheese.
65. Brown pork chops in a skillet, then remove.
66. Sauté tomatoes, onions, and garlic until soft.
67. Return chops, top with feta, and serve.
68. Brown chicken breasts in a pan, then remove.
69. Make a sauce with Marsala wine and cream in the same pan.
70. Return chicken and simmer until cooked through.
71. Fry
72. Sauté thinly sliced beef in a hot pan.
73. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
74. Serve over rice or noodles with a sprinkle of soy sauce.
75. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
76. Sear in a pan with tomatoes and basil.
77. Serve with a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes.
78. Seared Chicken Breasts with Shallots
79. Sear chicken breasts until golden, then remove.
80. Sauté shallots and mushrooms in the same pan.
81. Return chicken, add wine, and simmer until done.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

FAQ

• What are some quick and easy dinner recipes that I can prepare in under 40 minutes?
• This collection includes various dishes such as Simple Lemon Herb Chicken, Sesame Grilled Salmon, and One Pan Orecchiette Pasta, most of which can be prepared in less than 40 minutes.
• Can I modify the recipes to suit different dietary preferences?
• Yes, many of these recipes are versatile and can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, the Tuna Lime Tostadas can be easily modified with different ingredients to cater to various diets.
• Are there any recipes that require minimal kitchen equipment?
• Yes, the One Pan Orecchiette Pasta is designed to be simple, requiring only a single pan and a few basic ingredients, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen tools.
• What are some popular dishes in this recipe collection?
• Some of the standout dishes include Chicken Tortilla Soup IV, Sloppy Joe Casserole, and Chicken Breasts in Caper Cream Sauce, each praised for their simplicity and flavor.
• Can I prepare these meals in advance for busy weeknights?
• Absolutely. Dishes like Chicken Tortilla Soup IV can be prepared using leftover chicken and even cooked in a crock-pot for convenience, making them ideal for busy weekdays.

Tips

• When preparing a stir-fry, such as the Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Once the heat is on, you won’t have time to chop or measure anything else.
• For the Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider using leftover precooked chicken to save time. This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on high for a few hours.
• If you’re making a dish that involves dredging, like Quick Chicken And Wine, try adding some Italian seasoning or your preferred herbs to the flour for an extra layer of flavor.
• When grilling vegetables with your main dish, such as with the Sesame Grilled Salmon, consider pairing them with grilled yellow bell peppers or green beans for a colorful and flavorful side.

Equipment

• Grill (for recipes like Sesame Grilled Salmon and Soy and Honey Pork Chops)
• Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker (for Chicken Tortilla Soup IV)
• Large sauté pan or skillet (for various stir-fry recipes and pan-roasted dishes)
• Pasta pot with strainer (for pasta recipes like One Pan Orecchiette Pasta)
• Baking dish or casserole dish (for Sloppy Joe Casserole)
• Food processor (if making sauces or fine chopping is needed)
• Meat thermometer (for ensuring proper cooking temperatures)
• Quality chef’s knife (for all the chopping and preparation needed across recipes)
• Mandoline slicer (for thinly slicing vegetables efficiently)
• Cast-iron skillet (for pan-searing recipes)

Adrianne