5 Easy Main Dishes to Try Tonight – Quick, Delicious, and Family-Friendly

When it comes to dinner, we all want something that’s quick to make, delicious, and satisfying for the whole family. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves good food, these 5 easy main dishes are perfect for any night of the week. From comforting classics to globally inspired flavors, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

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1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts, potatoes, and broccoli.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the chicken and veggies.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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2. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
5. Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

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3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

This stir-fry is faster than takeout and healthier, too! It’s packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the sliced beef and marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Serve over cooked rice.

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4. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

These colorful bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of rice, beans, and veggies, making them a satisfying meatless option.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese (if using), and bake for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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5. Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

This salmon dish is light, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner that feels special.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with the herb mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.

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Final Thoughts

These 5 easy main dishes are perfect for any night of the week. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting like One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken or something light and healthy like Lemon Herb Baked Salmon, these recipes have you covered.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and start cooking! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #PleaseCook. Happy cooking!