3 Simple and Healthy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

When your schedule is packed and time is tight, finding a quick and nutritious dinner can be a challenge. These 3 simple and healthy dinner recipes are perfect for busy nights, offering delicious meals that come together in no time. With minimal prep and cooking, these recipes will help you put a wholesome dinner on the table without adding extra stress to your evening.

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

Spinach Shrimp Pasta Recipe — Enjoy bold flavors with this one-pot shrimp pasta, ready in just 30 minutes. Al dente pasta is mixed with zesty grilled shrimp, tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and a touch of olive oil. Among our healthy dinner recipes, this one is bound to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as linguine or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. Add Spinach and Broth: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Baked Honey Garlic Salmon

A whole salmon fillet, coated in a honey mustard garlic sauce, is baked in foil and then broiled to a perfect, flaky texture. This quick and healthy dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole salmon fillet (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of aluminum foil. Season the fillet with salt and pepper.
4. Apply the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly with a brush or spoon.
5. Wrap and Bake: Fold the edges of the foil to create a packet, sealing it tightly. Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Broil for a Finish (Optional): If you prefer a slightly caramelized top, open the foil packet and broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the foil and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Baked Lemon Chicken with Veggies

With these baked chicken breasts, asparagus, and potatoes, you can now enjoy a no-fuss, healthy, and nourishing dinner—all prepared in just one pan.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
4. Prepare the Vegetables: Arrange the baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining marinade and toss to coat.
5. Bake: Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetables on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables.