Recipe Round-Up: 5 Easy Dinners for Busy Nights

While the work we do at Red Rose Cabinetry can make people really love their kitchens, we know how much time you might spend getting meals ready. Sometimes it’s nice to get in and out of the kitchen to enjoy family time, which is why we’re bringing you five simple dinner recipes for those busy nights.

1. Chicken, Bacon, and Spinach Spaghetti

This tasty and hearty meal marries pasta, crispy bacon, and sautéed chicken breast to create a real crowd pleaser—and with a 20-minute prep time, you won’t have to spend all night in the kitchen! To make this dish, you’ll need the following:

  • 12 oz. spaghetti or angel hair
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 c. diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 3 c. baby spinach
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1/3 c. freshly grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

For a complete rundown of this recipe, visit Delish.com.

2. Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Chicken parmesan that takes less than 30 minutes? You got it. This recipe serves four and is a good example of simplicity in terms of presentation and prep. To make this meal, here’s what you need:

  • 4 chicken breasts, pounded 1/2″ thick
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. canola oil
  • 4 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 c. marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 c. grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 c. freshly chopped basil, plus more for garnish

You can find this recipe along with complete instructions on Delish.com.

3. Hearty Bean Burrito Bowl

This Delish.com recipe offers a healthier and cleaner version of the typical burrito bowl by swapping out tortilla chips/strips and white rice for brown rice. It only takes about 25 minutes to put together, too! To make your own deconstructed burrito, here’s what you need:

  • 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. ground cumin
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 c. cooked brown rice
  • 1 can black beans
  • ½ head romaine lettuce
  • 1 c. roughly chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 pt. grape tomatoes
  • 1 avocado
  • ½ small red onion
  • Low-fat sour cream
  • Lime wedges
  • Hot sauce

This incredibly quick and simple dinner recipe serves four.

4. Spinach, Tomato & Feta Frittata

Sometimes breakfast makes the best dinner, which is why this frittata is so great. It’s quick, healthy, but absolutely filling. For the recipe, all you’ll need is:

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt, divided
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 6 oz. bag of baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

The recipe serves four, so as always, adjust for larger or smaller families. For complete directions and an introduction to this fast-and-tasty meal, visit Cupcakes and Kalechips.

5. Slow Cooker Aloha Chili

Slow cookers are an incredible invention that let us do minimal work for a big reward. In most cases, you can take a few minutes the night before or the morning of your meal to add all of your ingredients and walk away. Then you get to come home to a fully cooked meal! This particular recipe combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the savory spices of slow cooker chili for some ‘sweet heat.’

To say ‘aloha’ to the sweet and savory aroma of this chili, you’ll need:

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • Two 15.5 oz. cans of dark kidney beans
  • 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 16 oz. can crushed pineapple
  • 1 ½ c. matchstick carrots
  • 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
  • 1 c. diced green pepper
  • 1 c. diced onion
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • Salt/pepper to taste
  • *Additional tomato juice can be used to thin the chili out if it’s too thick for your liking

For full directions to this smoky-sweet chili, check the recipe out on Sweet and Savory Food.

To maximize family time and minimize time spent slaving away in the kitchen consider restructuring your cabinetry and appliances to make life easier. For a kitchen that will make meal prep a cinch, contact Red Rose Cabinetry. Our passion for design will help us give you the kitchen you’ve always wanted.