Busy weeknights need simple dinner ideas. Ina Garten knows this well. Her recipes are easy and tasty.
The Barefoot Contessa makes cooking stress-free. She uses simple ingredients. Her meals taste amazing every time.
These 10 Best Ina Garten Weeknight Dinner Recipes take 30 minutes or less. They use pantry staples. Your family will love them.
1. Lemon Chicken Breasts
This chicken is tender and flavorful. The lemon makes it bright and fresh. It’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400°F
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Drizzle with oil and lemon juice
- Bake 25 minutes
2. Pasta with Garlic and Oil
Simple pasta that’s ready in minutes. Garlic and oil create magic together. Add red pepper for heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 6 garlic cloves (sliced)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook pasta as directed
- Heat oil and garlic in pan
- Toss with drained pasta
- Add pepper flakes to taste
3. Roasted Salmon
Salmon cooks fast and tastes great. This recipe uses mustard and herbs. It’s healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Brush salmon with mustard
- Top with dill
- Roast 12-15 minutes
4. Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are lighter than beef ones. They’re juicy and full of flavor. Serve with pasta or rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, egg, and breadcrumbs
- Roll into balls
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes
- Serve with sauce
5. Chicken Stir-Fry
Quick cooking method for busy nights. Use any vegetables you have. Serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- Mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
- Ginger and garlic
Instructions:
- Heat oil in large pan
- Cook chicken 5 minutes
- Add vegetables and seasonings
- Stir-fry 3-4 minutes more
6. Baked Cod
White fish cooks very quickly. This recipe uses breadcrumbs for crunch. It’s light and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400°F
- Mix breadcrumbs with butter
- Top fish with mixture
- Bake 15 minutes
7. Beef and Broccoli
Restaurant-style dish made at home. The sauce is sweet and savory. Ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef strips
- 2 cups broccoli
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
Instructions:
- Cook beef in hot pan
- Add broccoli and cook 3 minutes
- Mix sauce ingredients
- Toss everything together
8. Shrimp Scampi
Elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy. Garlic and butter make it rich. Serve with crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup butter
- White wine
Instructions:
- Heat butter in pan
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute
- Add shrimp and wine
- Cook until shrimp turn pink
9. Pork Tenderloin
Lean meat that cooks fast. Season well for best flavor. Slice thin for serving.
Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Rub pork with oil and seasonings
- Roast 20-25 minutes
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing
10. Vegetable Fried Rice
Great way to use leftover rice. Add any vegetables you like. It’s filling and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
Instructions:
- Heat oil in large pan
- Scramble eggs and remove
- Add rice and vegetables
- Stir in eggs and sauce
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s recipes make weeknight cooking easy. They use simple ingredients most people have. These dishes prove that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Try these recipes when time is short. Your family will think you’re a great cook. Simple ingredients can create amazing meals.