Are you looking for easy and delicious recipes that won’t take up too much of your time in the kitchen? Look no further! Here are the 15 simplest recipes that anyone can make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t feel like spending too much time cooking. Let’s get started!

Introduction

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these recipes prove that. With just a few ingredients and simple instructions, you can create delicious and healthy meals that will satisfy your taste buds. From pasta dishes to stir-fries, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, put on your apron and get ready to whip up some amazing dishes!

15 Simplest Recipes

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian pasta dish is made with just a few ingredients – spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. spaghetti
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the spaghetti, water, diced tomatoes (with their juice), onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
3. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Use a large pot to ensure the spaghetti cooks evenly.
• Stir occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.
• Customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply slice chicken, onions, and bell peppers and season with fajita seasoning. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes and serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture out on a sheet pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with optional toppings.

Tips:

• Use a variety of colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• Customize this recipe by adding sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
• Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.

Caprese Salad

This simple salad only requires three ingredients – tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and you have a fresh and tasty salad in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss to combine.

Tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• To make this salad ahead of time, combine the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the olive oil and seasonings just before serving.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Who doesn’t love a classic grilled cheese? All you need is bread, cheese, and butter. Cook in a pan until golden brown and gooey.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Add the cheese slices on top of the bread.
5. Place the other slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice and serve hot.

Tips:

• Use your favorite type of bread and cheese for a customized grilled cheese sandwich.
• For extra flavor, add toppings like sliced tomato or cooked bacon.
• To evenly melt the cheese, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking.

Easy Fried Rice

This is a great way to use up leftover rice. Simply sauté vegetables, scrambled eggs, and cooked rice in a pan with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a quick and tasty meal that can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side.
5. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then mix them in with the vegetables.
6. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• Use leftover cooked rice for the best texture.
• Customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein, like diced chicken or shrimp.
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or sesame oil to the skillet.

Omelet

An omelet is a great way to use up leftovers or vegetables that are about to go bad. Simply whisk eggs, pour into a hot pan, and add your fillings. Cook until set and serve with toast.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp. milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional fillings: shredded cheese, diced ham, chopped vegetables

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom is set.
4. Add the optional fillings to one side of the omelet.
5. Use a spatula to fold the other side of the omelet over the fillings.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
7. Slide the omelet onto a plate and serve hot.

Tips:

• Customize this recipe with your favorite fillings.
• Use a small skillet for a thicker omelet or a large skillet for a thinner omelet.
• Use a spatula to gently fold the omelet to avoid tearing.

Pesto Pasta

This simple pasta dish only requires three ingredients – pasta, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. pasta of your choice
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Add the pesto and Parmesan cheese to the pot and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the pot.
• Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce if needed.

Tomato Soup

This classic soup is made with just a few ingredients – canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and broth. Simmer until the flavors meld together and serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 oz.) whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the canned tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and broth to a large pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Heat the soup over low heat until heated through.

Tips:

• Use canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Customize this recipe by adding basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons.

Taco Salad

This salad is a great way to use up leftover taco meat. Simply layer lettuce, taco meat, cheese, tomatoes, and your favorite toppings in a bowl. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, black olives, and cilantro.
4. Add the cooked ground beef or turkey to the bowl and toss to combine.
5. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top and toss to coat.
6. Serve the salad with tortilla chips on the side.

Tips:

• Customize this recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings, like diced avocado or salsa.
• Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Make this recipe ahead of time by prepping the ingredients and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Chicken Caesar Salad

This classic salad only requires a few ingredients – romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup croutons
• Caesar dressing

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
5. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
6. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss to combine.
7. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top and toss to coat.

Tips:

• Make your own croutons by tossing cubes of bread with olive oil and seasoning, then baking in the oven until crispy.
• For a lighter option, use grilled chicken instead of pan-seared.
• Use a store-bought Caesar dressing or make your own with ingredients like mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice.

One-Pot Spaghetti

This recipe requires only one pot and a handful of ingredients – spaghetti, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and broth. It’s a great way to make a comforting pasta dish without dirtying too many dishes.

Stir-Fry

This versatile dish can be made with any protein and vegetables you have on hand. Simply sauté everything together in a pan with soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve over rice for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless chicken or beef, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken or beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until browned.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the soy sauce to the skillet and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and protein.
• Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to the skillet.

Mashed Potatoes

This classic side dish only requires potatoes, butter, and milk or cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even pieces.
2. Rinse the potatoes in cold water and drain well.
3. Add the potatoes to a pot and cover with cold water.
4. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Add the butter and milk/cream to the pot.
7. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it! Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. They’re also easy to customize, so feel free to add in herbs, cheese, or anything else you like.

Tips:

• For even cooking, make sure to cut the potatoes into small, even pieces.
• Don’t over-mash the potatoes, or they can become gummy.
• Add in other ingredients like garlic, cheese, or sour cream for added flavor.
• Use a potato masher or a fork for mashing the potatoes. Don’t use a blender or food processor as they can make the potatoes gluey.

Baked Chicken Thighs

This recipe is as easy as seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and baking them in the oven. They come out juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, place the chicken thighs under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Customize this recipe by using your favorite seasonings, like lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning.
• To check the internal temperature of the chicken, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

Quesadillas

This Mexican favorite is made by filling tortillas with cheese and your favorite fillings and cooking them in a pan until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and top it with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of diced chicken (if using), and 1/4 of the sautéed vegetables.
5. Top with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and a second tortilla.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
8. Slice and serve hot, topped with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.

Tips:

• Customize this recipe by using different types of cheese or adding extra toppings like sliced jalapeño or black beans.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
• To make this recipe even simpler, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked chicken.

These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to eat delicious food without spending too much time in the kitchen. They are also great for those who are new to cooking and want to start with something simple.

FAQs

Q: Are these recipes healthy? A: These recipes can be made healthy by using fresh ingredients and cutting back on oil and salt. You can also substitute healthier options for some of the ingredients.

Q: Can I customize these recipes? A: Absolutely! These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your personal preferences.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time? A: Yes! Some of these recipes, like the spaghetti and stir-fry, can be made ahead of time and reheated later.

Q: Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians? A: Some of these recipes, like the Caprese salad and pesto pasta, are vegetarian. You can also substitute vegetarian proteins, like tofu, for the meat in some of the recipes.

Q: Can I make these recipes in bulk and freeze them? A: Yes! Many of these recipes, like the baked chicken thighs and one-pot spaghetti, are great for making in bulk and freezing for later.

Q: Are these recipes budget-friendly? A: Yes! These recipes use simple ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank.

Q: Can I use alternative ingredients if I don’t have some of the ingredients listed in the recipe? A: Yes, you can make substitutions if you don’t have certain ingredients on hand. For example, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs in the baked chicken recipe or use different veggies in the stir-fry.

Q: Can I make these recipes in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? A: Yes, some of these recipes can be adapted to be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For example, the chili can be made in a slow cooker by cooking it on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: Can I make these recipes gluten-free? A: Some of these recipes are already gluten-free, like the Caprese salad and stir-fry. For other recipes, you can make substitutions to make them gluten-free. For example, use gluten-free pasta for the pesto pasta or corn tortillas for the quesadillas.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in these recipes? A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in some of these recipes. For example, you can use frozen mixed vegetables in the stir-fry or frozen corn in the chili.

Q: Can I make these recipes spicy? A: Yes, you can add spices or hot sauce to make these recipes spicier. For example, add cayenne pepper to the baked chicken or jalapenos to the quesadillas.

Q: How can I make sure the chicken in the baked chicken recipe is cooked through? A: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure there is no pink or translucent flesh.

Conclusion

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these 15 simplest recipes prove that. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just don’t have a lot of time to cook, these recipes are perfect for you. They are quick, easy, and delicious, and can be customized to your personal preferences. So, grab your apron and start cooking!

1. Chicken Thighs: A Beginner’s Guide – This guide provides helpful tips on how to prepare and cook chicken thighs, including baking them in the oven. https://www.thespruceeats.com/chicken-thighs-a-beginners-guide-4684822
2. How to Make Quesadillas – This recipe and video tutorial shows you how to make classic quesadillas with cheese and chicken. https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/a31529461/easy-quesadilla-recipe/
3. 25 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for the Week – This article provides meal prep ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that can be made ahead of time, including some of the recipes listed in this article. https://www.eatwell101.com/healthy-meal-prep-ideas-for-the-week
4. How to Freeze Food – This guide provides tips on how to properly freeze food, including some of the recipes listed in this article. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/how-to-freeze-food
5. Vegetarian Protein Sources – This article provides a list of vegetarian protein sources that can be substituted for meat in some of the recipes listed in this article. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321474
6. 10 Easy Ingredient Substitutions – This article provides suggestions for ingredient substitutions that can be made in recipes if you don’t have certain ingredients on hand. https://www.thekitchn.com/10-easy-ingredient-substitutions-for-when-you-dont-have-it-on-hand-170938