The Joy of Cooking: Easy Recipes for Busy Lives

The Joy of Cooking: Easy Recipes for Busy Lives

Foods and Drinks May, 31, 2024

It is a truth that life nowadays is crazy and it is difficult to find time to whip up a homemade meal. But worry not! We have got your back and bring to you quick and easy recipes that will have you dancing around the kitchen. With our 30-minute meals you can put mouthwatering dishes on your dining table. So, grab your apron and transform yourself into a culinary masterpiece. Find out the family-friendly meals that saves time and maintain your sanity amidst life’s wild ride.

Juggling between work responsibilities and commitments, the easy step is to take out or eat processed food. But we are aware that these options are not included in healthy meals. You are not alone in this, many of us search for quick and easy recipes. The blog will guide you through healthy meals full of nutrients and will need a few minutes of yours. Even if you are a busy professional or a parent playing multiple roles, we have got you covered. 

At trusted10.io has made a selection of family-friendly recipes that you can enjoy on your dining table. Every recipe is easy to make and brings everyone together for food. Our team understands the importance of convenience in cooking and have found easy recipes that fit in your busy schedule. 

Healthy And Easy Recipes For Your Busy Life

One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

A lifesaver for your busy weeknights is the one-pan chicken and vegetables recipe. It is a quick, healthy and delicious meal that can be made without any hassle. You will need chicken breasts and vegetables of your choice. In addition to this, everything is cooked in one pan and takes less time in cooking and gives you more time to enjoy your dish. 

Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  3. 1 lb baby carrots
  4. 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. 1 teaspoon paprika
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Instructions: 

  1. Turn on the heat and preheat the oven to the temperature of 200°C. 
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the vegetables of your choice in olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. 
  3. Now, arrange the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and keep the tossed vegetables with it. 
  4. Put the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked.
  5. You can garnish it with fresh parsley and serve. 

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 350
  2. Protein: 30g
  3. Fat: 10g
  4. Carbohydrates: 40g

Serves

  1. This recipe serves 4 people.

Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

This quick veggie stir fry recipe is best for nights when you crave something healthy and tasty. But the thing is you do not have much time to cook. For your rescue you can stir fry the fresh vegetables and make a delightful dish in an easy to make sauce. 

Ingredients

  1. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  2. 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  3. 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  4. 1 onion, thinly sliced
  5. 2 cups broccoli florets
  6. 2 cups sliced carrots
  7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  8. ¼ cup soy sauce
  9. 2 tablespoons honey
  10. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  11. ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  12. ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  13. 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Preparation time

  1. Prep time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook time: 15 minutes
  3. Total time: 25 minutes

Instructions

  1. Whisk the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ground ginger and black pepper in a bowl. 
  2. Now, heat oil in a skillet and keep the flame to medium high. 
  3. Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onion, broccoli, carrots or anything you desire. 
  4. For about 5 to 7 minutes stir fry the vegetables. You can also cook the vegetables till they become tender.
  5. For an additional minute, stir the garlic and pour the prepared sauce over the cooked vegetables. 
  6. Lastly cook for 2-3 minutes more and allow the flavors to blend in vegetables. You can serve it over hot rice. 

Nutritional information

  1. Calories: 260 kcal
  2. Fat: 7 g
  3. Carbohydrates: 44 g
  4. Fiber: 5 g
  5. Sugars: 12 g
  6. Protein: 7 g

Serves

  1. It serves 4 people

Black Bean And Avocado Wraps

The Black Bean and Avocado Wraps comes in the list of quick and easy recipes. It is the best option for your hectic days and provides you with full nutritional benefits. You can have the wraps for lunch or dinner. The wraps are packed with fresh vegetables and offer flavor in every bite. Catering to many dietary preferences it is a family friendly meal enjoyed by everyone. 

Ingredients

  1. 4 large whole wheat tortillas
  2. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  3. 1 avocado, diced
  4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  5. ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  6. ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
  7. Juice of 1 lime
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook time: 0 minutes

Instructions

  1. Combine the black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juic in a mixing bowl. 
  2. Use salt and pepper to taste for seasoning. Now lay out the tortillas and evenly divide the mixture. 
  3. Spread the avocado and black beans mixture in the center of each tortilla. You can also sprinkle feta cheese over the mixture.
  4. Now, roll up the tortilla and fold the sides tightly to create a wrap. You can cut the wraps in half if required and serve, 

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 350
  2. Protein: 10g
  3. Fat: 15g
  4. Carbohydrates: 45g

Serves

  1. This recipe serves 4 people.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta satisfies your cravings for cheeseburger and pasta at the same time. The dish brings the best of two worlds together in a healthy meal. It is packed with ground beef, crispy bacon and cheese and ranks the best in family-friendly meals list. Also, it is served in just 30 minutes and is an ideal option for quick and easy recipes. 

Ingredients: 

  1. 8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
  2. 6 bacon strips, diced
  3. 1 pound ground beef
  4. 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
  5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  6. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  7. 1/4 cup ketchup
  8. 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook time: 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. First step is to cook pasta accordingly and set aside after draining. 
  2. Cook bacon over medium heat in a skillet and remove with a slotted spoon to drain. 
  3. In the same skillet, cook beef until the color changes. Keep the flame at medium. 
  4. Next add tomato soup, ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper to taste. 
  5. Add the pasta earlier cooked and mix it with bacon. 
  6. You can sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the cooked mixture. 
  7. Cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese melts. 
  8. Garnish it with additional bacon and serve.

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 560
  2. Protein: 27g
  3. Fat: 28g
  4. Carbohydrates: 50g

Serves

  1. This recipe serves 6 people.

Parmesan Chicken Sandwiches

In case you are looking for a quick and easy recipe, Parmesan Chicken Sandwiches are for your help. The recipe will help you turn a simple chicken breast into a crispy, cheesy sandwich. The sandwiches are best for lunch or breakfast with its parmesan crust and are cooked in less than a 30-minute meal. The Parmesan Chicken sandwich is best for the days when you need a meal without spending hours in your kitchen. 

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  2. 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  3. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  4. 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  5. 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  6. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
  8. 1/4 cup butter, melted
  9. 4 sandwich rolls, split and toasted
  10. 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
  11. 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 15 minutes
  2. Cook time: 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. At a temperature of 200°C preheat the oven first. In a bowl, mix parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, parsley and garlic powder. 
  2. In melted butter, dip each chicken breast and coat it with the parmesan mixture. 
  3. On a greased baking sheet, place the coated chicken breasts and bake for 20-25 minutes. 
  4. Cook it until the chicken changes its color and the coating turns golden brown. 
  5. Toast the sandwich until golden brown and place the chicken breast on the bottom half. 
  6. You can top it with a slice of mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of warm marinara sauce. 
  7. Cover the other halves of the sandwich roll and serve. 

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 540
  2. Protein: 42g
  3. Fat: 22g
  4. Carbohydrates: 40g

Serves

  1. This recipe serves 2 people.

Weeknight Pasta Squiggles

For the evenings that are hectic, a quick and delicious meal is Pasta Squiggles. It is a mix of pasta, savory sausage and fresh vegetables with a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, it is prepared in no time and is suitable for busy weeknights. Enjoy a hearty and healthy meal loved by everyone. 

Ingredients

  1. 8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  2. 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  3. 1 medium onion, chopped
  4. 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  5. 1 medium red pepper, chopped
  6. 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  7. 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  8. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  9. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  10. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 15 minutes
  2. Cook time: 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. Firstly cook the pasta according to the directions given on the package. 
  2. Cook the sausage over medium heat in a large skillet until it changes its color. 
  3. Chop the onion, green pepper, red pepper and add it to the skillet. 
  4. For about 5 to 7 minutes cook the vegetables until tender. 
  5. Stir the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic powder, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. 
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. 
  7. Now add the pasta to the skillet and stir well. 
  8. You can sprinkle it with grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately. 

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 450
  2. Protein: 23g
  3. Fat: 18g
  4. Carbohydrates: 50g

Serves

  1. This recipe can serve 8 people.

A Quick Dessert Recipe 

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

The No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies satisfy your sugar cravings with just a few simple steps. It is a quick and healthy meal prepared with a few ingredients and no oven. 

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1/2 cup milk
  3. 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1 cup sugar
  5. 1/2 cup peanut butter
  6. 3 cups rolled oats
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. Pinch of salt

Preparation Time

  1. Prep time: 10 minutes
  2. Chill time: 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter on a medium flame. Now add milk, cocoa powder and sugar in the pan. 
  2. Stir and bring the mixture to boil in 1 minute. 
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, oats and salt. 
  4. On a baking sheet with parchment paper drop spoonfuls of the above mixture. 
  5. Let the cookies cool and for about 30 minutes set it in the refrigerator. 

Nutritional Information

  1. Calories: 150 per cookie
  2. Protein: 3g
  3. Fat: 8g
  4. Carbohydrates: 20g

Serves

  1. You can make 24 cookies by following the instructions. 

Add-On Tips and Tricks for a Quick Cooking

Cooking can be done easily but the cleaning up after cooking can make you feel overwhelmed. You can use these simple tips that make it easier and faster to cook. 

  1. To make one of the quick and easy recipes, choose one-pan recipes. It means fewer dishes to wash. 
  2. You can try to wash the dishes right after using them. It will make it easy for you to do a quick cleanup after eating. 
  3. To avoid food from sticking and make a mess, use parchment paper to cover the baking sheets. 
  4. Non-stick cookware requires less scrubbing and is easier to clean. 
  5. You can create new healthy meals from leftover food. It will save you time and effort also. 
  6. Try to create a weekly meal menu that will help you to arrange the ingredients you need. 

By following these tips you can make cooking at home easier and faster. Enjoy a family-friendly meal by planning your meals ahead of time and using efficient cooking methods. 

Conclusion

Lastly, we encourage you to try out these quick and easy recipes to experience the joy of cooking. Even on the busiest days of a week, these recipes will help you to savor the taste of delicious meals. Every recipe is simple, nutritious and tasty and allows you to enjoy home-cooked meals. By using the recipes of one-pan chicken and vegetables, or a Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, preparing a 30-minute meal is no big deal! With the right recipes and preparing ahead, cooking can become a delightful experience of your day. 

The benefits of a healthy meal goes beyond the words. These quick and healthy recipes not only saves your time but reduces the stress and offers you nutritious meals. The recipes are packed with nutrients, and help you to maintain a balanced diet on your hectic schedule. Our experts at trusted10.io understand the importance of a good meal that is prepared in less time. This blog offers you with valuable resources of 30-minute meals that transform your cooking experience. The recipes given above help you to enjoy the benefits of a quick, and nutritious meal.