Last minute dinner? See 13 simple and quick recipes for the meal

Michele

Imagine the following situation: you get home after a long day at work or school and realize you're hungry, but there's nothing ready to eat. What do you do in that moment of urgency? Don't worry, in this article we'll give you 13 delicious, simple and quick recipes for a last-minute dinner. With basic ingredients and quick preparation, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious meal in no time at all. 

Simple recipes for a last-minute dinner

When the clock seems to be ticking faster than our culinary skills, it's easy to panic at the prospect of preparing a satisfying dinner. However, there's no need to stress or worry when it comes to feeding the family or yourself in a moment of urgency. With a little creativity and a few basic ingredients on hand, it's possible to create a delicious meal in a matter of minutes.

1. Cheese and Vegetable Omelette

Ingredients: eggs, grated cheese, tomatoes, onions, peppers and seasoning to taste.

Directions: beat the eggs, add the chopped vegetables and the cheese. Pour into a non-stick pan and cook until firm.

Cheese and Vegetable Omelette is a versatile and comforting option for a last-minute dinner. As well as being quick to prepare, this recipe offers a delicious way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal. The combination of creamy eggs, melted cheese and colorful vegetables creates an explosion of flavors and textures that appeals to all palates.

One of the great advantages of this recipe is its adaptability. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, spinach or mushrooms, depending on your preference or what is available in the pantry. This gives you incredible flexibility to customize the dish according to your individual tastes or dietary needs.

In addition, the cheese and vegetable omelette is an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced meal, as it offers a good dose of protein from the eggs, nutrients from the vegetables and the richness of the cheese. It is a particularly popular choice among those following a low-carb diet, as it is naturally gluten-free and can be prepared without the addition of starchy ingredients.

2. Caprese salad

Ingredients: tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Preparation: slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, interspersing with basil leaves. Season with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Caprese Salad is a true celebration of the simple, fresh flavors of Italian cuisine. Originating in the Campania region of southern Italy, this salad is known for its harmonious combination of ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil and a touch of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The name "Caprese" derives from the island of Capri, famous for its natural beauty and traditional cuisine. This salad reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, valuing high-quality local ingredients and highlighting their natural qualities.

One of the most striking features of Caprese Salad is the simplicity of its ingredients. The juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing sweetness, while the buffalo mozzarella adds an irresistible creaminess. The fresh basil, with its distinctive aroma and taste, completes the flavor combination masterfully.

3. Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients: shredded chicken breast, mayonnaise, bread, lettuce and tomato.

Directions: mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise and assemble the sandwich with the other ingredients.

The Shredded Chicken Sandwich is a practical, comforting and flavorful option for a last-minute dinner. With a combination of simple and affordable ingredients, this sandwich offers a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

One of the advantages of this sandwich is its versatility. You can make it using leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken or even boiled chicken. The shredded meat is mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings to taste, creating a juicy and flavorful filling.

What's more, the Shredded Chicken Sandwich can be customized according to each person's individual preferences. Add extra ingredients such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado or bacon to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

4. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients: pasta, ready-made tomato sauce, onion, garlic and olive oil.

Directions: cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, add the tomato sauce and mix with the pasta.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a comforting classic that can be prepared quickly and with few ingredients. This simple yet delicious dish is a perfect option for a last-minute dinner when time is short but the desire for a satisfying home-cooked meal persists.

One of the great advantages of Pasta with Tomato Sauce is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, such as pasta, ready-made tomato sauce, onion, garlic and olive oil, you can create a meal that pleases all palates.

In addition to its ease of preparation, this dish is highly adaptable. You can customize it by adding extra ingredients, such as minced meat, mushrooms, peppers or fresh herbs, to give the tomato sauce a special touch and make the meal even tastier and more nutritious.

5. Tuna Wrap

Ingredients: tortilla, canned tuna, mayonnaise, lettuce and grated carrot.

Preparation: mix the tuna with mayonnaise and fill the tortilla with this mixture, lettuce and carrots. Roll up and serve.

The Tuna Wrap is a light, healthy and delicious option for a last-minute dinner. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, this dish is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

One of the main advantages of the Tuna Wrap is its practicality. With simple ingredients such as tortillas, canned tuna, mayonnaise, lettuce and grated carrot, you can prepare a nutritious dinner in a matter of minutes. What's more, this dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to add extra ingredients, such as tomato, cucumber, onion or avocado, for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

The Tuna Wrap is also a versatile option that can be served as a main course, side dish or snack. Whether for a quick weekday meal or a relaxed weekend lunch, this dish is a convenient and delicious choice to satisfy your hunger and nourish your body.

6. Vegetable soup

Ingredients: various vegetables (carrots, zucchini, potatoes, etc.), vegetable stock, onion, garlic and olive oil.

Preparation: sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, add the chopped vegetables and the vegetable stock. Cook until the vegetables are soft.

Vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for a last-minute dinner. Filled with fresh, aromatic vegetables, this soup is a delicious way to make the most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.

One of the main advantages of vegetable soup is its versatility. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, potatoes, onions, leeks and tomatoes, depending on your preference or what is available. This gives you incredible flexibility to customize the taste and texture of the soup according to your individual tastes.

What's more, vegetable soup is a healthy and comforting option. The vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals essential for health, while the vegetable broth adds depth of flavor and additional nutrients to the soup. This is a popular choice for those looking for a light, balanced meal that nourishes the body and warms the soul.

7. Cheese Quesadilla

Ingredients: tortilla, cheddar cheese, onion, peppers and olive oil.

Preparation: assemble the quesadilla with melted cheese and chopped vegetables. Brown on both sides in a frying pan.

The Cheese Quesadilla is a quick, easy and delicious option for a last-minute dinner. Originating in Mexican cuisine, this recipe is loved all over the world for its irresistible combination of melted cheese and crunchy tortillas.

One of the great advantages of the Cheese Quesadilla is its simplicity. With just two main ingredients - cheese and corn or flour tortillas - you can create a dish that appeals to all palates. You can also add extra ingredients, such as onions, peppers, shredded chicken or grilled meat, for a variety of flavors and textures.

In addition to its ease of preparation, the Cheese Quesadilla is highly adaptable. You can grill the quesadillas in a frying pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden and crispy, or bake them in the oven for a healthier option. You can also slice the quesadillas and serve with dips such as guacamole, salsa or sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.

8. Fruit salad

Ingredients: various fruits (banana, apple, strawberry, etc.), orange juice and honey.

Preparation: cut the fruit into pieces and drizzle with orange juice and honey.

Fruit Salad is a light, refreshing and nutritious option for a last-minute dinner. This colorful combination of fresh fruits offers an explosion of natural flavors and a variety of essential nutrients for the body.

One of the main advantages of Fruit Salad is its versatility. You can use a variety of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, apples, grapes, kiwis, mango, pineapple and many others, to create a vibrant and delicious mix. The variety of colors and textures makes this salad not only nutritious, but also visually appealing.

As well as being a delicious option, Fruit Salad is a healthy choice for a light and balanced dinner. Fruits are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining the body's health and well-being. This is an especially popular option for those looking for a healthy dessert or a refreshing alternative to a heavier meal.

9. Aglio e Olio spaghetti

Ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper and parsley.

Preparation: cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Sauté the garlic in olive oil with red pepper and mix with the spaghetti. Finish with chopped parsley.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish known for its simplicity and irresistible flavor. This recipe, which consists of spaghetti cooked in a sauce of olive oil, garlic, red pepper and parsley, is a perfect option for a last-minute dinner when time is short but the desire for a comforting meal persists.

One of the great advantages of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients that are usually available in the pantry, you can prepare a delicious meal in a matter of minutes. The garlic is sautéed in olive oil until golden and fragrant, creating a rich and aromatic flavor base for the dish.

10. Chicken Caesar Wrap

Ingredients: tortilla, grilled chicken breast, lettuce, parmesan cheese and Caesar sauce.

How to prepare: fill the tortilla with the grilled chicken, lettuce, Parmesan cheese and Caesar sauce. Roll up and serve.

11. Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients: Italian bread, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and Parmesan cheese.

Preparation: cut the bread into slices, rub with garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Top with chopped tomatoes, basil and Parmesan cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted.

12. Vegetarian Wrap

Ingredients: tortilla, hummus, grilled vegetables (peppers, zucchini, eggplant), lettuce and tomato.

Preparation: spread the hummus on the tortilla, fill with the grilled vegetables, lettuce and tomato. Roll up and serve.

13. Oriental Chicken Salad

Ingredients: grilled chicken breast, lettuce, grated carrot, cashew nuts, sesame sauce and ginger.

Directions: Mix the grilled chicken with the vegetables, cashew nuts and sesame-ginger sauce. Serve on lettuce.

Now you have at your disposal a variety of quick and simple recipes to prepare a delicious dinner in a matter of minutes. Don't let lack of time get in the way of a tasty and nutritious meal. Try these suggestions and enjoy a home-cooked, comforting meal even in the rush of everyday life. Bon appétit!

See also: 10 simple recipes to make in the microwave

April 2nd, 2024