10 Perfect Easy Dishes Everybody Can Cook

10 Perfect Easy Dishes Everybody Can Cook

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right recipes, you can prepare delicious and satisfying meals without breaking a sweat. Here are 10 easy dishes that are perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike:

1. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic is golden but not burnt, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat with the garlic and oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add garlic (and ginger, if using) and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Pour soy sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

3. Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salsa and guacamole, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla.
3. Add a layer of shredded chicken, bell peppers, and onions.
4. Top with the remaining cheese and place a second tortilla on top.
5. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and guacamole.

4. Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating them and overlapping slightly.
2. Tuck basil leaves in between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving.

5. One-Pan Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon.
5. Toss baby carrots and potatoes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place around the salmon.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

6. Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add carrots and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable broth, green beans, corn, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7. Egg Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Scramble the eggs in the skillet until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. Add a bit more oil to the skillet if needed. Add peas, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes, making sure the rice is heated through and coated with soy sauce.
5. Stir in the cooked eggs and sesame oil (if using).
6. Serve hot.

8. Greek Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cup granola
• 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. In serving glasses or bowls, layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries.
2. Repeat layers until glasses or bowls are filled.
3. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
4. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

9. Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 taco shells or tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa and sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef or chicken in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and follow packet instructions (usually adding a bit of water and simmering).
3. Warm taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions.
4. Fill each taco shell with seasoned meat, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
5. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

10. Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup cubed cheese (cheddar or feta)
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and cheese.
2. Pour Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill before serving or serve immediately.

These recipes are designed to be straightforward and approachable, ensuring that even novice cooks can create delicious meals with ease. Enjoy!

These easy dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a quick meal without a lot of fuss. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, anyone can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in no time.