Sometimes, you just don’t feel like cooking—and that’s totally okay. Maybe you’re feeling sick, too busy, or just really tired. Or maybe you don’t have the right kitchen tools or fresh ingredients on hand. Whatever the reason, it’s always helpful to have a few quick and easy meal ideas you can make without much effort. This article includes simple dishes you can throw together with basic ingredients and just one pan (or even none).
1. Soup with Noodles & Vegetables
Keep some instant noodles and miso paste in your kitchen for days when you want something quick. You don’t have to use the whole flavor packet—it’s very salty. You can use a little, or just add some miso instead. Cook the noodles and mix in any vegetables you have, fresh or frozen. To make it more filling, add some protein like an egg, tofu, chicken, or fish.
2. Pasta with Any Sauce or Vegetable
This dish is incredibly simple and doesn’t require a formal recipe. Begin by cooking your pasta – just boil and drain it. In a separate pan, heat some olive oil and sauté a few cloves of chopped garlic for 30 seconds. Then, add in whatever vegetables you have on hand, like spinach, kale, or artichokes. If you want to add a bit more flavor, you can toss in a fresh tomato or two, especially if they’re starting to overripe. You can adjust the ratio of veggies to pasta to your preference; I usually prefer more vegetables with a little pasta, but it’s all up to you.
Once the veggies are cooked, add the pasta to the pan and give it a good mix. You now have a quick, nutritious meal that’s ready in no time.
If you’re using gnocchi instead of pasta, just boil it as well, but if you prefer, you can skip the boiling and crisp up the gnocchi in a pan with some olive oil. Once the gnocchi is golden, add the veggies and you’re all set!
3. Quick Fried Rice Mix
When you’re short on time or ingredients, pre-cooked rice (from a packet or last night’s leftovers) is your best friend. Combine it with whatever vegetables you’ve got in the freezer or fridge—think peas, carrots, or even some chopped onions. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, then sauté your veggies for a few minutes. Once they’re softened, add your rice and stir everything together. To bring it all together, splash in some soy sauce, or maybe a dash of chili sauce if you like heat. For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle on some seeds, chopped herbs, or even a handful of nuts. A tasty, hearty dish is ready in no time with minimal effort!
4. Chickpea Curry
For this quick meal, all you need is an onion and a couple of garlic cloves. If you have fresh ginger, use that; otherwise, powdered ginger will work just fine. Don’t worry if you skip it altogether; the dish will still taste great. The rest of the ingredients can be found in your pantry, freezer, or spice cupboard. You can use frozen spinach or kale, both of which work perfectly in this recipe. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, protein-rich curry.
Serve it over any type of grain, or for a simpler option, use warmed bread to scoop it up. The best part? The leftovers are even better the next day!
5. Omelettes and Scrambles
Eggs are perfect when you’re too tired to cook – they make a meal fast. You can make a quick omelette by adding your favorite veggies, protein, and carbs. Or, if you prefer scrambled eggs, just cook your veggies in a pan, add beaten eggs, and stir until it’s all cooked. For a tasty twist, add chili, cumin, kidney beans, and have a tortilla on the side.
6. White fish with pesto
White fish with pesto is super easy to make. Fish cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes at 400°F. You can also grill it in foil if you like. You can find pesto at most grocery stores, and while it’s not homemade, the sun-dried tomato flavor works great with the fish. Just spread some pesto on the fish before cooking. While you’ve got the oven or grill on, you can also toss in some easy veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peppers. They don’t need much prep and taste great when roasted or grilled!
7. Bean and/or whole grain salad
If you’re looking for something quick and healthy, a bean or whole grain salad can be a great option. These days, many grocery stores offer salads packed with nutrients, including ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and roasted peppers. Instead of the typical couscous salad (which isn’t always whole wheat), look for more exciting grains like wheat berries, barley, or bulgur, which can add variety and flavor. Natural food stores, like Planet Organic, often have a great selection of these salads, though they can be a bit pricier.
