Perfectly Balanced Recipes for Your Weeknight Dinners

In today's fast-paced world, finding quick yet satisfying meals can be a real challenge. However, there’s no need to worry; with these easy-to-follow weeknight dinner recipes, you'll have delicious and balanced dinners on your table in just 30 minutes! These recipes are designed to offer a perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for sustainable energy throughout the evening.

This article will guide you through three different yet complementary weeknight recipes: Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Pasta, Tandoori Chicken Salad Wraps, and Avocado Pesto Salmon. Each recipe comes with specific cooking times and servings to ensure you get a balanced and satisfying meal that fits your schedule perfectly.

Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 8 oz (226g) spaghetti or penne pasta
• Cheese for topping and serving (optional)
• Olive oil, as needed

Detailed Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix flour with garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and set both bowls next to each other.
4. Dredge the chicken first in flour then press it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are well coated on all sides. Repeat until you’ve finished coating all pieces of chicken.
5. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer them onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
7. Meanwhile, boil water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well after cooking.
8. To assemble, serve chicken pieces with a generous amount of marinara sauce over garlic pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes (25 minutes for chicken + 5 minutes for pasta)

Servings: 4

Tandoori Chicken Salad Wraps

This recipe is perfect for those days when you are in the mood for something lighter yet still packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 4-5 green chilies (optional)
• 4 large wraps or tortillas
• Cucumber and tomatoes for garnishing
• Olive oil, as needed

Detailed Instructions:

1. Mince the chicken breasts finely. If you prefer smaller pieces, cut them into bite-sized chunks.
2. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, cumin powder, paprika, and turmeric to make a paste. Add minced chicken and green chilies (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes or until it is cooked through but not browned (to retain its pinkish color).
4. Spread the cooked chicken evenly onto tortillas. Add cucumber and tomatoes as garnish. Roll up the wraps tightly.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Avocado Pesto Salmon

This recipe is not only delicious but also very healthy, offering a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon. It's simple to prepare and can be made in just under half an hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillets
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Lemon juice, as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking the salmon

Detailed Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove pits. Scoop out flesh into a food processor or blender.
2. Add basil leaves, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the avocado mixture. Blend until smooth but not too creamy (some texture is preferred).
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Clean salmon fillets by patting them dry with paper towels.
5. Cook salmon in a lightly greased baking pan for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. Baking ensures that it stays moist and retains its natural flavor without overcooking.
6. Spread the avocado pesto on top of baked salmon fillets just before serving.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes (15 minutes for baking + 10 minutes for preparation)

Servings: 4

Conclusion

These three recipes offer a delightful balance of flavors and nutrition. They are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and most importantly, they fit perfectly into your busy weeknight schedule. From the comforting richness of Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Pasta to the freshness of Tandoori Chicken Salad Wraps and the healthy goodness of Avocado Pesto Salmon, each dish promises a memorable dining experience right at home.