BY KRISTEN GARRIDO
For our first dinner recipe, boil your favorite pasta in a pot, adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Drain excess water, then toss with olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can add protein like chicken or shrimp as an added bonus.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary. Place them in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Once all the ingredients are ready to go, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds. Stuff them with a mixture of cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa.
Top with shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. If you want to make it a little healthier you can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey.
Spread refried beans on a tortilla, then top with shredded cheese, sliced bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños. Add in any other favorite veggies of yours if you'd like.
Place another tortilla on top and cook in a skillet over medium heat until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden brown. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Surround the salmon with chopped vegetabl of your choosing.
Drizzle everything with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Spread BBQ sauce on a pre-made pizza crust or pizza dough. Top with cooked shredded chicken, sliced red onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 12-15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
While it's hard to find enough time in the day to get everything done, these recipes are a delicious way to save some time.