In today's fast - paced world, finding the time to prepare a delicious and nutritious dinner can be a challenge. That's where our 20 - minute family meals come in. These quick and easy recipes are designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, leaving them asking for seconds!
Let's start with the mouth - watering apple - pecan pork chops. This dish combines the sweet crunch of apples and pecans with the savory goodness of pork chops. To begin, gather your ingredients: four boneless pork chops, one medium apple (cored and sliced), half a cup of chopped pecans, two tablespoons of butter, a teaspoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. First, season the pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium - high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3 - 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. While the pork chops are cooking, in a separate small pan, sauté the apple slices with the brown sugar until they are tender and caramelized. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the apples and stir gently. Once the pork chops are done, place them on plates and top with the apple - pecan mixture. This dish is not only quick to make but also a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Another fantastic option is chicken with parmesan noodles. For this recipe, you'll need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, one box of your favorite pasta (such as penne or fusilli), half a cup of grated parmesan cheese, two tablespoons of olive oil, two cloves of garlic (minced), a cup of chicken broth, and a handful of fresh parsley (chopped). Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 - 7 minutes until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the chicken and broth. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley. This dish is a crowd - pleaser, with the tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and al dente noodles.
But the options don't stop there. You can also try a 20 - minute vegetable stir - fry. Take a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Cut them into bite - sized pieces. Heat some sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetables and stir - fry for about 5 - 7 minutes until they are crisp - tender. You can season the stir - fry with soy sauce, a little bit of honey, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and healthy meal.
For those who love seafood, a 20 - minute shrimp scampi is a great choice. You'll need one pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined), four cloves of garlic (minced), half a cup of white wine, half a cup of chicken broth, two tablespoons of butter, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a handful of fresh basil (chopped). In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and cook for 2 - 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh basil. Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked linguine or zucchini noodles for a light and delicious dinner.
These 20 - minute family meals are not only easy to prepare but also offer a wide range of flavors and nutrients. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still want to provide your family with a home - cooked meal. So, the next time you're short on time but big on appetite, give these recipes a try. Your family will thank you for it!