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–+ servings
A colorful skillet filled with pesto chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and green beans, perfect for easy dinner recipes.

Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights (Meal-Prep Friendly)

This recipe is designed for busy parents and working individuals who need quick and nutritious dinner options that can be prepared in advance. It offers a practical solution for maintaining a balanced diet despite a hectic schedule.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 yellow squash chopped
  • 1/2 red onion sliced
Protein
  • 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cubed into ½-inch pieces
Pantry Staples
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1/3 cup pesto
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Chop the bell pepper, yellow squash, and zucchini. Slice the red onion. Aim to make the vegetable pieces roughly the same size.
  2. Cube the chicken breasts into ½-inch pieces.
  3. Add the cooking oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sauté until opaque, about 3-5 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking with the vegetables.
  4. Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until thawed.
  5. Add the bell pepper and red onion to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. If water pools, increase the heat slightly to help it evaporate.
  6. Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the squash is slightly softened.
  7. Turn off the heat. Add the pesto and stir to coat all ingredients. Taste and add salt, pepper, or more pesto if needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan just before serving.

Notes

This recipe is great for meal prep. You can chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the skillet when you are ready to cook.

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