Simple Dinner Recipes at Home

Name: Simple Dinner Recipes at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can diced tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Bites

Discover easy and delicious dinner recipes that you can prepare at home in no time.

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-04T13:10:12.709Z

This collection of simple dinner recipes brings you comfort and satisfaction without the hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
Healthy and nutritious, made with fresh ingredients
Versatile recipes that can be customized to your taste

      

Quick and Easy Preparation

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome dinner can be a challenge. This simple dinner recipe is designed with your busy schedule in mind. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you have unexpected guests, this recipe ensures you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip it up. Just gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful dish that the whole family will love. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for beginner cooks looking to build their confidence in the kitchen.

Healthy and Nutritious

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe is packed with fresh ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner. The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the dish’s health benefits. With a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta and healthy fats from the olive oil, this meal supports a balanced diet.

Moreover, by preparing this dish at home, you have complete control over what goes into your meal. You can opt for whole grain pasta for added fiber or adjust the amount of salt to suit your dietary preferences. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor the recipe to meet your health goals while still enjoying a delicious meal.

Versatility in Flavor

One of the standout features of this simple dinner recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you want to add zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms, the options are endless. This adaptability not only prevents boredom in your meal rotation but also allows you to incorporate seasonal produce for maximum flavor and nutrition.

Additionally, you can enhance the dish with your favorite spices or proteins. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of taste. This recipe serves as a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, ensuring that you never have to make the same meal twice.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

2 cups of pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!

Enjoy your meal with a side salad or some garlic bread!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to make it more filling.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking pasta perfectly is an essential skill for any home cook. To achieve that ideal al dente texture, make sure to use a large pot filled with plenty of salted water. This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs just the right amount of flavor. Remember to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.

To elevate your pasta dish further, consider reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to your sauce later to help bind the ingredients together and create a silky texture. It's a simple trick that can make a significant difference in the final dish.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers from this delicious pasta dish, you’re in luck! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Simply transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired. This way, you can have a quick and satisfying meal ready at a moment's notice!

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your simple pasta dinner, consider serving it with a fresh side salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch and additional nutrients to your meal. Pairing with a salad not only enhances the flavor profile but also rounds out your dinner with a variety of textures and flavors.

For beverage options, a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole grain pasta?

Yes, whole grain pasta is a great alternative and adds more fiber.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the meat and load up on more vegetables.

→ What can I serve with this pasta dish?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.