Need some easy dinner ideas

Hi, guys,

Ok, I don't really cook but I want to. DH cooks alot and I want to start taking turns with the meals.

Do you have any suggestions to start me off for simple, healthy, delicious meals? I'd really appreciate it.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

try campbells, i trying to make this casserole tonight it called campbells cheesy chicken and rice casserole.google it if you have too. hope this helps

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

Diced chicken (perdue ready cuts), vegtables (frozen work well) and brown rice. You can add soy sauce to taste.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

Asapargus Stuffed Chicken

Take thin sliced chicken breasts and spread a thin layer of dijon mustard on it cut up some scallions put those on and take about 5 asparagus spears and roll the chicken around them. Secure with toothpicks and place seam side down in a baking pan cook for about 30 minutes on 400.

It tastes great is easy to make and is healthy!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

I make sure that there is always washed lettuce on hand, and cut up salad veggies in small tupperware containers. Instant salad bar.
Bags of frozen veggies are great, I take out only what I need to cook.

Thin chicken and pork cutlets grill and saute up fast, flavor with some herbs and lemon or with lite soy and garlic/shallots. I buy family size packages and then re-wrap in smaller portions.

I try to roast a chicken on Sundays - gives us at least two dinners and a lunch.

Roasted veggies are good too, my favorites are cherry tomatoes and eggplant. They last a couple of days in the fridge. Cook some pasta, add a little oil and garlic and add the roasted veggies. Add some diced chicken or cubed low-fat mozzarella. Green salad on the side.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by soon2bmrsdunn

Asapargus Stuffed Chicken

Take thin sliced chicken breasts and spread a thin layer of dijon mustard on it cut up some scallions put those on and take about 5 asparagus spears and roll the chicken around them. Secure with toothpicks and place seam side down in a baking pan cook for about 30 minutes on 400.

It tastes great is easy to make and is healthy!

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That sounds so yummy...I want to go home

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

Thanks for the suggestions!! I just feel bad because we haven't been eating very well lately. Just too tired after work so we get fast food or order in which is getting expensive.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

Check out allrecipes.com they have GREAT quick and easy recipes on there!!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by MJDoc12

Check out allrecipes.com they have GREAT quick and easy recipes on there!!

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I use them ALL the time! I have a ton that are fast and easy and relatively healthy-I'll try and find the links when I get home for you. Do you have preferences? meat, chicken, pasta? I have a great and fast carbanara recipe from Rachel rays first cookbook-i substtute the panchetta for turkey bacon...soooo good!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

I LOVE all things pasta!! And I want to try and find a few easy chicken and beef recipes. DH won't eat pork but I like it :)

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by dgirl0114

I LOVE all things pasta!! And I want to try and find a few easy chicken and beef recipes. DH won't eat pork but I like it :)

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My DH doesn't eat pork either. Why don't you try a nice and easy chicken cutlet? I made that last night with a Lipton Pasta side dish and some corn... not a gourmet meal but it was delicious. I like those Pasta side dishes because you put them right in the microwave and you don't have to worry about them.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

We love those Lipton sides-they're really good.
My problem with chicken is having to handle it before it's cooked-it just grosses me out. Would love to make cutlets but they always look so thick in the store and the thought of having to cut them to prepare them to cook........
Maybe if I get the Perdue ones that are already trimmed, etc. I know they're more expensive but I'm really weird about this :)

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

mccormicks has a bunch of really tasty 'grill' marinades, which you can find in the aisle with taco seasoning packets and things like that. you can use them as a dry rub on meats, or follow the instructions on the packet to make a liquid marinade. i love putting these on chicken breasts and baking them in the oven for 35 minutes. serve with a side of steamed veggies and brown rice and it's a healthy, quick meal with practically no work involved! try the zesty herb or tomato basil marinades. those are our favorites!

ETA: these marinades are great too, because you don't really have to touch the chicken - just throw it in the bag with the marinade and you're set.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by dgirl0114

We love those Lipton sides-they're really good.
My problem with chicken is having to handle it before it's cooked-it just grosses me out. Would love to make cutlets but they always look so thick in the store and the thought of having to cut them to prepare them to cook........
Maybe if I get the Perdue ones that are already trimmed, etc. I know they're more expensive but I'm really weird about this :)

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Perdue also has thin cut cutlets. Just have to look for them.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

i have a bunch...i'll send u some FM!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by dgirl0114

We love those Lipton sides-they're really good.
My problem with chicken is having to handle it before it's cooked-it just grosses me out. Would love to make cutlets but they always look so thick in the store and the thought of having to cut them to prepare them to cook........
Maybe if I get the Perdue ones that are already trimmed, etc. I know they're more expensive but I'm really weird about this :)

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lol i know what you mean--my sister is the same way. i've been cooking since i was 12---so i'm used to it


a little secret---that is great for handling ANY meat---buy a package of this medical gloves! make sure they are powder free so you don't get any on the food--but put those on when preparing meat--especially if you have to bread chicken---and you don't have to touch the meat at all! not to mention no need for having to continually wash your hands and dry them out when doing breaded chicken cutlets.

whenever i bread something---chicken, steak, mozz sticks, etc. i always use the latex gloves and it saves me a lot of mess and cleaning under the finger nails later on!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by MJDoc12

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Posted by dgirl0114

We love those Lipton sides-they're really good.
My problem with chicken is having to handle it before it's cooked-it just grosses me out. Would love to make cutlets but they always look so thick in the store and the thought of having to cut them to prepare them to cook........
Maybe if I get the Perdue ones that are already trimmed, etc. I know they're more expensive but I'm really weird about this :)

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lol i know what you mean--my sister is the same way. i've been cooking since i was 12---so i'm used to it


a little secret---that is great for handling ANY meat---buy a package of this medical gloves! make sure they are powder free so you don't get any on the food--but put those on when preparing meat--especially if you have to bread chicken---and you don't have to touch the meat at all! not to mention no need for having to continually wash your hands and dry them out when doing breaded chicken cutlets.

whenever i bread something---chicken, steak, mozz sticks, etc. i always use the latex gloves and it saves me a lot of mess and cleaning under the finger nails later on!

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Fantastic idea! Thanks for the tip!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by MJDoc12

a little secret---that is great for handling ANY meat---buy a package of this medical gloves! make sure they are powder free so you don't get any on the food--but put those on when preparing meat--especially if you have to bread chicken---and you don't have to touch the meat at all! not to mention no need for having to continually wash your hands and dry them out when doing breaded chicken cutlets.

whenever i bread something---chicken, steak, mozz sticks, etc. i always use the latex gloves and it saves me a lot of mess and cleaning under the finger nails later on!

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OMG, you are my hero! Its simple but GENIUS!!

I hate the constant washing / drying of my hands during this process, and I double bread my chicken cutlets (makes them extra yummy -- I think DH married me for my chicken cutlets!)

And for the first time in my life I actually have nice long nails now, what a pain in the azzzz that would have been.

I you Melissa! DH does too, he just doesn't know it yet!

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

I made this last night and it was so so so good. I can't even tell you how good it was. I actually got it from someone on here, but don't remember who (but thank you!!!). And it was actually really simple to make.

Fettucini Alfredo with Garlic marinated chicken.
You'll Need:
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1 lb. pasta(fettucini or linguini)
1/2 Cup butter
1/2 Pint Heavy Creme
1 dash garlic salt(about the size of a quarter)
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese(i always get fresh grated from the supermarket! YUM!)
1/2 of half cup(i dont know what the measurement is! lol) Parmesean(again i get the fresh grated)
salt/black pepper to taste.
1lb. skinless boneless chix. breast
1-2 cloves garlic
-little olive oil for grilling
--------------------------------------------------------------------
**put water up for pasta

1) First, cut chix. into cubes, and mince garlic. In frying pan, add some olive oil. Season chicken with salt & pepper, and add garlic to pan. Fry up untill chicken is cooked thoroughly - set aside.

2) In small sauce pan, melt butter into creme over very low heat. Add garlic salt, along with a little salt & pepper.

(**Add pasta to water)

3) Increase heat to medium...stir in cheeses untill melted. This will thicken sauce.

4) Add chicken to sauce.

5) Once pasta is done, add pasta to pot and stir untill thoroughly coated.



Another quickie that DH really loves: Marinate chicken in Italian dressing over night. While it's cooking, in a pan saute some garlic, oil, red pepper, italian seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Toss with spaghetti and serve with the chicken. So good.



One more I got from someone on here that was delish (thanks again to whoever it was):
Cheese stuffed chicken breasts:

3 lbs (about 6 chicken breast halves) of chicken breasts with skin
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozerella cheese
1/3 cup grated pecorino ramono cheese
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tbsp. basil
3 tbsp. butter

1. Preheat oven to 375. With your fingers, seperate skin from the meat of the chicken forming a small pocket.
2. In a bowl, combine cheeses, basil, and oregano. Mix together. Spoon cheese mixture into pocket of chicken until full (about 2 1/2 tbsp. in each pocket).
3. Put chicken breasts in a 3 qt. pyrex dish. Melt butter and brush over chicken.
4. Bake at 375 for 45 - 55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

Re: Need some easy dinner ideas

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Posted by Jennifer907

I made this last night and it was so so so good. I can't even tell you how good it was. I actually got it from someone on here, but don't remember who (but thank you!!!). And it was actually really simple to make.

Fettucini Alfredo with Garlic marinated chicken.
You'll Need:
------------------------
1 lb. pasta(fettucini or linguini)
1/2 Cup butter
1/2 Pint Heavy Creme
1 dash garlic salt(about the size of a quarter)
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese(i always get fresh grated from the supermarket! YUM!)
1/2 of half cup(i dont know what the measurement is! lol) Parmesean(again i get the fresh grated)
salt/black pepper to taste.
1lb. skinless boneless chix. breast
1-2 cloves garlic
-little olive oil for grilling
--------------------------------------------------------------------
**put water up for pasta

1) First, cut chix. into cubes, and mince garlic. In frying pan, add some olive oil. Season chicken with salt & pepper, and add garlic to pan. Fry up untill chicken is cooked thoroughly - set aside.

2) In small sauce pan, melt butter into creme over very low heat. Add garlic salt, along with a little salt & pepper.

(**Add pasta to water)

3) Increase heat to medium...stir in cheeses untill melted. This will thicken sauce.

4) Add chicken to sauce.

5) Once pasta is done, add pasta to pot and stir untill thoroughly coated.



Another quickie that DH really loves: Marinate chicken in Italian dressing over night. While it's cooking, in a pan saute some garlic, oil, red pepper, italian seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Toss with spaghetti and serve with the chicken. So good.



One more I got from someone on here that was delish (thanks again to whoever it was):
Cheese stuffed chicken breasts:

3 lbs (about 6 chicken breast halves) of chicken breasts with skin
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozerella cheese
1/3 cup grated pecorino ramono cheese
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tbsp. basil
3 tbsp. butter

1. Preheat oven to 375. With your fingers, seperate skin from the meat of the chicken forming a small pocket.
2. In a bowl, combine cheeses, basil, and oregano. Mix together. Spoon cheese mixture into pocket of chicken until full (about 2 1/2 tbsp. in each pocket).
3. Put chicken breasts in a 3 qt. pyrex dish. Melt butter and brush over chicken.
4. Bake at 375 for 45 - 55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

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hahahhah that fettucini recipe was mine! i'm reading it and i'm like 'this is my EXACT recipe!' lol.well i'm glad u enjoyed it! it's totally delish in my opinion! and btw - i'm gonna hafta try the second one..sounds really yummy!