Simple Yet Delicious: Quick Easy Meals for Two

Looking for an easy meal for two that’s both tasty and quick to prepare? This guide will walk you through two simple yet delicious recipes that are perfect for a romantic evening in, a cozy night in with a book, or a quick and satisfying dinner when time is at a premium. Whether you're a busy professional, a college student, or simply someone who enjoys cooking but doesn’t have much time on their hands, these meals are here to help.

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

Start with a light yet satisfying pasta dish that is as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. This lemon garlic pasta with spinach and cherry tomatoes is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients:

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 4 cups fresh spinach 1 lemon (juice and zest) Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:?Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and lemon zest, and some of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness. You can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or arugula.

Green Chile Chicken Stew - A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Move onto a hearty and comforting stew that is both easy to cook and packed with flavor. Green Chile Chicken Stew is the perfect meal for a chilly evening when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients:

2-3 cups cooked chicken, chopped up 1 cup NM Green Chile, chopped 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup green chile salsa 1 tsp granulated garlic (or 1 fresh clove, crushed and finely minced) Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

Cut the potatoes into large chunks and add them to a medium pot.

Add the chopped green chile, chicken broth, and salsa to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the chopped cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making for a perfect weeknight meal.

This recipe is quick, easy, and brings a hearty meal to the table in less than 30 minutes. Enjoy your cooking and the comforting satisfaction of a well-prepared stew!