1. One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

Time: 20 minutes • Serves: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Method: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add pasta, a splash of pasta water, and Parmesan. Toss until creamy. Finish with parsley and black pepper.

Quick tip: Add roasted cherry tomatoes or leftover chicken for a meal upgrade.

2. Chicken Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Time: 15 minutes • Serves: 3–4

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin
• 6 small tortillas
• 1 cup fresh salsa
• Shredded lettuce & cheese

Method: Season and pan-fry the chicken until cooked. Warm tortillas, assemble with chicken, salsa, lettuce, and cheese. Squeeze lime and serve.

Make ahead: Cook extra chicken and use in salads or wraps during the week.

3. Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

Time: 20 minutes • Serves: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Cooked rice to serve

Method: Heat oil, add veggies and stir-fry on high heat. Add soy sauce and toss. Serve over rice with a drizzle of sesame oil.

4. 15-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Time: 15 minutes • Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 spring onions, chopped

Method: Scramble eggs in a hot pan, add rice and soy sauce, toss quickly. Finish with spring onions.

Pro hack: Cold rice separates better and gives a nicer texture.

5. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Time: 20 minutes • Serves: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 350g steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley to garnish

Method: Sear steak bites in a hot pan with butter until browned. Add garlic, toss, and finish with parsley.

6. Homemade Mini Pizzas

Time: 25 minutes • Serves: 2–4

Ingredients:

• Naan or tortillas as bases
• Pizza sauce, shredded cheese, toppings

Method: Spread sauce, add cheese and toppings, bake at 425°F (220°C) until cheese melts and edges crisp.

Kid-friendly: Let kids assemble their own for a fun family night.

7. Tuna Salad Wraps

Time: 10 minutes • Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Leafy lettuce and tortillas

Method: Mix tuna with mayo, season, spread on tortilla with lettuce and roll.

8. Ramen Upgrade Bowl

Time: 15 minutes • Serves: 1–2

Ingredients:

• Instant ramen packet
• 1 boiled egg
• Handful of spinach, sliced chicken or tofu

Method: Cook ramen, drain some broth, add toppings and a soft-boiled egg for a restaurant-style bowl.

9. Lemon Garlic Salmon

Time: 25 minutes • Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 cloves garlic, juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil, salt & pepper

Method: Drizzle with oil, lemon, and garlic. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until flaky.

Meal prep: Make 2 fillets and use leftovers over salads or grain bowls.

10. Quick Veggie Quesadillas

Time: 15 minutes • Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup mixed sautéed veggies

Method: Layer veggies and cheese between tortillas and cook on a skillet until golden on both sides. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.