10 Easy Natasha’s Kitchen Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a satisfying meal can be a real challenge. That’s where Natasha’s Kitchen comes to the rescue! Natasha Kravchuk’s blog is a treasure trove of delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and flavorful meal without the fuss.

I’ve handpicked 10 of her easiest recipes that promise to deliver on taste and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these dishes will impress your family and leave you feeling like a culinary rockstar.

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

Why you’ll love it: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor! Roasting everything on one pan means fewer dishes and less time scrubbing. Plus, the lemon and herbs infuse the chicken and vegetables with incredible aroma and taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 lb carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
2. Arrange: In a large roasting pan, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff & Season: Place the lemon halves and herb sprigs inside the chicken cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine (optional).
4. Roast: Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Cook: Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

2. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Why you’ll love it: This pasta dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with creamy, comforting flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

3. Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

Why you’ll love it: This stir-fry is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table in minutes. It’s customizable to your liking, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/2 cup stir-fry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Stir-fry Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add broccoli and snap peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Combine: Return the vegetables to the skillet. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together until heated through.
5. Serve: Serve over rice or noodles.

4. Easy Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Why you’ll love it: Salmon is a healthy and delicious fish that cooks quickly. This recipe elevates it with a simple yet elegant garlic lemon butter sauce that will impress your dinner guests.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season Salmon: Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook Salmon:
   • Pan-Seared: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
   • Baked: Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Make Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
5. Serve: Drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon and serve immediately.

5. Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Why you’ll love it: This classic Italian-American dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of shrimp, garlic, white wine, and lemon creates a light yet flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with linguine.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Shrimp: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Deglaze: Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Season & Toss: Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

6. Avocado Chicken Salad

Why you’ll love it: This is a healthier twist on classic chicken salad. Avocado replaces most of the mayonnaise, adding creaminess and healthy fats. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, mashed avocado, red onion, celery, cilantro, and lime juice.
2. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Enjoy on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or as a dip with vegetables.

7. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Why you’ll love it: Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and this one is no exception. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables, and the cheesy topping is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 cups cooked broccoli florets
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
3. Layer: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Top: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

8. 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Why you’ll love it: This recipe is almost too easy to be true. Just dump three ingredients into your slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll have flavorful, tender chicken that’s perfect for tacos, salads, or bowls.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (16 oz) jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour salsa over the chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
3. Shred: Shred the chicken with two forks.
4. Serve: Use the shredded chicken in your favorite dishes.

9. 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Why you’ll love it: This salmon recipe is quick, easy, and impressive. The honey garlic glaze is sweet, savory, and adds a beautiful sheen to the fish.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
3. Cook Salmon:
   • Pan-Seared: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
   • Baked: Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the honey garlic glaze. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Glaze: Brush the cooked salmon with the honey garlic glaze.
5. Serve: Serve immediately.

10. Black Bean Soup

Why you’ll love it: This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with protein and fiber. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Combine: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

Natasha’s Kitchen is a fantastic resource for anyone looking for delicious and easy recipes. These 10 dishes are just a starting point – explore her blog for a wealth of culinary inspiration. With these recipes in your repertoire, you’ll be able to whip up quick and satisfying meals that your whole family will love, even on the busiest of days. Enjoy!