20 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
When life gets hectic, it’s essential to have a collection of easy dinner recipes that come together swiftly but still satisfy the whole family. Here’s a roundup of 20 delightful recipes ranging from comforting pasta dishes to vibrant veggie ideas that will make your weeknights a breeze.
1. Buffalo Mac and Cheese
This fiery twist on a classic comfort food elevates boxed mac and cheese with a little spiciness. With just ten minutes of prep, you can enjoy a steaming bowl packed with flavor and protein.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Mac and Cheese
2. Sheet Pan Chicken With Butternut Squash and Cauliflower
Looking for a one-pan wonder? This sheet pan dish combines juicy chicken, nutty butternut squash, and tender cauliflower for a colorful and nutritious meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
3. Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
Spruce up a simple pack of ravioli with black peppercorns, creamy butter, and a generous sprinkle of pecorino cheese. This dish comes together in minutes, making it a quick yet elegant choice.
Get the recipe: Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
4. Chili Mac and Cheese
Bolster your favorite mac and cheese with ground beef and chili flavors, creating a hearty meal the whole family will love. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese
5. Veggie Fajitas
In just half an hour, these vibrant veggie fajitas come together for a delicious Tex-Mex dinner. Use a variety of vegetables or add grilled steak or chicken for extra protein.
Get the recipe: Veggie Fajitas
6. Coconut Shrimp Curry
Transform that can of coconut milk in your pantry into a warm and comforting shrimp curry served over rice. It’s full of flavor and ready in no time.
Get the recipe: Coconut Shrimp Curry
7. Cheeseburger Soup
Capture the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy soup form. Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheese, and even a few potato chunks, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction.
Get the recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
8. Caprese Chicken
This skillet dish turns chicken cutlets into an impressive dinner with marinated tomatoes, pesto, and oozy mozzarella cheese. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh basil for a pop of flavor.
Get the recipe: Caprese Chicken
9. Oven Baked Pork Chops
Ree claims this to be one of the simplest and most delicious ways to prepare pork chops. With a tangy BBQ lacquer, these chops cook quickly on a sheet pan for an effortless dinner.
Get the recipe: Oven Baked Pork Chops
10. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Picture this: tender beef and hearty vegetables simmering for hours, all thanks to your slow cooker. No stirring required! This meal is perfect for busy days.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
11. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Recreate the flavors of Thanksgiving any night with this easy casserole made using shredded rotisserie chicken and store-bought stuffing mix. Comfort food at its finest!
Get the recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
12. Dumpling Soup
Utilizing frozen potstickers allows this soup to come together quickly. Choose your favorite dumpling filling for a cozy soup that’s ready in a flash.
Get the recipe: Dumpling Soup
13. Shrimp and Grits
In just 20 minutes, this dish combines comforting grits with juicy shrimp. The flavors of melty cheese and smoky bacon ensure it’s a family favorite.
Get the recipe: Shrimp and Grits
14. Slow Cooker Bolognese
A classic dish once considered labor-intensive now goes effortlessly thanks to the slow cooker. Toss it with pasta for a fulfilling dinner with authentic Italian flavors.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Bolognese
15. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Leave behind greasy stovetops with this air fryer method for pork tenderloin. Juicy and flavorful, it guarantees a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
16. Creamy Lemon Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with this creamy lemon chicken that’s remarkably easy to make. Packed with fresh herbs, this dish can be on your table in just 25 minutes.
Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken
17. Pierogi and Meatball Skillet
Experience a comforting blend of Swedish meatballs and potato-stuffed pierogi in this one-skillet meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the recipe: Pierogi and Meatball Skillet
18. Marry Me Chicken
This dish is bound to earn you compliments! Juicy chicken breasts are enveloped in a delightful sun-dried tomato sauce, making it an irresistibly tasty option.
Get the recipe: Marry Me Chicken
19. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
With the ability to make ahead and keep in the fridge for days, this slow cooker BBQ chicken is a versatile choice. Use it for sandwiches or salads throughout the week.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
20. Pasta Alla Vodka
Silky smooth and creamy, this restaurant-worthy pasta satisfies cravings at home. The vodka evens out, so it’s family-friendly and comforting.
Get the recipe: Pasta Alla Vodka
This diverse lineup of easy dinner recipes will make weeknight cooking feel effortless without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Each recipe promises to save you time and lend a touch of comfort to your evenings. Happy cooking!