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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Gourmet-Style Dinners You Can Make on a Weeknight

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated January 20, 2026 · Published September 25, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    Looking for some new dinner ideas to try during the week? Check out these 19 gourmet meals that are surprisingly easy to make. From flavorful pastas to delicious stir-fries, these recipes will add a touch of sophistication to your weeknight dinners without requiring a lot of time or effort.

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

    A plate with salad, a lamb burger, and dressing.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This lamb burger is packed with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, along with feta and cumin. The Tahini sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to this gourmet weeknight dinner.

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    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This lemon butter caper sauce is a tasty match for fish and broccoli, all cooked together in one pan for a simple gourmet dinner perfect for weeknights.

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    Black Lentil Feta Salad

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This Mediterranean salad is packed with delicious flavors and is simple to put together. It's a protein-rich dish that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunches, with nutritious lentils, creamy feta, fresh veggies, and a tasty vinaigrette.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a quick Shrimp Scampi dish without wine in only 10 minutes. The blend of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.

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    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    Preparing this braised beef short rib recipe for the crock pot takes just 20 minutes, and then it cooks all on its own. The result is incredibly juicy and tender ribs that easily separate from the bone.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines a zesty tomato sauce with crispy bacon for a delicious meal.

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    Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs

    Chili rubbed chicken.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Make delicious broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs using basic ingredients for a flavorful and juicy meal.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This speedy pasta is packed with delicious smoked salmon and zesty lemon flavors that will keep you craving more.

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    The Best Chicken Street Tacos

    The Best Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These chicken street tacos are a breeze to make with just a handful of ingredients, perfect for a tasty dinner any night of the week. Simply marinate the chicken in a flavorful homemade seasoning, grill it up, and dinner is served!

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up this tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta in no time - it's a creamy dish bursting with flavors like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano. You'll love how easy it is to make using basic dried herbs and minimal prep work.

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    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and comforting, made with Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's a simple recipe that you can cook on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or in your slow cooker.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook up a delicious Air Fryer Flank Steak in just 8-10 minutes. The marinade adds tons of flavor and keeps the meat juicy and tender without any hassle.

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    Kung Pao Chicken

    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is packed with delicious flavors and is a healthier version of your go-to takeout meal. It strikes a perfect balance between salty and sweet, making it a great choice for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cut down on cooking time with this Instant Pot bolognese! This recipe gives you a delicious pasta sauce packed with flavors, usually achieved by slow simmering, but made quick and easy using simple pantry staples.

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    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish with Eastern European flavors, ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. It's a perfect choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner without spending hours cooking.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 15 minutes, whip up a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that combines juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy recipe brings together the best of seafood and pasta for a meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ham and Swiss Quiche

    Ham and Swiss Quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quiche is a breeze to make and tastes great any time of day. Enjoy the buttery crust filled with eggs, ham, and Swiss cheese for a satisfying meal.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your table.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Vodka Pasta is packed with spicy and creamy flavors you'll love, and the best part is you can even make it without vodka.

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    Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Rolls

    Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Rolls.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    These buffalo chicken lasagna rolls are made by mixing chicken with buffalo sauce, rolling it up in lasagna noodles, and adding cheese. Enjoy these shredded chicken lasagna roll ups with a side of fresh vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • A bowl of chili.
      16 Slow Cooker Summer Dinners That Save Busy Weeknights
    • Cottage pie.
      31 Easy Ground Beef Dinners Anyone Can Make
    • 18 Hearty Dinners Perfect for When You Need Something Extra Satisfying
    • Sheet pan chicken fajitas.
      24 No-Fuss Dump-and-Bake Dinners for Stress-Free Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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