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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Make the Whole Family Happy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 12, 2025 · Published January 6, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a chore, but they don't have to be! With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can whip up meals that everyone will enjoy. From comforting pasta dishes to quick pizzas, these recipes are sure to bring smiles to the dinner table.

    One Pot Mac and Cheese

    One Pot Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

    This is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that you can make all in one pot. It's a quick and satisfying meal that everyone, from kids to adults, enjoys.

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    15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta

    Pasta with creamy tomato sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around tender noodles and seasoned chickpeas, making this a very satisfying meal. This dish is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein for the whole family.

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    Chicken and Rice

    15-Minute Chicken and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    A quick chicken and rice dish is always a hit for dinner. This one is ready in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor.

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    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a fast and easy vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. With only a few minutes of prep, you can go from walking in the door to enjoying dinner in no time.

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    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is a great choice for busy evenings. It's easy to make and works well for any dinner.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara packs in even more flavor than the traditional recipe. It's a quick and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy on a busy weeknight.

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    Margherita Flatbread

    Margherita flatbread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Margherita flatbread pizza is an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With crispy flatbread, fresh pizza sauce, basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it's a quick way to bring comfort food to the table.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick to prepare, taking only 3-5 minutes to cook. They're flavored with garlic and paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch, making them perfect for salads or alongside your favorite sauces and sides.

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    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Smash burgers are quick and easy to make right on your stove using a hot cast iron skillet. With just ground beef and salt, these burgers come out thin and crispy, ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish comes together in no time with ingredients you likely have on hand. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Switch things up with these grilled fish tacos topped with fresh mango salsa. The flaky fish paired with the sweet and spicy salsa creates a delicious meal that's quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey

    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    This Turkey Brie Grilled Cheese takes a classic sandwich to the next level. Packed with turkey, fresh greens, lots of melted Brie, and a touch of whole grain mustard, it's a delicious twist that everyone will enjoy.

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    Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fried halloumi turns out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just as it should be. This method is simpler than grilling and pairs well with a salad or your favorite sides.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple to whip up and uses everyday ingredients. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips are a quick and tasty option for dinner that can be ready in just 10 minutes. Using simple seasonings you probably have on hand, this meal is perfect for a weeknight when you want something everyone will enjoy.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy creamy pasta combined with perfectly cooked shrimp, making it a satisfying meal for any night.

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    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: A Taste For Travel.

    This pizza pasta salad is a fun twist on a classic dish. It's loaded with pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette, making it a quick and easy meal that comes together in no time.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This simple Italian pasta dish is quick to prepare and uses just a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Easy 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    Air-fried chicken nuggets are quick to make and only take about 10 minutes to cook. With a special ingredient, they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This is a filling and cozy meal that you can set and forget. Packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and hearty barley, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      19 Irresistibly Cheesy Dishes You’ll Crave Again and Again
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      19 Delicious Grilled Cheese Recipes That Will Make You Excited for Lunch
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      14 Dump-and-Go Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • French onion pork chops.
      18 Irresistible Dinners That’ll Make You Love Cooking Again

    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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