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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Delicious Meals for Your Hectic Schedule

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 16, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook during a busy week can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Here are 21 easy meals that are quick to prepare and packed with satisfying ingredients. These recipes will help you keep your energy up and your meals enjoyable, even on the most hectic days.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is a classic British takeaway dish that you can easily make at home. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It’s a great option for a homemade curry night without any fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken cacciatore is easy to make in a slow cooker. The sauce is a tasty mix of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onions, and Italian spices. This dish is great for summer evenings when you want a filling meal without spending hours cooking. Just prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest. It’s a comforting dinner that brings a bit of Italian flavor to your table.

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    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken

    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Season and Thyme.

    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Thighs with potatoes and green beans is a simple slow cooker dish packed with flavor. This meal is perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, savory garlic, and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying choice for any night of the week.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up a tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, offering a refreshing dinner option that highlights the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits well into a busy schedule.

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    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    Chicken tortilla soup is quick to prepare and doesn't take much time in the kitchen. It's a hit with family and friends, and we've shared it many times over the years. This dish is great for a comforting meal and is both filling and easy to whip up.

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    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. It's a healthy choice that's full of flavor and can be made all in one pan. A splash of lemon adds a nice touch, making this dish not just good, but really enjoyable for a busy weeknight.

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    Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

    Creamy Italian meatball soup with fresh herbs.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Italian meatball soup is simple to make in just one pot. It features tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy tomato broth that's packed with herbs. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with tasty, seasoned meat. They're perfect for grilling during the warmer months, but you can easily make them indoors any time of the year. This dish is simple and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy nights.

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    Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

    CABBAGE ROLL IN A BOWL.
    Photo credit: Rustic Foodie.

    Cabbage Roll In A Bowl is a simple and satisfying dinner option. It combines ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tasty meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Nacho Soup is a tasty twist on your favorite nachos. It combines the flavors of ground beef, Rotel, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, all simmered together in a crock pot. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great option for a quick meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dish. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a straightforward dish that combines the delicious flavors of Tuscan chicken with minimal effort. This meal comes together easily in the slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and your choice of pasta all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a filling option that works well for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is simple to prepare and uses rotisserie chicken for convenience. It's filled with fresh lemon and rosemary flavors that brighten up the dish. Perfect for busy nights, this meal comes together quickly and is satisfying for the whole family.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. This dish comes together in only 12 minutes using just 5 ingredients and one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is a simple dish that you can prepare in your crock pot. The chicken simmers in a delicious sweet and savory sauce, making it a great option to serve with rice and vegetables. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and has a bright, citrusy flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you need something easy to prepare. You can serve it on its own or pair it with rice for a more filling meal.

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    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for families, bringing classic Italian flavors right to your dinner table. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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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    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No Boil Baked Ziti
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Baked ziti is a comforting dish that brings all the flavors together with minimal effort. There's no need to boil the pasta or cook the meat separately; just layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes to get ready. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked, making this a great option for busy nights.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Satisfying Chicken Dinners You Can Just Dump and Bake
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      22 Dump-and-Go Chicken Breast Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights
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      24 Crockpot Fall Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Think
    • Taco soup.
      21 Cheap Soup Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    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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