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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Dinners for Busy Schedules

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 28, 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 good meals. Here are 21 easy dinner ideas that are quick to prepare and perfect for hectic schedules. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and will help you get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

    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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    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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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. You can throw everything together right in the pan, and there's no need to cook the pasta beforehand. It's cheesy and packed with delicious pizza flavors, making it a hit with the whole family.

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    Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili

    Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili
    Photo Credit: This Healthy Ttable.

    Chili is a warm and filling dish that's just right for chilly evenings. It's hearty and sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few basic ingredients and not much work, you can whip up a delicious bowl of chili that makes a great dinner.

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    Ground Beef Hotpot

    Ground beef hot pot.
    Photo Credit: Fab Food 4 All.

    This one pan dinner is loaded with root vegetables and peas, all brought together with a touch of horseradish sauce. It's a simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights, it offers comfort without requiring a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is perfect for anyone who enjoys stuffed peppers. It's a filling dish that pairs well with cheese and breadsticks, making it a satisfying meal. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe offers a comforting option without requiring too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

    Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    This lasagna is super simple to make. With layers of meat, noodles, sauce, and two kinds of cheese, it comes together quickly in just one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal 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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    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole

    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This Chicken Sausage Casserole combines chicken sausage, potatoes, and cheese for a satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and everything cooks in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it's gluten free, so it works for a variety of diets. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    This chicken dish is incredibly tender and smothered in a creamy peanut sauce that’s packed with flavor. With just five simple ingredients for the sauce, it’s a breeze to prepare. You only need to mix the ingredients together, pour them over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Korean BBQ Chicken is a great dinner choice for busy weeknights, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for when you're short on time but still want something delicious. This dish brings a taste of Korean cuisine right to your table without requiring a lot of effort.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

    Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Tender chicken paired with a creamy sauce and seasoned stuffing comes together to create a comforting dish that’s satisfying and quick to prepare. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's perfect for those evenings when you need a meal that hits the spot without a lot of work.

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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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    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    Creamy curry pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's filling and can be adjusted to include your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile choice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious 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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    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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    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this Instant Pot Chicken Soup in just over an hour for a flavor packed and cosy dinner. Creamy with a light spicy kick, this soup is just the comfort food you need.

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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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    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake

    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    This no-boil chicken pasta bake is a simple way to get dinner ready without much effort. With minimal prep, you can whip up a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a great option to mix things up for dinner during a busy week. The sauce combines soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a bit of vinegar, creating a flavorful dish that pairs well with rice and steamed veggies. It's an easy meal that doesn't require much work, making it ideal for those hectic nights.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • 19 Family Friendly Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Chicken and rice casserole.
      18 Best Dump-and-Bake Dinners for Busy People
    • Meatball casserole.
      22 Dump-And-Go Pasta Dinners So Easy Anyone Can Make Them
    • Nacho soup.
      21 Crockpot Ground Beef Dinners You Can Just Dump and Forget

    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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