• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Quick and Easy Dinners for Hectic Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 16, 2024, updated November 5, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    When weeknights get busy, finding time to cook can feel impossible. These 22 quick and easy dinner ideas are perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. From one-pan meals to simple casseroles, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to make with just four ingredients and some ready-made items. You can have it prepped in 5 minutes and on the table in less than 40.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This bruschetta pasta salad combines fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a light and tasty dish. Topped with crunchy homemade sourdough breadcrumbs, it’s great for a simple dinner or a quick lunch when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

    This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an easy pasta dish that brings together all the classic flavors you love. It's made with a creamy cheese sauce, ham, and chicken, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Parmesan-crusted chicken is a quick and easy meal that everyone will love. This cheesy and crispy dish is perfect for dipping and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan fried gnocchi offers a delightful twist on the typical boiled kind. Pair it with crispy bacon and savory mushrooms for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    This simple Beet Pasta Sauce mixes soft beets with creamy creme fraiche, feta cheese, and sautéed onions and garlic. It creates a rich and tasty sauce that goes perfectly with any type of pasta.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings together all your favorite taco flavors in one simple dish. With ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish gives a vegetarian spin to the classic carbonara by swapping out bacon for halloumi. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed Peppers without rice make for a simple and delicious meal on busy weeknights. Filled with flavorful tex-mex ingredients and covered in cheese, they’re great on their own or paired with tortilla chips.

    Get the recipe

    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy nights. With flavorful noodles, fresh pesto, and nutritious veggies, you can enjoy a delicious meal at home in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade Turkey Burgers are simple to make and require very little prep, thanks to some easy seasonings and a bit of fresh lemon juice to keep them juicy. You can cook them in the air fryer or on the grill, making them a great option for those hectic weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

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

    These easy foil packets with cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon make for a simple and satisfying dinner. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked.

    Get the recipe

    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian Tacos are filled with tasty refried black beans, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh homemade pico de gallo. They make for a quick and satisfying meatless meal that's great for those hectic weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Rib Eye

    How To Cook A Rib Eye Steak
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Rib eye steak cooked in the air fryer is a fast and tasty way to enjoy a meal during busy weeknights. In just under 15 minutes, you can have a delicious and healthier dinner ready with minimal prep.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A Buffalo Chicken Sandwich comes together in under thirty minutes, combining spicy buffalo chicken with a delicious blue cheese coleslaw. It's a simple and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a simple and tasty option for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a flavorful green chile sauce, they make for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are simple to make and packed with flavor, without any breadcrumbs or eggs. You can whip them up on the stove, in the air fryer, or bake them in the oven, all in under an hour.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    This Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta features tasty roasted tomatoes combined with al dente pasta. It's an easy and satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

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

    This lamb burger is full of Mediterranean flavors, featuring fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, along with feta and cumin. A drizzle of Tahini sauce brings everything together for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is creamy and filling, making it a great choice for those hectic weeknights when you want something simple and delicious. It's a one-pot meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Broccoli Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This air fryer grilled cheese combines sharp cheddar, chopped broccoli, and a touch of chili flakes for some extra flavor. It's a crispy and buttery vegetarian sandwich that's perfect for a hectic weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chili

    A bowl with chili topped with lime and cheese.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    Instant Pot Chili makes for a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s great for those busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • A spoonful of seafood pasta bake.
      18 Easy Summer Casseroles to Feed a Crowd
    • A bowl of chili.
      26 Easy Crockpot Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Making gino.
      20 Heavenly Desserts That Will Satisfy Your Cravings
    • Mexican beef and rice casserole.
      30 Hearty Ground Beef Dishes We Crave Every Week

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef

    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach

    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]

    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Falafel bake.
      25 Easy Dinners You Can Just Dump, Bake and Devour

    • A bowl of broccoli and chicken teriyaki.
      24 Flavorful Chicken Meals You Can Just Dump and Go

    • Brussel sprouts.
      19 Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Memorial Day Grilling

    • Hamburger minestrone.
      20 Easy Dump-and-Cook Pasta Meals for Tired Souls

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB