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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Cheap Easy Dinners You’ll Want to Make All the Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 3, 2025, updated September 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and affordable dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially after a long day. Here are 22 easy recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. From hearty pasta dishes to comforting soups, these meals will keep your family satisfied without breaking the bank.

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This is a simple and tasty meal you can make in a crockpot, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and let the crockpot do the work for you. It's a great way to enjoy a delicious dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

    A bowl of chicken corn chowder.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish brings comfort right to your table. It features tender rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon all combined in a rich and creamy broth. It's a satisfying meal that warms you up and fills you up, perfect for any night of the week.

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    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a quick and simple meal that you can whip up at home in just 15 minutes, including prep time. It features genuine Thai flavors from ingredients like fish sauce, Thai curry paste, cashew nuts, lime, and cilantro. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add some Sriracha sauce to spice things up.

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    Gigi Hadid Pasta

    Gigi Hadid Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Belly Rules the Mind.

    Gigi Hadid's pasta recipe has brought back our appreciation for pasta alla vodka. This creamy and spicy tomato dish is packed with flavor and is a favorite among Italian pasta lovers. Her take on vodka sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. Pair it with some breadsticks and a salad, and you've got a meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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    Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

    Garlic Chili Oil Noodles on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

    This noodle dish is quick and easy, taking only 15 minutes to prepare. It's packed with flavor and topped with plenty of chopped cilantro, adding a fresh touch to your meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make.

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    One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

    One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, making every bite satisfying. It includes tender kale and flavorful Italian sausage, adding a nice touch to the meal. It's a simple yet delicious option that brings comfort to the dinner table.

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    Beef Tacos

    Ground Beef Tacos.
    Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

    These tacos are crispy and packed with flavor, featuring homemade taco meat and all your favorite toppings. They come together quickly, making them a great choice for a family meal. In just 20 minutes, you can have a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Beef & Quinoa Bowls

    Beef & Quinoa Bowls.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    The Indonesian Beef and Quinoa Bowl is a comforting dish that brings warmth to your meal. The beef is cooked in coconut milk with a blend of curry and cinnamon, giving it a rich flavor. You can add your favorite toppings to create a nutritious protein bowl that's great for preparing in advance.

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    Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This pasta bake is rich and filling, featuring a nice kick from the cream cheese. It's easy to prepare, especially if you use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken along with some pre-cooked bacon. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tomato and Ricotta Pasta

    Tomato and Ricotta Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

    Tomato and ricotta pasta is a quick and easy vegetarian dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes with only a few ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This meal brings together the creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef is cooked with chopped onion and then combined in the crock pot with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and various seasonings. This creates a tasty and simple taco soup that's perfect for a quick meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This recipe is a comforting and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home and can be ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this dish takes little effort while still delivering great flavor.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients in a delicious way. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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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 on its own. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it's mostly hands-off and comes together easily. You'll have delicious chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan.

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    Chinese Chicken Salad

    A bowl of Chinese chicken salad.
    Photo Credit: XOXOBella.

    Chinese chicken salad is a simple and healthy option for a quick dinner or lunch during the week. With a light dressing, it brings together fresh ingredients and tender chicken for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Mac and Cheese

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

    One Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that you can whip up in just one pot. It's a quick and satisfying meal that everyone in the family enjoys, from kids to adults. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Dried spaghetti cooks right in a mix of ground beef, jarred sauce, and water, making this dinner super simple with just one pot to clean up afterward. The starch from the pasta blends into the sauce, creating a thick and hearty sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Broccoli cheddar soup in a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant pot broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, comforting meal made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, broth, cream, and a blend of seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

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    Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

    Panera chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: Bowl Me Over.

    A warm bowl of soup filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables is always a hit. This chicken noodle soup is a family favorite that you can whip up in just 30 minutes, especially if you have some leftover chicken on hand. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. It's a great option for a weeknight meal when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, and it tastes great whether served hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      27 Dinner Soups That Will Change the Way You Cook This Fall
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    • Tuna casserole.
      21 Family-Friendly Casseroles That Are Ready When You Are
    • Cinnamon applesauce muffins.
      11 Delicious Ways to Use Applesauce in Your Cooking

    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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