Finding quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights can be a challenge. With just a little planning, you can whip up meals that are satisfying and simple to prepare. Here are 22 dinner ideas that will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.
Halloumi Pasta Primavera

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, showcasing the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and refreshing dinner option that brings a burst of color and taste to your weeknight meals.
Honey Mustard Salmon
A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce gives a fresh twist to classic salmon and asparagus. This dish is easy to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to your weeknight meals. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is rich and filling, featuring a nice kick from the cream cheese. It’s simple to prepare, especially if you use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken along with some pre-cooked bacon. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tuna Croquettes
Tuna croquettes are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. They offer a simple yet satisfying option for dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Cottage Pie
This easy dinner features a filling of beef and vegetables, all topped with a creamy layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s a simple twist on the classic cottage pie, using some convenient ingredients to whip it up in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite.
Beef Noodle Stir Fry
This beef noodle stir fry comes together in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor. It features tender beef, onions, and spaghettini tossed in a savory soy sauce. It's a simple dish that brings a comforting touch to your dinner table.
Bean & Pasta Casserole
This vegetarian casserole is packed with hearty white beans, filling pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It's a comforting dish that offers a healthy and satisfying option for dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to prepare and will keep everyone happy.
Garlic Butter Pasta
This pasta dinner is quick and easy, using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Instant Pot Aloo Matar
This Instant Pot Aloo Matar is a quick and easy Indian curry that cooks in just one minute. It features potatoes and green peas, combined with simple Indian spices for a flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings a taste of India to your dinner table without much effort.
Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes
Pork chops with creamy peas and tomatoes are simple to make and work well any time of the year. This dish is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t require much effort.
Nduja Pasta
Nduja Pasta is a simple and tasty pasta dish that packs a punch. It features nduja, a spicy, spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy, which adds a rich and bold flavor. This dish is perfect for when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
This spicy soup is packed with Thai flavors and is just what you need when you're in the mood for something warm and comforting. It's a great choice for a cozy night in, bringing a little excitement to your dinner routine. With its rich taste and satisfying ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite for those chilly evenings.
Umami Burgers
These burgers combine juicy beef and pork, bringing together the best of both meats. Seasoned with miso and a few other spices, they pack a flavorful punch that adds a nice twist to your usual burger night. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your weeknight meals.
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
This chili is warm and full of flavor, and it's super simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
Homemade hamburger helper is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender macaroni noodles with crumbled ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It's a simple meal that brings a sense of home to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is satisfying and easy to prepare.
Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce
Grilled pork chops are a hearty option, topped with a zesty Alabama white sauce. This simple recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time and cooks in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese
Chicken filets topped with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil create a delicious meal that's sure to impress. This dish is simple to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole is a simple and satisfying dinner option that everyone will enjoy. With its creamy and cheesy layers topped with crispy tater tots, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love it so much, they’ll be asking for it regularly!
Massaman Chicken Curry
This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes and peanuts it's super creamy, subtly sweet and not so spicy.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
This is a simple meal that you can throw together quickly on busy weeknights. With familiar flavors that everyone in the family enjoys, this easy dinner is bound to become a regular part of your routine.
Hamburger Soup
Hamburger soup is a hearty dish filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and potatoes simmered in a tasty tomato broth. It's a simple meal that you can whip up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting soup is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Seafood, meat, and veggies come together on one plate, all prepared quickly with your instant pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies everyone.
Comments
No Comments