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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Easy Dinners That Will Save Your Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 10, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can be a lifesaver during busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these 22 dinners will help you get a satisfying meal on the table without the stress. From one-pan dishes to quick stir-fries, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their evening routine.

    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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    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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    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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    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This potato soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. It’s perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or a comforting meal on a Sunday night. Everyone in the family is likely to enjoy this hearty dish.

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    Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

    Vegetarian pasta soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Treaty.

    This thick and creamy pasta-and-bean soup is packed with flavor from rosemary, garlic, and smoked paprika. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice touch, and pairing it with some fresh bread makes it a perfect cozy dinner. It's a simple meal that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.

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    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    Lemon and rosemary come together to create a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. These slow cooker rosemary lemon chicken thighs are perfect for any night of the week. With their fresh citrus taste and lovely aroma, they bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

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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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    Slow Cooker Chicken Reuben Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Reuben Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Reuben Casserole brings the classic taste of a Reuben sandwich into a comforting, cheesy dish. It combines tender chicken, zesty sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and gooey Swiss cheese for a satisfying meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches are a simple and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do its thing, so you can enjoy a hearty sandwich later.

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    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a go-to meal that everyone loves. It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any chopping or complicated prep work. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked in a tasty sauce made from apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, and a mix of seasonings. This dish has a nice balance of sweetness and flavor, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious 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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    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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    Crockpot Shredded Beef

    Crockpot Shredded Beef.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Skip the expensive barbecue joints and make some delicious shredded beef in your slow cooker. Using smoked paprika and cumin, you can bring that smoky flavor right into your kitchen. This dish features beef short ribs, a simple spice blend, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve it on a toasted brioche bun with coleslaw for a fantastic sandwich that's perfect for lunch, brunch, or dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Default Cook.

    Slow cooking chicken in a tasty mix of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth creates a simple and delicious dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors brings out the best in the chicken, making it a meal everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of classic French onion soup with a hearty meal. It’s simple to prepare and cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. With tender chicken and rich onion flavor, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous

    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    Slow Cooker Chicken with lime and couscous is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It's a filling meal that includes plenty of healthy vegetables. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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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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    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen with Chicken is a tasty and straightforward meal that you can make in one pot. This dish combines creamy coconut milk, flavorful curry spices, and tender chicken for a satisfying dinner. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Make these super juicy Cast Iron Pork Chops in just 25 minutes for a delicious, flavor-packed dinner. With garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, they are seared and then simmered in red wine for the juiciest chops you've ever had.

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a tasty dish that's super simple to prepare. With only a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker handling the cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy days. It's creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a hit with the whole family. Whether it's for dinner, a game day snack, or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

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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.

    Get the recipe

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      24 Slow Cooker Comfort Foods That Will Make You the Potluck Star

    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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