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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Easy Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 28, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights can be a challenge. Here are 23 simple recipes that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for those hectic evenings. From one-pan meals to easy crockpot dishes, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, flavorful ham, and gooey Swiss cheese simmered in a creamy sauce. Topped with buttery stuffing, it creates a cozy and filling meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes offer a simple solution for weeknight dinners when time is tight. The chicken is seasoned with lemon, giving it a bright flavor, while the potatoes roast to a nice golden brown. As they cook, you can quickly whip up a fresh green salad, creating a wholesome meal in no time. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours 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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    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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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. It's a hearty dish that layers flavors and textures, making it a great choice for busy nights. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will appreciate.

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    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Nashville Hot Chicken meets a Shredded Chicken Sandwich in this delicious dish. It's a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors, making it a great choice for a quick meal. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burritos

    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken burrito filling is a simple and tasty option that combines fresh veggies, salsa, Tex-Mex spices, and quick-cooking rice. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Chicken taco casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    Chicken Taco Casserole is a simple dish that comes together quickly with just 7 ingredients and 7 easy steps. It features shredded chicken, tomatoes, taco seasoning, crunchy tortilla chips, and cheese, all baked together for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is ready in just 30 minutes.

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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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    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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    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma.
    Photo Credit: Season and Thyme.

    This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is packed with flavor and super easy to prepare. You can enjoy it in a rice bowl, salad, or wrap, and it's perfect topped with fresh veggies and tasty sauces. 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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    Hobo Casserole

    Hobo Casserole.
    Photo credit: Bowl me Over.

    This one-pan meal is simple and tasty, perfect for the whole family. It features tender beef, hearty potatoes, a creamy filling, and plenty of cheese, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful, and it's surprisingly simple to make. You'll be amazed that this rotisserie-style chicken comes from your slow cooker. Preparing it ahead of time makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

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    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken

    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Penies.

    Crockpot bruschetta chicken is simple to prepare and fits perfectly into a busy schedule. It pairs well with pasta or can be enjoyed alongside some garlic bread. This dish is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    This chicken tortilla soup is simple to make in a crockpot and requires minimal prep time. It's a favorite among my family and friends, and we've enjoyed it countless times over the years. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Balsamic chicken is a simple way to transform regular chicken breasts into something special with just a few ingredients. The combination of Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar brings a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty 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 Asparagus Pasta Salad

    SALMON ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This dish features fresh asparagus, salmon (canned or fresh), hard-boiled eggs, and pasta, all mixed together in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a quick meal during busy days. This is a great option for spring and summer, bringing together bright flavors and satisfying ingredients.

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    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup

    5-Ingredient Chicken Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This 5-ingredient chicken soup recipe is perfect for a cool spring day, though you can modify it with any seasonal vegetable and serve it year-round. It's almost embarrassingly easy to make, nice, light, and perfect for spring, and you'll love its simplicity.

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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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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a simple family dinner or a dish that everyone will enjoy at gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, cooked pasta, and fresh veggies all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing. This salad is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      Snack Like a Champion: 23 Game Day Appetizers You Can't Resist
    • Mushroom miso pasta.
      12 Cozy Mushroom Dishes That Were Made for Fall

    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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    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!

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