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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Simple Dinners for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 25, 2025, updated August 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook during busy weeknights can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to mean sacrificing a good meal. Here are 23 simple dinner ideas that are quick to prepare and satisfying, perfect for those hectic evenings. With a mix of easy recipes and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It’s filled with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, bringing a bit of Mediterranean flair to your table. This is a great option for a laid-back dinner or a speedy weeknight meal.

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    One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

    A bowl of chicken dumpling soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chicken dumpling soup is a cozy dish that warms you up on chilly nights. This simple recipe takes just about 40 minutes to prepare, using rotisserie chicken and store-bought biscuit dough to save time. It features all the classic flavors you love, along with tasty vegetables in a creamy, herby broth.

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    One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

    One pot creamy vegetable soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    You can easily change the vegetables in this dish to match what you like or to use up any leftovers you have in the fridge. It's a great way to make a meal without wasting food and keeps things interesting during the week.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese come together in this delicious dinner. It's a simple dish that packs a lot of flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ramen Scrambled Egg

    A bowl of ramen scrambled egg.
    Photo Credit: Spoons of Flavor.

    Ramen scrambled eggs are quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying meal. This dish is a great option for anyone who enjoys instant ramen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time.

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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 dinner. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying meal. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    A Philly Cheesesteak can be a real treat, but it’s not always easy to whip up, especially when you're short on time or cash. This ground beef version is a great solution, giving you all the classic flavors without breaking the bank. You’ll enjoy the savory meat, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all served on a soft bun. It's a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.

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    Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan

    Caprese gnocchi on a sheet pan.
    Photo Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    This sheet pan dinner is a great option for summer meals. It’s simple to prepare and can easily feed a large family. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dinner without putting in a lot of work.

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    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    This recipe is all about simplicity, using canned soups and ready-made rice mixes to create a hearty meal. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.

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    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    This salmon dinner is super simple and can be ready in less than 10 minutes. It’s full of flavor, thanks to the combination of honey and Dijon mustard. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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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 comforting choice. 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 can easily fit into your weeknight routine.

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    One Pot Creamy Chicken Soup

    A bowl of creamy chicken soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features tender ditalini pasta, flavorful shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. It's a warm and comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dinner is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This dish is a fresh and healthy option for spring and summer. Grilled Halloumi cheese becomes crispy and gooey, pairing perfectly with sweet, charred peaches. A generous serving of arugula, spicy jalapeños, and a zesty honey lemon vinaigrette ties everything together, creating a fantastic salad that works well for dinner, lunch, or brunch.

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    Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini

    A bowl of shrimp with zucchini.
    Photo Credit: Delightful Plate.

    Shrimp and zucchini come together in this simple dish that highlights their natural sweetness. With garlic and lemon juice added, it brings a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry

    Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This creamy coconut chickpea curry is packed with wholesome spices, making it a satisfying and hearty plant-based meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. The combination of coconut and chickpeas creates a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy.

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    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This creamy Honey Mustard Chicken skillet dish is ready in just 30 minutes. It's packed with rich flavors and can be made all in one pan, making it a breeze to prepare. The creamy honey mustard sauce pairs perfectly with rice, potatoes, and roasted vegetables, making it a versatile choice for dinner.

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    Surf and Turf Foil Packs

    Surf and turf in foil packs.
    Photo Credit: XOXOBella.

    Steak and shrimp come together with sweet corn and red onion in these tasty foil packets. This dish is perfect for cooking over a campfire, on the grill, or even in the oven. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without much effort.

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    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Baked tilapia is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's juicy and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca

    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick 15-minute pasta fresca is just like the popular dish from Noodles and Company, but you can whip it up at home. It's a simple and delicious option that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight. With fresh ingredients and minimal effort, this dish brings a taste of your favorite restaurant right to your table.

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    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle

    Shredded Crab Tagliatelle.
    Photo credit: Flawless Food.

    This pasta dish offers a unique twist and is packed with flavor. It's simple to prepare and makes great use of canned shredded crab meat. The sauce combines garlic, parsley, butter, lemon, and tomatoes for a delicious finish.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

    A plate full of quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are so easy to make in the air fryer

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    Butternut Cauliflower Soup

    A bowl of soup topped with cheese and bacon.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This creamy butternut cauliflower soup is simple to make with a slow cooker or pressure cooker. It’s full of flavor and doesn’t need much prep time, which is great for busy weeknights. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup that fits right into your evening routine.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with pasta and chicken for a satisfying dinner. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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      18 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners That Are Perfect for Busy Families

    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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