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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Easy Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 17, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, but they don't have to be. With these 29 easy recipes, you can whip up satisfying meals in no time, making your evenings more enjoyable and stress-free. From quick stir-fries to comforting casseroles, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli is a great shortcut for making lasagna, as it replaces the traditional noodles and adds a delicious layer of cheese. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna has become a favorite in my family because it's simple to prepare and always satisfying. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tuna Garlic and Chilli Pasta

    Tuna Garlic and Chilli Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cooking Compass.

    Tuna Garlic and Chilli Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. Using everyday ingredients like canned tuna, tinned tomatoes, and garlic, this dish is both simple and satisfying. It's a spicy pasta option that won't break the bank, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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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.

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    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce, paired with warm tortillas. It's a simple and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, this dish brings comfort and deliciousness to the table.

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    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a breeze to prepare and is great for busy weekdays or game days. It features simple ingredients that blend the classic taste of chili with the spicy kick of buffalo wings. This dish could easily become your go-to chili recipe.

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    Vegan Chili with Black Beans

    Vegan Chili Recipe with Black Beans
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This vegan chili is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. It's packed with delicious flavors and includes black beans and split red lentils for a hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both satisfying and easy to whip up.

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    Ground Beef & Broccoli

    Ground Beef And Broccoli.
    Photo credit: LIving Chirpy.

    This healthy dish comes together quickly with just 9 ingredients and only takes 20 minutes to prepare in one pan. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Simple and straightforward, this meal is a great option for anyone looking to simplify dinner.

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    Tuna Niçoise Salad

    Tuna Niçoise Salad.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Tuna Niçoise Salad is a refreshing take on canned tuna that will change your perspective on it. Packed with a zesty red wine vinaigrette, crisp green beans, soft potatoes, and flavorful olives, this French salad is a great option for a lighter meal. It's easy to put together and offers a nice variety of textures and flavors.

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    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon cooked this way turns out just right, bursting with lemon flavor. It's a simple dish that's just as delicious as fresh salmon. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    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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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken thighs can be ready in just 10 minutes and then cooked slowly until they're nice and tender. They're covered in a thick honey garlic sauce that adds a lot of flavor. This is a good dinner option for busy weekdays when you want something simple yet delicious.

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    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This chili is packed with rich tomatoes and spices, creating a hearty dish that's perfect for any meal. With ground beef and crispy bacon, it brings a satisfying flavor that everyone will enjoy. Top it off with your favorite toppings for an extra touch, making this a great choice for dinner.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    This recipe is all about convenience, allowing you to cook chicken breasts straight from the freezer. There's no need to plan ahead or thaw anything; just grab the frozen chicken, add a few easy ingredients, and in about 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are quick and simple to prepare, taking only 6-8 minutes to cook. Made with fresh salmon and flavored with powdered seasonings, they are full of taste without the need for any chopping. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Pesto Pasta Bake with Hidden Veg

    Pesto Pasta Bake with Hidden Veg.
    Photo Credit: Thinly Spread.

    Pesto Pasta Bake features a tasty homemade vegan basil pesto that brings a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish. Packed with a generous amount of spinach, it's a great way to sneak in some greens. This dish is simple to prepare and is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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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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    Great Northern Bean Soup

    Great Northern Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This great northern bean soup is a warm and satisfying meal, perfect for a cold winter evening or any time you want something healthy and filling. It's easy to prepare, especially if you use a crock pot or slow cooker, which makes the process simple and convenient.

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    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun with my Three Sons.

    Egg Roll in a Bowl features tender ground beef, fresh greens, and a savory kick from soy sauce, making it a simple and tasty dish to include in your weeknight meals. This one-pan meal combines healthy ingredients with a mix of spices for a satisfying low-carb option. It's quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Curry Lentil Soup

    Curry Lentil Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick vegan curry lentil soup comes together in just 20 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home, like curry spices, garbanzo beans, coconut milk, and split red lentils. It's a comforting dish that feels hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners. Everyone will enjoy it, and they won't even realize it's packed with nutritious ingredients.

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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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    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker casserole puts a fun spin on the classic tater tot casserole that many people remember from their childhood. The mix of chicken, bacon, ranch, and tater tots creates a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days. It's an easy meal that brings together familiar flavors, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A super quick pasta dish loaded with smoked salmon & lemon flavor you'll be coming back to over and over again.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken is a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. The zesty chicken and sauce create a delicious meal that's easy to prepare. Plus, it's great for making ahead and storing in the freezer for later.

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    Mediterranean Baked Fish

    A bowl of Mediterranean baked fish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Mediterranean baked fish dinner is quick and easy, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. With just 8 simple ingredients, it's perfect for a healthy meal without a lot of work. Enjoy a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

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    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    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 anyone looking for a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

    Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta.
    Photo Credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

    Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish with a nice hint of spice and smoke. The sweet pumpkin blends well with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers, creating a delicious combination. It's quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for any night of the week. This vegan pasta is perfect for fall but is enjoyable all year long.

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    One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Cajun chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken pasta is a hit with everyone and combines spicy and creamy flavors in a straightforward dish. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

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    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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