Finding time to cook during busy weeknights can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to mean sacrificing a good meal. Here are 29 simple dinner ideas that are quick to prepare and satisfying for the whole family. From one-pan dishes to easy pasta recipes, these meals will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.
Thai Red Curry Fried Rice
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.
Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies
This pasta dish comes together in no time and is super easy to make. It features tasty noodles, fresh pesto, and healthy veggies, giving you a meal that feels like it's from a restaurant but can be ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Peppers
Crisp bell peppers are stuffed with flavorful taco meat and air-fried until they're nice and tender. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a delicious finish. This is a good dinner option for busy weeknights.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Lemon garlic shrimp is a simple dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It's ideal for busy days when you need a quick meal. The buttery lemon garlic sauce adds a wonderful flavor that really brings the dish to life.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
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.
Mushroom Stroganoff
This 20-minute stroganoff is a simple and tasty meatless dish that everyone will enjoy. The egg noodles are cooked just right and mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce. The great thing is that everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Creamy Silken Tofu Tomato Pasta
This creamy tomato pasta sauce is a simple and delicious option for dinner. Made with silken tofu, it's not only vegan but also loaded with protein. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tortellini Carbonara
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.
Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Slow cooker pork carnitas are a simple way to enjoy a tasty meal with minimal effort. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot does the work. The result is tender, shredded pork with crispy edges, perfect for filling soft flour tortillas. Topped with diced onion and cilantro, this dish is sure to become a hit at the dinner table.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
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.
Crock Pot 15 Bean Soup
A busy day calls for a simple and comforting meal like 15 Bean Soup made in a crock pot. This slow cooker ham and bean soup is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things. It's a hearty dish that warms you up and satisfies your hunger without requiring much effort.
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow cooker sweet chili chicken is tender and packed with flavor from the sweet chili sauce and cream cheese. It pairs well with rice and a green vegetable, making it a satisfying meal. This dish is simple to prepare and is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.
Halloumi Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers
A Halloumi Sandwich brings together roasted red peppers, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, and crispy pan-fried halloumi. It's a satisfying meal that's easy to put together. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich is sure to please anyone looking for something tasty.
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Creamy lemon chicken pasta is a quick dinner option that takes just about 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. The dish features al dente spaghetti mixed with a flavorful lemon garlic Parmesan cream sauce, and it's topped with sautéed chicken that has a nice crispness. This meal is simple to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies
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.
Olive Oil Lemon Parsley Pasta
This lemon parsley pasta is a refreshing dish that's perfect for spring or summer dinners. With a simple mix of olive oil and fresh ingredients, it brings a bright flavor to your table. It's an easy meal that doesn't require much effort, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni arrabbiata is a dish that reminds me of my time in Rome, where I discovered how delicious simple, spicy pasta can be. This recipe captures all the classic flavors of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a bit of heat from red pepper, making it quick and easy for any weeknight dinner. It combines bold Italian taste with simple preparation, bringing a touch of that cozy Roman restaurant vibe right to your kitchen.
Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta
This one-pot Smoked Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta is a great way to change up your weeknight meals. With only 6 ingredients, it's quick to prepare, yet the combination of rich smoked salmon, creamy crème fraîche, zesty lemon, and fresh dill packs a lot of flavor. It's perfect for a simple dinner at home, but it also has a touch of elegance that makes it suitable for entertaining or a special night in.
Zuppa Toscana
This Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana is a simple and healthy version of the classic soup. It combines fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and Italian sausage all in one pot. Whether you use the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a great option that's even better than takeout. It uses simple ingredients and is super easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
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.
Lemony Brown Butter Salmon and Rosemary Potatoes with Garlic Asparagus
Crispy roast potatoes and tender asparagus are mixed with a delicious lemon and brown butter sauce, along with some fresh rosemary. The salmon is lightly seasoned and drizzled with lemon juice and brown butter for extra flavor. This dish is bright and flavorful, perfect for a quick and easy dinner that doesn't require much effort or many ingredients.
One Pot Chicken Alfredo
This meal is perfect for any day of the week. A straightforward creamy homemade Alfredo sauce adds a wonderful flavor to the dish. It's an easy option that can simplify mealtime and satisfy everyone at the table.
Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Skillet chicken with cream of mushroom soup turns plain chicken breast and a classic pantry item into a simple, flavorful one-pan meal. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal fuss.
Carbonara Pasta
This Carbonara Sauce is a creamy blend of egg yolks, Parmesan, and cream. It's simpler to prepare than traditional Italian Carbonara but still delivers that smooth, rich flavor that everyone loves. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this sauce and enjoy it with any pasta you have on hand.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
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.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Bake parmesan-crusted chicken in your oven for a quick, easy, and very tasty dinner. Your whole family will love this recipe - it's cheesy, crispy, and perfect for dipping. And all done in under 30 minutes!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Baked Chicken Fajitas on a sheet pan are a super simple dinner option. This dish features tender chicken seasoned just right, cooked alongside colorful peppers and onions. It's a quick meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight, making dinner time a breeze.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
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.
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