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    Home » Uncategorized

    35 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Will Save You Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 23, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can be a challenge after a long day. These 35 weeknight dinners are perfect for busy evenings, offering simple recipes that come together in no time. From one-pan meals to slow cooker casseroles, these dishes will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters are ready in just 15 minutes, offering a great mix of crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade with lime juice adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken tender.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage & Veggies

    Gnocchi sheet bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    Sheet pan oven-baked gnocchi with sausage and vegetables is a simple dinner that you can whip up in just 25 minutes using only one pan. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tapenade Sandwich

    Sandwich topped with tapenade and Feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Tapenade, whether you make it yourself or buy it, is the highlight of this dish, paired with Feta cheese and spicy jalapeños. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is always a comforting meal. This easy chuck roast takes just 5 minutes to prep and cooks slowly, resulting in tender meat that falls apart with little effort.

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    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup

    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This comforting soup brings together the delicious tastes of Rotel dip and a cheeseburger. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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    Sheet Pan Pizza

    A serving of sheet pan pizza.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pizza features a thick and crispy crust that has a nice chew to it, topped with lots of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can add all your family's favorite toppings to make it just right for everyone.

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    Sardine Pasta Bolognese

    Sardine Pasta Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Krumpli.

    Sardine pasta combines the flavors of a hearty Bolognese sauce with red wine, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh tomatoes, all while using affordable canned fish. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    These meatballs are full of flavor and are perfect for a cozy meal. Just let the crockpot handle everything, and you'll end up with tender, juicy meatballs in a delicious tomato sauce.

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    Panera Bread Thai Chicken Soup

    Panera Bread Thai Chicken Soup.
    Photo Credit: Food Hussy.

    This Thai Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that's great for chilly days. It's packed with chicken, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, and edamame, all simmered in a flavorful coconut broth with a hint of Thai yellow curry.

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    Kung Pao Chicken

    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is packed with flavor and is simple to prepare, offering a healthier version of your favorite take-out meal. With a great mix of salty and sweet, it’s sure to be your new favorite for a quick dinner at home.

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    Roasted Sweet Bell Pepper Soup

    Roasted Sweet Bell Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: Raising Generations Nourished.

    Roasting sweet bell peppers with creamy sweet potatoes and carrots creates a smooth and velvety soup that kids will love. This is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

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    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos

    Halloumi tacos.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Halloumi tacos are a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in no time. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Asian Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

    Asian Sesame Instant Pot Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This chicken cooks in the pressure cooker in just 5 minutes. It's perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

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    Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This gluten-free Cream of Mushroom Soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner. It's simple to prepare and rich in cream, making it a comforting choice for any weeknight.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This pasta salad is a perfect option for lunch or dinner when the weather is nice. It's delicious and simple enough to impress your guests.

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    Peanut Butter Chicken Rice Bowls

    Peanut butter chicken rice bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish is great for busy days when you need a tasty meal without spending hours cooking. Marinate the chicken the night before, and when it's time to eat, just cook it and serve it over rice for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Balsamic Chicken

    Balsamic chicken on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Balsamic chicken is a simple and flavorful choice for dinner. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time cooking.

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    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It's hearty and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy meal.

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    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade turkey burgers are easy to whip up with just a few simple steps and only 10 minutes in the air fryer or on the grill. Using powdered seasonings and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice keeps them juicy without any chopping.

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    Copycat Wendy’s Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe lets you enjoy the flavors of Wendy’s chili right at home. With all the beans, veggies, and spices included, it’s a great way to whip up a delicious meal.

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    Spicy, Buttery Asian Grilled Shrimp

    Spicy buttery Asian grilled shrimp with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Seafood lovers will enjoy this flavorful Spicy, Buttery Asian Grilled Shrimp. It’s a quick meal that takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

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    Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

    Slow Cooker Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With ground beef, veggies, and seasonings topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a filling comfort food that’s perfect for any weeknight.

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    Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    This soup is perfect for any time of the year. It's filling, nutritious, and has a nice kick to it.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is quick to make with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to cook. The bright pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a simple and satisfying meal that you'll want to have regularly.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce has a spicy kick that gives a new spin to the classic dish. With just some common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, this is an affordable choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

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    Steak Fajita Pasta

    Steak Fajita Pasta.
    Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Steak Fajita Pasta is a hit with families, featuring marinated and grilled steak on top of creamy pasta seasoned with fajita spices and grilled veggies. It's a simple way to feed a group using just a few steaks!

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is a classic British takeaway dish that you can easily prepare at home. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work, making homemade curry night a breeze.

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    Baked Chicken Thighs

    Baked chicken thighs on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Oven-baked chicken thighs are seasoned with everyday ingredients and only take 40 minutes to cook. This is a great option for a simple weeknight dinner or for prepping meals over the weekend.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hot Chili

    Slow Cooker Hot Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili packs a spicy punch from serrano peppers and is loaded with flavor from crispy bacon. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a tender and flavorful dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight. It's easy to prepare and tasty enough to impress your guests.

    Get the Recipe

    Crunchwrap Supreme

    Crunchwraps.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These homemade Taco Bell crunch wraps are a step up from the fast food version, packed with layers of tortillas, seasoned beef, nacho cheese, a crunchy tostada shell, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and extra cheese. This quick 20-minute meal is a fun twist on taco night that your family will love.

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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

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

    Try this easy slow cooker casserole made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese. You will absolutely love the hearty layers of this dish!

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    Ricotta Lemon Pasta

    A serving of lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

    This lemon ricotta pasta sauce is simple to prepare and brings a fresh flavor to your dinner. It's a bright and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Parmesan-crusted chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It's cheesy, crispy, and perfect for dipping, all ready in under 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    A cornish hen on a plate.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Air fryer Cornish hens are a quick and tasty option for dinner. They may look fancy, but they're easy to prepare and great for busy evenings.

    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 more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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