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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    7 Weeknight Dinners I’ve Made for Over 20 Years

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 3, 2025 · Published November 6, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Some just recipes never go out of style, and these are the ones I've been making for over 20 years. Since my early days living on my own, all through college, corporate jobs, and now busy life with horses and dogs to tend to - they just never let me down. They're simple, reliable, and always hit the spot after a long day. From easy pastas and hearty casseroles to quick stews, these meals have stood the test of time for a reason. When I need something I know everyone will love, these are the recipes I turn to again and again!

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is a simple and flavorful dish that comes together easily, especially when you use rotisserie chicken. With bright lemon and aromatic rosemary, it brings a fresh taste to your weeknight dinner. It's a comforting meal that doesn't require much time or effort, perfect for busy evenings.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and is a great twist on the classic dish. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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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 and full of flavor, taking just 5 minutes to prepare. 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.

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    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is incredibly simple, using just three ingredients. It's a quick and easy option that has been a favorite for many weeknight dinners over the years. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe delivers great flavor without requiring much effort.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It's the kind of comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen for over 20 years.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with the fresh flavors of smoked salmon and lemon. It's a go-to meal that you'll find yourself making time and time again. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a satisfying dinner without requiring much effort.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese adds a wonderful flavor to creamy pasta sauces. It's a great way to elevate a simple dish and bring a bit of excitement to your weeknight dinners. With its tangy taste, feta blends perfectly with pasta, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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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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