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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    9 Quick and Easy Southern Dinners for the Busiest Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 28, 2025, updated September 4, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When weeknights get hectic, having a few quick and easy dinner ideas can make all the difference. Southern cooking is known for its comforting flavors and hearty meals, and you can whip up these dishes in no time. From classic favorites to simple twists, these nine recipes will help you put a satisfying dinner on the table without the stress.

    Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings

    Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    There's nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings when you need some serious comfort food! This casserole has all the creamy flavor of the classic southern dish, but it's easier to make with fluffy Bisquick dumplings.

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    Skillet Chicken Spaghetti

    Skillet Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Chicken Spaghetti is a Southern classic comfort food dish and a great alternative to your traditional spaghetti dinner.

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    Honey Glazed Pork Chops

    Honey Glazed Pork Chops.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Honey Glazed Pork Chops are marinated in a tasty honey garlic sauce, then seared and baked all in one skillet. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy.

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King Ranch Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    King Ranch Chicken Casserole is a classic dish that's simple to prepare and full of flavor. With layers of tortillas, creamy chicken, and cheese, it's the kind of comfort food everyone loves. This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until you're ready to bake it, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

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    Buffalo Mac and Cheese

    Buffalo mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kermperyd.

    This mac and cheese combines the best flavors for a comforting meal. It's spicy, cheesy, creamy, and simply delicious. With quick preparation and minimal cooking time, you can have it ready to enjoy in about an hour.

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    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    Chicken Macaroni Salad is a tasty mix of creamy pasta and chicken salad. It's simple to prepare and a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have. This dish is ideal for lunch or a quick dinner during the week. It's also a fantastic option for summer BBQs and picnics. Enjoy this refreshing salad on warm days!

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    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Sanctuary.

    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti combines smoky andouille sausage with tender pasta in a creamy sauce that has a nice kick of Cajun spice. This dish is packed with flavor and can be on your table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a tasty and filling meal. It features smoked sausage, Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce that everyone will enjoy. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare.

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    Creamy Shrimp and Grits

    Creamy Shrimp and Grits.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Creamy Shrimp and Grits is a flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of New Orleans right at your dining table. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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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