• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Busy Night? Try These 22 Simple Dinner Ideas!

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 21, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When life gets busy, finding time to cook can be a challenge. These simple dinner ideas are perfect for those hectic nights when you need something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up meals that everyone will enjoy.

    Crockpot Taco Pasta

    Taco pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Salty Pot.

    This dish is perfect for a cozy pasta night. It features hearty beef, a creamy cheesy sauce, and comforting pasta that warms you up. Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs bring together the delicious flavors of sweet honey and savory garlic. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and goes well with any side dish you like. It's an easy way to enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

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

    This chicken stew is simple to prepare and uses rotisserie chicken for convenience. It's filled with fresh lemon and rosemary flavors that brighten up the dish. Perfect for busy nights, this meal comes together quickly and is satisfying for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is packed with flavor and only requires 10 ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Serve it over rice, on tostadas, or in tacos for a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes to get ready. 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, making this a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. It's a healthy choice that's full of flavor and can be made all in one pan. A splash of lemon adds a nice touch, making this dish not just good, but really enjoyable for a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a simple and tasty option for dinner. With just chicken breasts, jarred salsa, and some spices, you can whip up flavorful tacos that everyone can enjoy. These tacos are easy to customize, so you can add your favorite toppings and make them just the way you like.

    Get the Recipe

    Lemon Kale White Bean Soup

    Lemon Kale White Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: Spabettie.

    This soup is packed with fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors, perfect for a cozy meal. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings. You'll find yourself wanting to make this comforting dish again and again.

    Get the Recipe

    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    A casserole dish full of spinach artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy casserole combines rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, making it super easy to prepare. You can have it ready in less than an hour, so it's perfect for busy nights. It's a simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Apricot Chicken

    Easy Baked Apricot Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Casual Foodist.

    Baked Apricot Chicken is a straightforward and tasty chicken dish that your family will enjoy. It uses just a few ingredients and can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals. This dish combines a sweet and savory glaze that adds great flavor without taking up too much of your time.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala features tender chicken simmered in a rich mushroom and wine sauce, with a bit of cream stirred in right before serving. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It's a simple and satisfying option that fits well into a busy schedule.

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up a tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, offering a refreshing dinner option that highlights the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits well into a busy schedule.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Taco Meat Loaf Stuffed Peppers offer a tasty twist on the usual stuffed peppers. This dish combines the flavors of taco meat and meatloaf, all packed into a pepper for a satisfying meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something different without putting in too much effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple and ideal for a quick family dinner during a busy week. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup easy. With chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots all roasted in a tasty marinade, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 45 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Taco stuffed sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fun twist on taco night. They're filled with all your favorite taco toppings and can be ready in less than 20 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe.

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    Stuffed Anaheim peppers are a delicious option for a quick meal. They're packed with savory meat, gooey cheese, and topped with a creamy avocado sauce that adds a nice touch. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Quicker Kitchen.

    Slow cooker chicken fajitas are a simple way to prepare a big batch of this Tex Mex favorite. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, dinner can be ready with very little effort. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

    This casserole not only incredibly easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. With its perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, Ranch dressing, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

    Get the Recipe

    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. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and has a bright, citrusy flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you need something easy to prepare. You can serve it on its own or pair it with rice for a more filling meal.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. This dish comes together in only 12 minutes using just 5 ingredients and one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
      23 Warm Up with These Cozy Comfort Food Casseroles
    • Ground beef dip.
      23 Savory Snacks That Will Make You the MVP of Game Day
    • Coq au vin.
      22 Fall-Inspired Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Warm Your Heart
    • Blueberry french toast casserole.
      26 Easy Breakfast Potluck Ideas That Are Perfect for Sharing

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Buffalo chicken tater tot casserole.
      Busy Night? Try These 22 Simple Dinner Ideas!
    • Pesto pasta bake.
      24 Delicious Meal Prep Dinners You’ll Want to Make Every Week
    • Chicken mushroom wild rice soup.
      22 Cheap Easy Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Cook
    • A plate of no boil chicken pasta bake.
      23 Casseroles You Can Just Dump and Bake

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB