Weeknights. The land of rushed dinners, hangry kids, and the constant question: “What’s for dinner?!” Let’s be honest, sometimes the easiest route is takeout, but that can get expensive and frankly, a bit boring. This list is your secret weapon, a time-saving arsenal of delicious and surprisingly simple weeknight recipes that will leave you with more time to relax (and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine!).
We’ve gathered 35 recipes, each designed to be quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and rediscover the joy of home-cooked meals without the stress!
15-Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver! Toss some chicken and veggies with fajita seasoning, and dinner is practically ready before you can say “olé!”
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Who needs hours on the stovetop? The Instant Pot makes classic spaghetti and meatballs a breeze, leaving you with more time to focus on other things.
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Shrimp cooks in minutes, making this elegant yet easy dish perfect for a weeknight. The garlic butter sauce? Pure magic.
5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
Simplicity at its finest. This pasta dish requires just five ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to make. Impressive and effortless!
Quick Ground Turkey Stir Fry
A healthy and customizable stir-fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Throw in your favorite veggies and you’ve got a balanced and delicious meal.
20-Minute Black Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a weeknight classic for a reason: they’re fast, fun, and totally customizable. Add some black beans for extra protein.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Leftover chicken? This recipe transforms it into a flavorful and satisfying fried rice dish in minutes. A great way to reduce food waste too!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A vibrant and healthy salad packed with flavor and protein. Perfect for a light and satisfying dinner.
10-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl
Satisfy your egg roll craving without the deep frying! This bowl version is quick, healthy, and just as delicious.
No-Boil Baked Ziti
Skip the boiling water! This baked ziti recipe uses no-boil noodles for an even quicker and easier meal.
Quick Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon is a healthy and delicious protein, and this teriyaki recipe makes it even better. Ready in under 20 minutes!
3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
Three ingredients. That’s it. This simple recipe is perfect for tacos, salads, or just eating straight up.
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and made in one pot? Yes, please! This classic comfort food just got a whole lot easier.
Greek Sheet Pan Dinner
Another sheet pan winner! This flavorful Greek-inspired dinner is healthy, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup.
Quick Thai Curry
Transport your tastebuds to Thailand with this quick and easy Thai curry. Perfect with rice or noodles.
15-Minute Beef and Broccoli
A restaurant-quality beef and broccoli dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes? You bet!
Pantry Pasta Primavera
Use up whatever veggies you have on hand for a colorful and flavorful pasta primavera. A great way to use up leftovers.
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a customizable and healthy meal prep option. The Instant Pot speeds up the process immensely.
Quick Tuna Melts
A classic comfort food, elevated. These tuna melts are quick, easy, and guaranteed to please.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Another sheet pan superstar! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, and cleanup is a breeze.
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
Five ingredients, incredible flavor. This honey garlic chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
Microwave Baked Potato Bar
Skip the oven! Microwave baked potatoes are surprisingly easy and quick, perfect for a customizable potato bar.
Quick Black Bean Soup
A hearty and healthy soup that’s ready in a flash. Perfect for a chilly evening.
15-Minute Shrimp Scampi
This classic dish is ready in a quarter of the time you’d expect! Enjoy restaurant-quality scampi without the restaurant price.
Easy French Bread Pizza
French bread pizza is a simple, fun way to customize your dinner. Let everyone pick their own toppings!
One-Pan Ranch Chicken
A classic comfort food, elevated. This ranch chicken is simple, quick, and full of flavour.
Quick Veggie Lo Mein
Lo mein noodles are super versatile. This recipe is a great way to get your veggies in quickly.
10-Minute Tortellini Soup
A comforting and satisfying soup that’s ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for a chilly evening.
Simple Turkey Taco Bowls
Taco bowls are a great way to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table fast. Turkey is a leaner alternative.
Quick BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
These sandwiches are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Everyone loves a classic BBQ chicken sandwich.
15-Minute Garlic Noodles
These noodles are easy, flavourful and ready in a flash. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Easy Breakfast for Dinner
Sometimes, the best dinner is a comforting breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, or eggs—whatever your heart desires!
Quick Fish Tacos
These tacos are light, refreshing and quick to make. A great option for a weeknight.
5-Ingredient Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly simple! This chicken Alfredo is ready in minutes.
Simple Bean and Rice Bowls
A budget-friendly and healthy meal that’s packed with protein and fiber. Super customizable!