10+ Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love for Busy Weeknights

Finding simple meals that don’t take much time or effort can make your evenings much easier. When you have easy dinner recipes on hand, you can quickly prepare something tasty without stress.

Easy dinner recipes help you save time while still enjoying good, homemade food.

You don’t need to be a cooking expert to make meals that satisfy your family or friends. With a few basic ingredients and clear instructions, you can create dinners that taste great and come together quickly.

This guide will show you how to get dinner on the table in no time.

1) Easy One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta is a great choice when you want dinner fast and simple. You cook the pasta, sauce, and sometimes veggies all together in one pot.

This saves time and cuts down on dishes to clean. You can use different types of pasta, like spaghetti or penne, and add your favorite veggies and protein.

The flavors mix well since everything cooks together. Many recipes only take about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can try creamy, spicy, or cheesy versions depending on what you like. One-pot meals are great for beginners and anyone who loves easy cooking.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli)
• 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, sausage, or beans)
• 1/2 cup cream or cheese (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add pasta, broth, tomatoes, garlic, and veggies to a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir often to prevent sticking and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Add cooked protein and cream or cheese, stir well.
5. Cook for 5 more minutes until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

For more ideas, check out easy one-pot pasta recipes.

2) Chilaquiles Verdes

Chilaquiles verdes is a tasty Mexican dish that is quick to make for dinner. You start with crispy corn tortillas and cover them with a green salsa made from tomatillos.

You can use store-bought green enchilada sauce or make your own salsa verde if you like a fresher taste. This dish is great with toppings like fried eggs, cheese, or sour cream.

It cooks fast and uses simple ingredients you might already have at home. You get a mix of crunchy and saucy textures that make every bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 2 cups salsa verde (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Fry tortilla pieces until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. Remove most of the oil from the pan, keeping a little.
4. Pour salsa verde into the pan and let it warm.
5. Add the crispy tortillas and toss them gently in the sauce.
6. Fry eggs separately if using.
7. Serve chilaquiles topped with eggs, cheese, cilantro, and sour cream.

3) 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Chicken

This 5-ingredient sheet pan chicken is perfect when you want a simple, no-fuss dinner. You only need chicken, some veggies, and a few basic seasonings.

It cooks all together on one pan, which means less cleanup for you. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Add potatoes or bell peppers for a balanced meal. The ingredients come together quickly, and the oven does most of the work.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights and works well even if you don’t have a lot of time to prep. It serves about four people and takes less than 30 minutes to cook.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds baby potatoes (red or gold)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss potatoes and peppers with half the oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
3. Place chicken on the pan and brush with the remaining oil.
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

4) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

You can make a simple and cozy dinner by pairing grilled cheese with tomato soup. The soup is creamy and warm, perfect for dipping your sandwich.

Using ripe tomatoes or canned ones makes it easy to prepare. For the grilled cheese, pick your favorite cheese and bread.

You can add extras like prosciutto or smoked cheese for more flavor. This meal is quick and satisfying, great when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or smoked cheese)
• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz) peeled tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add canned tomatoes, breaking them up by hand.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Blend soup until smooth, stir in cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Butter one side of each bread slice.
7. Place cheese between unbuttered sides of bread.
8. Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese melts (about 3-4 minutes each side).
9. Serve grilled cheese with hot tomato soup.

5) Quick Microwave-Poached Salmon

Poaching salmon in the microwave is one of the fastest and easiest ways to prepare a healthy dinner. You can cook tender, flavorful fish in just a few minutes without using the stove.

Start by placing salmon fillets on a microwave-safe dish. Add a little butter or olive oil, and season with lemon pepper or your favorite spices.

Cover the dish to keep moisture in while cooking. Cook the salmon on a medium power setting for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Check the salmon’s doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on thickness.

This method locks in flavor and keeps the fish moist. Try pairing it with couscous or a fresh salad for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Lemon pepper seasoning (or salt and pepper)
• Optional: lemon slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the salmon, skin-side up, on a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add butter or olive oil over the salmon.
3. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly.
4. Cover the dish with microwave-safe wrap or a lid.
5. Microwave on medium power for 3 to 5 minutes (about 140-165°F / 60-74°C inside).
6. Let rest for 1 minute before serving.
7. Check for doneness by flaking with a fork; if needed, microwave for extra 30-second intervals.

Learn more on microwave poached salmon.

6) Salisbury Steak with Ground Beef

Salisbury steak is a quick and tasty dinner you can make with ground beef. It cooks fast and pairs well with mashed potatoes or veggies.

You’ll shape the beef into patties, then cook them in a skillet with a savory mushroom gravy. The gravy adds moisture and flavor, making the dish comforting without much effort.

You can use simple ingredients like bread crumbs and an egg to hold the patties together. This meal can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Serve it warm with your favorite sides for a filling and easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup condensed soup (like mushroom or onion)
• Salt and black pepper
• Sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, soup, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into 6 oval patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown patties on both sides.
4. Remove patties and sauté mushrooms in the same pan.
5. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir.
6. Slowly add beef broth, stirring to make gravy.
7. Return patties to skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Serve hot.

7) Kid-Friendly Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Pasta with tomato sauce is a simple, tasty dish kids enjoy. You can make it quickly with fresh or canned tomatoes.

Using cherry tomatoes makes the sauce sweet and fresh, which many kids prefer. You can make the sauce without cooking, just stir together the ingredients.

Or, try a creamy tomato pasta for a smoother texture that’s easy to eat. This meal is great for busy nights because it comes together fast.

You can use any kind of pasta your kids like. For an easy recipe, check out this easy Cherry Tomato Pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss the pasta with the sauce.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top if you like.

8) Classic Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is a simple and comforting meal you can make any night. It needs few ingredients but delivers great flavor.

You can add garlic, herbs, and lemon for a tasty touch. Roast the chicken until the skin is golden and crispy.

The inside should stay juicy and tender. This meal pairs well with veggies or a fresh salad.

You only need a whole chicken and a few basic seasonings to get started. The oven does most of the work while you relax or prepare sides.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with butter or olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and herbs.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast-side up.
6. Roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the juices run clear.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

For more tips, see this easy roast chicken recipe.
https://www.recipetineats.com/roast-chicken/

9) Simple Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a quick and tasty meal for any night. It uses a few basic ingredients but has lots of flavor.

You can cook it in one pan, which saves time and cleanup. This dish is mild, but you can add more spice if you like heat.

Simmer chicken in a sauce made with spices, onions, and coconut milk or yogurt. Serve it with rice or flatbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk or yogurt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, and cook until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
5. Pour in coconut milk or yogurt and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and serve.

For a quick guide, see this easy chicken curry recipe.

10) Pasta Bake with Vegetables

This pasta bake with vegetables is a simple way to enjoy a healthy dinner. You can use any veggies you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Bake the pasta with cheese for a warm, comforting meal. In some recipes, you don’t need to boil the pasta first.

Just mix everything in one dish and bake until bubbly and golden. This meal works well for a quick family dinner or meal prep.

The cheese adds a creamy texture. Use mozzarella and ricotta for extra richness.

Add your favorite herbs for more flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Toss the pasta with olive oil in a baking dish.

3. Add vegetables and sauce to the pasta.

4. Dot ricotta cheese over the mixture.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.

6. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.

7. Cover the dish with foil.

8. Bake for 25 minutes.

9. Remove the foil.

10. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden.

11. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.