28 Quick And Easy Dinner Ideas For A Weeknight

While weekdays can be challenging, especially when returning home exhausted from work, it’s understandable that cooking a complex meal might not be at the top of your priorities. In fact, most people crave something simple yet satisfying after a long day. To help you overcome this hurdle, we’ve curated 28 quick and easy dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to refuel without sacrificing too much time or energy.

Chicken Pasta Bake

In just 75 minutes from start to finish, you can create a mouthwatering cheesy chicken pasta bake that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy night in. The simplicity of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients: chicken breasts, penne pasta, canned chopped tomatoes, and a blend of three cheeses – the creamy mascarpone, melted mozzarella, and sharp cheddar.

As you sit down to enjoy your fully cooked meal with a glass of crisp white wine, you’ll appreciate the satisfying combination of flavors and textures that this comforting dish has to offer.

Chicken And Chorizo Ragu

This hearty ragu dish can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to suit your taste preferences. For a comforting option, try serving it over jacket potatoes or with a base of penne or spaghetti pasta. Alternatively, you could add some richness and creaminess by serving it with sour cream and garnishing with fresh- cut parsley.

With its bold flavor profile courtesy of chorizo, chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken stock, this spicy and smoky ragu is sure to warm both your heart and stomach.

Meatball And Tomato Soup

This harmonious blend of flavors and textures is characterized by its balanced nutritional profile. With an abundance of vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates from whole grains like couscous, each spoonful provides a satisfying and nutritious bite. The subtle combination of savory meatballs and comforting tomato soup creates a delightful culinary experience that will leave you feeling full and content.

Gnocchi Fish Pie

In just 30 minutes, you can create a unique and delicious gnocchi fish pie by combining two unexpected ingredients. The surprise stars of the show are not what you’d typically find in a fish pie recipe. Instead, you’ll be using gnocchi and a mix of fish – specifically, salmon, smoked haddock, and prawns. These ingredients come together in a creamy sauce with peas and capers to create a flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Pasta With Salmon And Peas

If you’re a fan of the harmonious pairing of salmon and peas from the previous recipe, this pasta dish served with salmon and peas is definitely worth bookmarking. What’s more, it’s a breeze to prepare in under 20 minutes, featuring a rich and creamy white sauce crafted with crème Fraiche. With its effortless assembly and quick cooking time, this fish-based recipe is an excellent addition to any weeknight dinner repertoire.

Spiced Salmon And Tomato Traybake

While traditional salmon dishes often feature creamy white sauces, this innovative tomatoey salmon tray bake might just elevate the flavor profile to new heights! The harmonious union of spiced salmon, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas cooked with a subtle curry paste yields a hearty and nutritious meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Experience the bold flavors of India-inspired cuisine without leaving home, thanks to this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Chipotle Chicken Slaw

When it comes to flavor, homemade coleslaw is often unbeatable. This meal idea combines that same deliciousness with hot and spicy chicken drumsticks, striking a harmonious balance between the two. Even those who typically shy away from spicy cuisine will find relief in the cooling contrast of the slaw, allowing them to fully appreciate the bold flavors of the chicken without being overwhelmed. Try it out by clicking the link below.

Prawn Tikka Masala

Prawn tikka masala is another 30-minute recipe that checks all the boxes – it’s not only quick but also low in calories and high in protein. When paired with naan bread and basmati rice, this dish becomes a true showstopper. The succulent shrimp are packed with flavor, making it almost impossible to resist the urge to make it multiple times within a single week.

Broccoli Pesto And Pancetta Pasta

For a quick and nutritious dinner option, this recipe delivers. By combining homemade broccoli pesto with a pasta of your choice, you can have a meal ready in under 30 minutes. The addition of smoked pancetta, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that’s easy to customize to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish to serve to your family or friends, this recipe is sure to please.

Chicken, Leek, And Brown Rice Stir-Fry

When the workday finally comes to a close, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. But sometimes, after a long day, your stomach can be growling with hunger. This quick and easy stir-fry recipe is designed to provide a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and cooking time. With just 10 minutes needed to cook the chicken and chorizo, as well as sauté the vegetables, you can then easily cook some microwave wholegrain rice to serve alongside.

In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and filling meal after a long day.

Creamy Pesto And Kale Pasta

Indulge in a nutrient-dense pasta dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides an impressive 11 grams of fiber per serving. This simple yet satisfying meal is crafted with wholesome ingredients, including whole-meal pasta, reduced-fat soft cheese, pesto sauce, kale, and red onions. The best part? It’s a cinch to whip up and deserves a regular spot on your weekly menu.

Tomato And Mascarpone Risotto

Risotto’s ease of preparation is often a major draw, as it can be cooked with minimal fuss and time spent on prep work. This particular recipe offers an elevated take on the classic, making it a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Indulge in the simplicity of this delectable pineapple stir-fry, which requires minimal effort but yields a flavorful and satisfying meal. This vegetarian delight features tender chunks of fresh pineapple, expertly combined with rice, omelet ribbons, garlic, onion, and a hint of five-spice for added depth. With its ease of preparation and delightful taste, this dish is sure to become a go-to option for busy home cooks.

Singapore Noodles

For a quick and satisfying dinner solution, look no further than this rice noodle recipe. By combining the noodles with a colorful medley of veggies such as bean sprouts, peppers, and onions, you’ll create a flavorful dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. The sauce, made with curry powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil, adds an aromatic depth to the meal, making it an ideal option for a last-minute family dinner.

Spaghetti Puttanesca

This mouthwatering spaghetti puttanesca is a one-pan wonder that simplifies the cooking process. By combining chopped tomatoes, anchovy fillets, black olives, capers, onion, garlic, and a serving of spaghetti to match your desired portion size, you’ll be able to impress even the most discerning palates without breaking a sweat – no expert culinary skills required. Simply follow the recipe and get ready to savor the flavors.

Chicken And Halloumi Burgers

Indulge in a juicy burger without breaking a sweat – literally! With this 15-minute recipe, you can savor mouthwatering chicken and halloumi burgers that not only tantalize your taste buds but also cater to your dietary needs. Packed with protein and low in saturated fat, these burgers make for an ideal evening treat.

Veggie Fajitas

Indulge in the delightful fusion of chargrilled vegetables, creamy beans, and fresh flavors as you wrap these veggie-packed delights inside soft tortillas. A game-changer for vegetarians, this recipe boasts a unique twist – it requires zero cooking time! Simply assemble the ingredients and dig in. Experience the ultimate convenience without sacrificing taste or nutritional value.

Sweet Potato And Peanut Curry

The aromatic scent of curry wafts through the air, beckoning you to indulge in every morsel of this sweet potato curry with spinach and roasted peanuts. The harmonious blend of creamy sauce and bold flavors creates a truly satisfying dining experience, perfect for cozying up on chilly winter evenings.

Chicken Curry

For those who view a meatless meal as incomplete, a hearty dish like this chicken curry is the perfect solution. The rich flavors of the curry paired with fluffy rice and crispy naan bread will ensure that you feel satisfied and content after your meal.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

When it comes to versatility in pasta recipes, tagliatelle and linguine are excellent options that can easily replace spaghetti. In fact, either one of these long, flat noodles pairs beautifully with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce made by combining double cream and white wine. The addition of generous amounts of parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of depth to the dish. But don’t stop there – a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley on top takes this meal from delicious to truly exceptional.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Salmon’s natural saltiness is beautifully balanced by a sweet honey glaze, and when you introduce the pungency of garlic and the brightness of lemon juice, you’re left with an umami flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The best part? These salmon fillets can be cooked to perfection in just 5-10 minutes on the pan, making this recipe a quick and satisfying meal option that’s ready in under 25 minutes.

Baked Feta Pasta

This viral TikTok recipe has won over hearts (and taste buds) with its simplicity and deliciousness. At its core, the dish requires just four ingredients: pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil – making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for a quick dinner. Of course, you can always customize it to your liking by adding some aromatics like onions, thyme, chili flakes, or garlic.

But even with its most basic form, this recipe yields a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A culinary staple, Tuscan chicken boasts tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with the subtle sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the earthy flavor of fresh spinach. The sauce itself is a masterclass in indulgence, crafted from a trifecta of luxurious ingredients: heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese.

As you plate this dish, don’t forget to pair it with a bed of cooked pasta or rice, and add a touch of brightness with a squeeze of lemon juice – the perfect accompaniment to this hearty recipe.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

To create a meal that can be prepared ahead of time, start by cooking the chicken breasts. This can be done even the day before, as it will allow the flavors to meld together nicely when combined with the other ingredients. Once cooked, chop the chicken and combine it with diced apple, onion, celery, and a dollop of mayo sauce. This makes for a delicious and healthy base for your meal.

When you get back home from work, simply slice a crusty baguette, add some of the salad mixture and a handful of leafy greens, then enjoy your sandwich while catching up on your favorite Netflix show.

Cacio E Pepe

The notion that certain dishes have become classics due to their simplicity is not uncommon. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food that warms our hearts and satisfies our taste buds. Cacio e Pepe, an Italian staple, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. This beloved dish consists of spaghetti or linguine pasta cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with a blend of pecorino and parmesan cheese. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that never fails to impress.

Penne Alla Vodka

While indulging in a hearty dinner may be acceptable on special occasions, taking your penne game up a notch by infusing the creamy sauce with vodka can elevate the experience. This straightforward recipe requires minimal ingredients, yet yields a pasta dish that demands attention-grabbing garnishes – specifically, freshly cut basil and parmesan cheese – to truly unlock its full potential.

Chili Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Mac ‘n’ cheese is a beloved dish that transcends culinary expertise. Whether you’re a professional chef or an amateur cook, this classic comfort food always hits the spot. One way to elevate the humble mac ‘n’ cheese bake is by adding a twist of bold flavors and textures. Try combining it with chili for a rich, savory dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

The addition of kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, ground beef, and aromatic spices takes this comfort food to the next level without sacrificing its simplicity. In fact, this variation might just become your new go-to recipe.

The Bottom Line

While a quick fix of toast or instant noodles might seem like the easiest solution for a rushed weeknight dinner, why not opt for something more satisfying? These 28 recipes may require a bit more effort than a couple of minutes, but they’re still surprisingly speedy. Set aside some time to whip up a wholesome and filling meal after a long day at work – your hardworking self deserves it!

And let’s be honest, your family will likely appreciate the effort too, making this act of self-love a win-win all around.