35 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Looking for dinner ideas that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night? Below I’ve compiled 35 of my favorite quick and easy dinner recipes!

These quick and easy recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. From one-pan meals to speedy stir-fries, you’ll find plenty of tasty options that are ready in a snap!

Just click the button below each one for the full recipe.

35 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

a bowl of vegetable stir fry

This vegetable stir-fry with tofu is a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like soy sauce and fresh veggies, you can whip it up in no time. It’s a meal the whole family will love, and it takes minimal effort to prepare!

2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

chicken thighs and vegetables topped with lemon slices

This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken is a breeze to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves. Serve it with some veggies and you’ve got an easy dinner idea that looks fancy without much effort!

3. 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

shrimp and pasta with garlic bread

This quick garlic shrimp pasta is a hit for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a simple yet satisfying dinner!

4. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

zucchini noodles and tomatoes

Zucchini noodles with pesto are a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. This dish is light, fresh, and perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending much time in the kitchen.

5. Quick Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

a plate of beef tacos with lime wedges

These quick beef tacos are a hit with the whole family! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Top them with fresh salsa for a burst of flavor without much time in the kitchen.

6. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

bowl of creamy tomato soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a comforting bowl in no time. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal the whole family loves without spending much time in the kitchen.

7. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

caprese salad with balsamic drizzle

Caprese salad is a go-to for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, it comes together in no time. Drizzle some balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness that the whole family loves!

8. Quick Chicken Quesadillas

chicken quesadilla on aq cutting board with pico de gallo and guacamole

Chicken quesadillas are a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip them up in no time. The whole family loves these cheesy delights, and they pair perfectly with salsa or guacamole!

9. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

beef and broccoli stir fry with rice

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like soy sauce and fresh veggies, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish that feels special without breaking the bank.

10. Lemon Garlic Tilapia

lemon garlic tilapia on a plate with lemon wedges

Lemon garlic tilapia is a quick and easy dinner recipe that your whole family will love. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with some steamed veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal without much effort.

11. Spicy Sausage and Peppers

a vibrant bowl filled with sliced Italian sausage and an assortment of bell peppers

Spicy sausage and peppers make for one of the easiest dinner ideas out there. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. Serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

12. Pasta Primavera

penne pasta and vegetables in a bowl

Pasta Primavera is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like fresh veggies and pasta, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. A splash of white wine adds a nice touch, making this dish both simple and delicious without much effort.

13. Stuffed Bell Peppers

stuffed bell peppers in a baking pan

Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner. You can whip them up with a handful of ingredients like ground beef, rice, and spices, making them a hit with the whole family. Plus, they take minimal effort and are ready in no time, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

14. Coconut Curry Shrimp

shrimp in a curry sauce over rice in a bowl

Coconut curry shrimp is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that the whole family loves in no time. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that feels special without taking much time to prepare.

15. Egg Fried Rice

a vibrant bowl of egg fried rice placed centrally on a dark wood Asian themed dining table

Egg fried rice is one of the best ways to whip up an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like rice, eggs, and soy sauce, you can create a meal that the whole family loves. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for using up leftover rice!

16. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

chick peas and vegetables in a bowl

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a breeze to whip up and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, and feta, you can create a dish that the whole family loves in no time. Toss it together, and you have a fresh meal that’s healthy and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.

17. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

spinach stuffed chicken breasts

This spinach and feta stuffed chicken is a hit for easy weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal the whole family loves in no time. Pair it with a side of pasta dishes or a simple salad for a complete dinner without much effort.

18. Vegetarian Tacos with Avocado

3 tacos with beans and avocado slices

These vegetarian tacos are a hit for an easy weeknight dinner. With black beans, corn, and fresh avocado, you can whip them up with just a handful of ingredients. Your whole family will love this tasty meal that takes minimal effort and costs a fraction of what you’d spend on takeout!

19. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

chickpea curry and spinach curry in a bowl

Chickpea and spinach curry is a fantastic option for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this North Indian dish in no time. Your whole family will love it, and it costs a fraction of what you’d spend on takeout!

20. Pork Chops with Apples

a pan-seared pork dish with sliced apples in a stainless steel pan

Pork chops with apples make for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. Just a handful of ingredients, like pork chops, apples, and a splash of white wine, come together in a pressure cooker for a meal that takes minimal effort. This is one of the best ways to enjoy an easy weeknight dinner without spending much time in the kitchen!

21. Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

baked chicken pieces in a baking dish with sauce

This Savory Chicken and Rice Bake is a hit for easy weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves without spending much time in the kitchen. Pair it with a splash of white wine or a side of black beans for a complete dinner!

22. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

salmon filet on top of roasted asparagus with a lemon slice

Baked salmon with asparagus is one of those easy dinner ideas that the whole family loves. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time. It’s a healthy option that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

23. Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

quick and vegetables being stir-fried in a wok

This quick chicken stir-fry is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients like chicken, colorful veggies, and soy sauce, you can whip up a meal the whole family loves in no time. It’s one of the best easy dinner ideas that won’t break the bank or take much time to prepare!

24. Quick Beef Stroganoff

pasta and beef stroganoff in a bowl

This quick beef stroganoff is a hit for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like ground beef and a splash of white wine, you can whip up a meal the whole family loves in no time. Serve it over pasta dishes or rice for a comforting dish that won’t take much time to prepare.

25. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

balsamic glazed brussels sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this tasty side dish in no time. Your whole family will love the sweet and tangy flavor, making it one of the best ways to enjoy veggies!

26. Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

spaghetti pasta dressed with a generous amount of olive oil and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh garlic, a small amount of red chili flakes and fresh green parsley garnish

Pasta with garlic and olive oil is one of the easiest dinner recipes out there. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that the whole family loves in no time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

27. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

tuna salad in lettuce cups on a plate

Tuna salad lettuce wraps are a hit for easy weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves. Serve them with a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of white wine for an extra kick!

28. Quick Vegetable Soup

a bowl of steaming hot vegetable soup

This quick vegetable soup is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a warm and comforting meal in no time. Toss in some black beans or your favorite veggies, and you’ve got an easy dinner idea that the whole family loves!

29. Sweet and Sour Chicken

sweet and sour chicken on a plate with a scoop of white rice

Sweet and sour chicken is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like soy sauce and bell peppers, you can whip up this dish in no time. Serve it over rice for a meal the whole family will love, all for a fraction of the cost of takeout!

30. Sausage and Spinach Pasta

penne noodles with spinach and marinara tossed with chicks of sausage

This sausage and spinach pasta is a perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves in no time. Toss in some white wine for extra flavor, and you’ve got a delicious dish that feels special without much effort.

31. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

3 shrimp and slaw tacos in a taco holder

Shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty dinner option that everyone will enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels special without spending much time in the kitchen. Pair them with a simple cabbage slaw for a fresh crunch, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family loves!

32. Quick Quinoa Bowl

bowl of quinoa and veggies drizzled with dressing

This quick quinoa bowl is one of the best ways to whip up an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like black beans and fresh veggies, you can create a meal the whole family loves in no time. Drizzle some soy sauce or your favorite dressing, and you’re all set for a tasty dinner without much effort!

33. Easy Vegetable Omelet

vegetable omelet on a plate

An easy vegetable omelet is a perfect choice for a quick dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family loves. It takes minimal effort and much less time, making it one of the best easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights.

34. Garlic Butter Mushroom Risotto

creamy risotto on a plate with mushrooms and parmesan

Garlic butter mushroom risotto is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, and rice, you can whip up a creamy dish that the whole family loves. Pair it with a splash of white wine for an extra touch of flavor without spending much time in the kitchen.

35. Baked Tortellini with Marinara

tortellini and marinara in a bowl with melted cheese

Baked tortellini with marinara is a super simple dish that your whole family will love. Just toss some tortellini in a baking dish with marinara sauce and cheese, then pop it in the oven. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that takes minimal effort and uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand!

Jeff Campbell
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