10+ Delicious Dinner Recipes for Every Night of the Week

Dinner is a special time to gather with family and friends, sharing delicious meals that bring everyone together. This article will give you a variety of tasty dinner recipes that are easy to make and filled with flavor. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing for a weekend feast, you’ll find ideas that suit any occasion.

From quick and simple dishes to more elaborate meals, there’s something for everyone. You can create satisfying dinners that please your taste buds and fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas.

Get ready to explore delightful recipes that will make your dining experience enjoyable and memorable.

1) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and delicious. It combines spaghetti with a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese, along with crispy bacon. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To start, cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the cooked bacon. Then, quickly stir in the egg mixture to create a creamy sauce. Don’t forget to add black pepper for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your lovely meal!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 8 pieces thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook diced bacon until crispy.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix in Parmesan cheese.
4. Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water.
5. Combine spaghetti and bacon in the pan.
6. Quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding pasta water if needed.
7. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

2) Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting meal that many love. It features a rich, creamy filling packed with chicken and vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky crust. You can use a homemade crust or a store-bought one for convenience.

To make it, gather your ingredients like cooked chicken, peas, carrots, and seasoning. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the onion. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the flour, then slowly add chicken broth and milk. Cook until thickened.
4. Add the chicken, peas, carrots, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and cover with the top crust.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before serving.

3) Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a tasty Mexican breakfast that can be enjoyed for dinner too. It features lightly fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans and fried eggs. The dish is then smothered in flavorful ranchero salsa.

You can customize it to your liking by adding fresh pico de gallo or avocado. This dish is vibrant and filling, perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans
• Eggs
• Ranchero salsa
• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the corn tortillas in a skillet until warm.
2. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla.
3. Fry the eggs to your preference (sunny-side up is common).
4. Place an egg on each tortilla.
5. Top with ranchero salsa and any optional toppings.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting and hearty dish that is easy to make. It combines pasta, sauce, and cheese for a meal that the whole family will love.

You can use your favorite pasta sauce, meat, and a mix of cheeses. The mixture is layered in a baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It also makes great leftovers!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or sausage
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the meat and season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix cooked pasta with meat, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
5. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

5) Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

Lemon herb roast chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner option. The chicken is infused with a mix of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. This combination makes the meat juicy and tender.

To prepare, you will rub the chicken with a blend of butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. This adds a zesty flavor that enhances every bite.

Roasting the chicken until golden brown creates a crispy skin. It’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
4. Place lemon wedges inside the chicken cavity.
5. Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

6) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a delicious dish that features eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You start with a base of tomatoes, onions, and spices. The eggs are gently poached right in the sauce, making it a one-pan feast.

Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce. This meal is satisfying and can be made in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 eggs
• Fresh herbs for garnish (like cilantro or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Cover and cook until eggs are set (about 5-7 minutes at 350°F / 175°C).
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

7) Bean Burritos

Bean burritos are a quick and tasty meal. They are filling and easy to make. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

To start, you will need flour tortillas, refried beans, and cheese. You can also add things like onions, bell peppers, or avocado for extra flavor.

Heat the tortillas for a few seconds in a pan. Spread the refried beans on each tortilla. Then, sprinkle cheese and any other toppings you like.

Wrap the burritos tightly and enjoy! They can be served with salsa or sour cream on the side.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Refried beans
• Shredded cheese
• Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, avocado, salsa, sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat tortillas in a pan for about 10 seconds.
2. Spread refried beans on each tortilla.
3. Add shredded cheese and any other toppings.
4. Roll up the tortillas tightly.
5. Serve with salsa or sour cream.

8) Gumbo

Gumbo is a classic dish from Louisiana, famous for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It typically features a mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables, all simmered together in a thick, flavorful broth.

You can make gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp, or crab, depending on your preference. The key ingredient is the roux, a mixture of flour and fat that adds depth to the dish.

Serve your gumbo hot over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken, cubed
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add flour and stir to make a roux, cooking until brown.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in andouille sausage and chicken. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!

9) Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

You’ll love making this Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet for dinner. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for busy evenings. This dish combines tender pulled pork with pasta and colorful veggies for a satisfying meal.

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. While that’s happening, sauté sweet red peppers and onions in butter and olive oil until they’re tender.

Next, mix the pulled pork and some barbecue sauce. Stir until everything is heated through. Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the mixture, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 teaspoons barbecue sauce
• 2 cups cooked pulled pork

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the chopped red pepper and onion until tender.
4. Add pulled pork and barbecue sauce to the skillet.
5. Mix well and heat everything through.
6. Combine with the cooked pasta and serve.

10) Asian Noodle & Beef Salad

This Asian Noodle & Beef Salad is a tasty and fresh dish that brings a mix of flavors together. You’ll enjoy the tender beef combined with crunchy vegetables and flavorful noodles. It’s easy to make and perfect for dinner.

Start by marinating the beef in soy sauce, lime juice, and spices for extra flavor. Then, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, and drain and rinse them.

Toss the cooked noodles with fresh veggies like carrots and snap peas. Slice the beef into strips and add it to the salad. You’ll love the tangy dressing that brings it all together!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 pound beef Top Round Steak
• 8 ounces uncooked rice noodles
• 8 ounces sugar snap peas
• 2 cups shredded carrots

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and lime juice for 30 minutes.
2. Cook rice noodles following package directions.
3. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water.
4. Cook beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until done.
5. Then, slice the beef into strips.
6. Mix the noodles, beef, snap peas, and carrots in a bowl.
7. Finally, drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.