15+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Finding the time to prepare dinner can be a challenge after a long day. Easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick cooking methods, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, there are plenty of options to choose from. From comforting pastas to healthy stir-fries, you’ll discover how to whip up meals that everyone will enjoy. These recipes are designed to be straightforward, allowing you to savor both the cooking process and the final dish.

1) Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a quick and tasty dish you can make for dinner. This soup is light yet hearty and full of flavor. It features tender chicken, bright lemon, and small orzo pasta.

You can whip this soup up in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially on a chilly night. Plus, it’s packed with healthy veggies.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until tender.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions.
6. Stir in shredded chicken and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

2) Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a quick and tasty dinner option. It combines tender chicken with creamy flavors and just the right amount of spice. You can make this chili in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This dish typically uses ingredients like lean chicken, white beans, and green chiles. You can add corn for extra flavor and texture. The best part is that you can even use frozen chicken!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) white beans, drained
• 1 can (4 oz or 113 g) green chiles
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
2. Add olive oil, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeños, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth.
3. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (Fahrenheit: 240°, Celsius: 116°C).
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix well before serving.

3) King Ranch Mac and Cheese

King Ranch Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines two favorites: mac and cheese and King Ranch chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

You’ll need chicken, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and plenty of cheese. This meal is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Topping it with crunchy chips adds a nice texture. Your family will love this tasty twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

• ½ (16-oz.) package cellentani pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and bell pepper.
4. Mix in tomatoes, chicken, and chilies; stir in pasta.
5. Add cheese, mix well, and transfer to a baking dish.
6. Top with crushed chips.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

4) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort meal that is easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

To start, you need crusty bread, creamy cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Heat your pan and get ready for some delicious melting.

The soup can be simple. Sauté onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes and broth. Blend it until smooth for a rich flavor.

Serve your hot soup with a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s a quick meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Place cheese between bread slices and toast until golden.
3. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add tomatoes and broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the soup with the grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy!

5) Creamy Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Tomato Pasta is a quick and tasty dish perfect for dinner. You can make it in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights. The combination of shrimp, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce is both filling and satisfying.

Start by cooking your pasta of choice. While that’s cooking, sauté shrimp in olive oil until they turn pink. Add garlic and diced tomatoes, allowing the flavors to blend. Finally, stir in cream for that rich texture that makes this dish so special.

This pasta pairs well with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy a delightful meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp, cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and diced tomatoes, cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream, mix well.
6. Combine with cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option. You’ll love how juicy and tender this dish turns out. The creamy topping adds great flavor and elevates the chicken perfectly.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to bake. You’ll want to serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise or yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread this mixture over the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Enjoy!

7) Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburger Pasta is a delicious and quick dinner option. It combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with pasta, making it fun for the whole family. You can whip it up in just one pot for easy cleanup.

Start by cooking some ground beef in a skillet. When it’s brown, add diced onion and garlic for flavor. Then, mix in cooked pasta, cheese, and seasonings to create a creamy sauce.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights. You can have a hearty meal ready in about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s great for leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in onion and cook until soft.
5. Mix in cooked pasta, cheese, and seasonings.
6. Stir until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Enjoy!

8) Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada Fries are a fun and tasty way to enjoy dinner. This dish features crispy fries topped with seasoned grilled steak, cheesy sauce, and your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for a casual meal or a gathering.

To make Carne Asada Fries, start by marinating your steak in spices. Grill it until it’s juicy and tender. Slice the meat and prepare your fries, either fried or baked.

Top the fries with the carne asada, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapenos, and sour cream. You can customize it to your liking!

Ingredients

• 1/2 recipe carne asada
• 4 russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Cheese (your choice)
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Jalapenos
• Sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
2. Marinate the steak with spices.
3. Grill the carne asada until cooked, then slice it.
4. Cut potatoes into fries, toss with avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
5. Bake or fry the potatoes until crispy.
6. Assemble by layering fries, carne asada, cheese, and toppings. Enjoy!

9) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are tasty and easy to make. These crispy chicken strips are perfect for a quick dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

To make chicken goujons, you will need chicken breasts, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give them extra crunch. Bake or fry them until golden brown.

These goujons can be paired with a salad, vegetables, or wraps. They’re great for kids and adults alike. Plus, they only take about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
2. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
3. Season flour with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken strip into flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

10) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a warm and comforting dish that is easy to prepare. You will love how simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty meal.

Start by sautéing leeks in butter until they are soft. Add diced potatoes and broth, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Purée the mixture for a creamy texture.

This soup can be served hot with your favorite toppings like chives or croutons. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced leeks and cook until soft.
3. Add diced potatoes and broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Purée the soup until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

11) Broccoli and Stilton Soup

This Broccoli and Stilton Soup is a quick and tasty option for dinner. It combines fresh broccoli with rich Stilton cheese for a comforting meal. You can whip it up in around 40 minutes.

For ingredients, you will need:

• 2 cups of broccoli, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 4 ounces of Stilton cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the broccoli and potatoes, cooking for another few minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the Stilton cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

12) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make for dinner. It features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices. The marinade helps to keep the chicken juicy while it cooks.

You can make this dish in the oven or an air fryer, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. Pair it with naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori spice, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

13) Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a simple and comforting dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without much hassle.

You only need a few ingredients, making it an affordable meal option. The recipe uses chicken, cream soup, rice, and onion soup mix for great flavor. You can just mix everything together in a dish and let the oven do the work.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Instant rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup water
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, water, and onion soup mix.
3. Stir in the Instant rice and cooked chicken.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Dot the top with butter.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden brown.

14) Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are a simple and tasty side dish. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can easily customize them with your favorite seasonings.

To make potato wedges, start with large baking potatoes. Cut them into thin wedges for even cooking. Toss the wedges in olive oil and your choice of spices.

Bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. You can also air fry them for a quicker option.

These wedges pair well with dips like ketchup or ranch dressing. Enjoy them alongside chicken, burgers, or just as a snack!

Ingredients

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Your favorite seasonings (like garlic powder or paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into wedges.
3. Toss the wedges in olive oil and seasonings.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy.

15) Best Meatloaf with Stove Top Stuffing

This meatloaf recipe is a simple way to enjoy a classic dish. Using Stove Top stuffing makes it quick and tasty, perfect for busy nights. The stuffing adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist.

You only need a few ingredients. Ground beef, eggs, and your favorite Stove Top stuffing mix are essential. Don’t forget ketchup for the topping!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 (6 ounce) box Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor)
• ½ cup water
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup ketchup

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, stuffing, water, and eggs.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Spread ketchup on top.
5. Bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through.