15 Easy Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity that brings people together. A few simple recipes that anyone can follow can help you easily prepare delicious meals. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or just looking for quick meal ideas, easy recipes can save you time and make cooking less stressful.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of easy recipes that fit your busy lifestyle. These meals require minimal ingredients and can be made in a short amount of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends. Get ready to explore delicious dishes that are both satisfying and uncomplicated!

1) Spicy Chorizo Pasta

Spicy chorizo pasta is a delicious and simple dish you can make quickly. The pasta gets its flavor from the spicy chorizo sausage, which adds a nice kick. You’ll also enjoy the creamy sauce that brings it all together.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, like penne or fusilli. In a pan, cook the chorizo until it’s crispy. Then, mix it with cream and tomatoes for a rich sauce.

Serve your pasta topped with freshly grated cheese and basil for extra flavor. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 6 oz chorizo, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil
• Grated cheese for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until crispy.
3. Stir in the cream and tomatoes, cooking until heated through.
4. Combine the sauce with the pasta.
5. Serve with cheese and basil on top.

2) Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken is a quick and tasty meal you can make on a busy weeknight. The chicken cooks alongside tender potatoes, all seasoned with lemon and garlic. It’s simple to prepare and only requires one pan.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread your chicken and potatoes on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for extra flavor.

The dish gets its bright taste from fresh herbs and zesty lemon. You can even add some extra veggies like peppers or zucchini if you’d like. This meal is not only delicious, but it’s also healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken and potatoes on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve and enjoy!

3) 5-Minute Tacos

You can make quick and delicious tacos in just five minutes! It’s an easy dinner idea that fits into your busy schedule. Use any protein you like, such as ground beef or beans.

Start by cooking your chosen protein in a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.

Warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Then, fill the shells with your cooked protein. Add toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, or avocado.

Enjoy your tasty tacos!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or your choice of protein
• Taco shells
• Toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Break the meat into small pieces until fully cooked.
3. Drain excess fat.
4. Warm taco shells in the oven.
5. Fill shells with the cooked protein and desired toppings.

4) One-Pot Veggie Stir-fry

One-pot veggie stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal that brings together fresh vegetables in one easy dish. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Start by heating some oil in a large pot. Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender.

Next, pour in a simple stir-fry sauce. You can make one with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve it hot over rice or enjoy it on its own. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve over rice or enjoy as is.

5) Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow cooker pulled pork is a tasty and easy dish you’ll love. It uses simple ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time. Just set it and forget it for a delicious meal.

To start, choose a pork shoulder or a pork loin. These cuts are perfect for pulling and stay juicy during cooking. You can season it with your favorite spices or use a store-bought seasoning blend.

Add some barbecue sauce to the pot for flavor. You can also include vinegar and broth for extra moisture. Cook it on low for 10 to 12 hours (or high for 5 to 6 hours) until it’s super tender.

Ingredients

• 4-5 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
2. Add barbecue sauce, broth, and vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with forks and serve.

6) Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The flavors of garlic, cheese, and shrimp blend well together.

Start by seasoning your shrimp with garlic and Parmesan cheese. You can add some butter or olive oil for extra flavor. Baking the shrimp is easy and results in a delicious meal.

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete dish. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a refreshing side.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, Parmesan, and butter or olive oil.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until shrimp are bright pink.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

7) Simple Chicken Curry

Making a simple chicken curry is easy and quick. You will only need a few ingredients to create a delicious dish.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Then, add garlic, ginger, and your spices like curry powder and cumin.

Next, add your chicken pieces and cook until browned. Pour in some diced tomatoes and let everything simmer. You can add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.

Let the curry cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken is completely done. Serve it hot over rice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken (450 g), cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
5. Add diced tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

8) Quick Beef Stir-fry

Quick beef stir-fry is a fast and tasty meal you can prepare on busy nights. You will need thinly sliced beef, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce to bring it all together.

Start by heating a large pan or wok over high heat. Add some oil and then cook the beef for a few minutes until it is browned. Next, toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.

Stir everything together for another few minutes. This dish cooks quickly, so it’s ready in about 25 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pan or wok over high heat.
2. Add oil to the pan.
3. Cook the sliced beef for 2-3 minutes until browned.
4. Stir in the vegetables.
5. Add soy sauce and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

9) Easy Vegetable Soup

Making a delicious vegetable soup is simple and quick. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables based on what you have.

Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften. Then, mix in your choice of vegetables, like potatoes and green beans.

Pour in vegetable broth and add seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables.
4. Pour in vegetable broth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

10) Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy baked ziti is a comforting dish that’s simple to make. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

To start, cook your ziti pasta until it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside.

In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil for added flavor.

Next, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and some Parmesan. Layer this mixture in a baking dish. Top with more mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy this delicious meal right out of the oven!

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook ziti pasta until al dente and drain.
2. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil.
3. Mix pasta with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
4. Layer in a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

11) Classic Margherita Pizza

Making Classic Margherita Pizza at home is simple and rewarding. This dish features a thin crust, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Italian flavors.

Start with a basic pizza dough. You can buy pre-made dough or make your own. Roll it out to your desired thickness.

For the sauce, use crushed tomatoes, salt, and a bit of olive oil. Spread it evenly over the dough.

Next, add slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle fresh basil on top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and the crust golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough.
3. Spread crushed tomatoes on the dough.
4. Add slices of fresh mozzarella.
5. Top with fresh basil and drizzle olive oil.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

12) Chili-Lime Salmon

Chili-lime salmon is a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

You’ll need salmon fillets, lime juice, honey, and garlic. The blend of chili and lime adds a zesty kick that enhances the salmon’s natural taste.

To make it, simply mix the ingredients and marinate the salmon. Bake it in the oven until it’s flaky and tender. It only takes about 15 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Chili powder to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix lime juice, honey, garlic, and chili powder.
3. Marinate the salmon in the mixture for 10 minutes.
4. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through.

13) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty dish that’s easy to make. You can fill them with many ingredients, like ground beef, rice, and vegetables. They are great for a family dinner or a fun meal with friends.

Start by cutting the tops off the peppers and removing the seeds. You can use any color bell peppers you like.

Prepare your filling by cooking your choice of meat with onions and garlic. Once the filling is ready, stir in other ingredients like cooked rice and tomatoes.

Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them in a baking dish. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned.
4. Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes.
5. Fill the peppers with the meat mixture.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

14) Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes

Making pancakes for dinner is a fun idea that many people enjoy. You can add sweet or savory toppings to match your mood.

Classic options include maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even yogurt. If you want something savory, try adding cheese, herbs, or cooked veggies to your batter.

These flavors can make your pancakes feel more like a full meal.

You can use basic pancake mix or make your own batter from scratch. It’s simple and doesn’t take a lot of time.

Experimenting with flavors can make breakfast-for-dinner special every time you serve it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
5. Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook until golden.

15) Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto is a creamy and tasty dish that’s easy to make. This recipe blends the sweetness of the squash with creamy rice for a comforting meal.

Start by roasting cubed butternut squash until it is golden brown. This brings out its natural sweetness. You can also puree some squash to stir in, adding a smooth texture.

Cook your rice slowly while adding broth, stirring often. This method helps create that special creaminess. Finish with fresh sage and a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups butternut squash (cubed)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh sage leaves (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
4. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
6. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, while stirring continuously.
8. When the rice is al dente, stir in both the roasted and pureed squash.
9. Mix in parmesan cheese and chopped sage to taste.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!