10+ Super Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

After a long day, coming up with dinner ideas can feel overwhelming. You may want something delicious but don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. Fortunately, you can use plenty of super quick and easy dinner recipes to create meals in no time.

These recipes require minimal ingredients and can often be prepared in 30 minutes or less. With just a little planning, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without the fuss. Whether you need a meal for your family or a quick bite for yourself, these dishes will simplify your evening routine.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. It combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal in no time. You’ll love how tasty this dish can be with so little effort.

To make this dish, start with spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. The garlic is sautéed in olive oil, adding a rich taste that coats the pasta. You can also add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like spice.

This recipe is very versatile. You can mix in ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or fresh vegetables to make it even better. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
5. Drain spaghetti and add to the pan. Toss to coat.
6. Add salt and parsley, then serve. Enjoy!

2) Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty dinner option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in just 15 to 20 minutes.

You can use your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. This dish is also flexible; you can add rice or noodles to make it more filling.

To make a simple stir fry sauce, mix soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of ginger. This adds flavor and enhances the chicken and veggies.

The best part is that you can customize it to suit your tastes. Add some spice with chili flakes or keep it mild for the kids.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken strips; cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in vegetables; cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add soy sauce; stir and cook for 2 more minutes before serving.

3) Taco Salad

Taco salad is a fun and easy dinner choice. You can customize it with your favorite toppings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

Start with a base of lettuce. Then, add your choice of protein, like ground beef or turkey. Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Next, mix in taco seasoning and a bit of water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the meat is ready, layer your salad with corn chips, cheese, and fresh veggies. Tomatoes, olives, and avocado are great additions.

Top it off with salsa or sour cream for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious taco salad your way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup corn chips
• 1 cup cheese, shredded
• 1 tomato, diced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• Salsa and sour cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Drain the fat and mix in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Layer lettuce, corn chips, and cooked meat.
5. Add cheese, tomatoes, olives, and any other toppings.
6. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.

4) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night. You can have it ready in about 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

To make shrimp scampi, you need a few basic ingredients. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. Linguine is a common pasta choice, but you can also use spaghetti or angel hair.

The dish is made by sautéing shrimp in butter and garlic, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Adding a splash of white wine enhances the taste, but you can use chicken broth if you prefer.

This meal pairs nicely with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that you can serve for family or guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 ounces linguine (or spaghetti)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
5. Pour in the wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce and serve hot.

5) Vegetable Quesadillas

Vegetable quesadillas are quick to make and delicious. They are perfect for a light dinner or a tasty snack. You can customize them with your favorite veggies and cheese.

Start with a tortilla. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also use spinach or zucchini for a healthy boost. Sprinkle cheese on top for extra flavor.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the filled tortilla in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cut the quesadilla into triangles and serve with salsa or guacamole.

Ingredients

• 2 tortillas
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Sauté mixed vegetables until tender.
3. Place vegetables on a tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook in the pan for 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Cut into wedges and serve.

6) Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a quick and creamy dinner you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect after a busy day and tastes so good!

To start, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente. Fettuccine is a popular choice, but you can use any pasta you prefer. While the pasta cooks, season and sauté your chicken in a pan until it’s golden and cooked through.

Next, prepare the Alfredo sauce. Melt butter in the same pan and add minced garlic. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Add in the pasta and chicken, stirring to coat everything well.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook seasoned chicken until golden and fully cooked.
3. Melt butter in the same pan; add garlic and sauté.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
5. Combine pasta and chicken with the sauce. Mix well.

7) Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a quick and delicious dinner option. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.

Start with one pound of ground beef. Cooking the beef is simple; just brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat. For extra flavor, add some diced onion and garlic while cooking.

Next, drain any excess fat and season the meat. You can use pre-made taco seasoning or create your own with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Warm your taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Fill each shell with the seasoned beef. Top your tacos with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and avocado for a fresh taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• Taco shells
• 1 onion (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• Taco seasoning (or spices: cumin, chili powder, paprika)
• Toppings: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. If using, add diced onion and garlic.
3. Drain excess fat.
4. Add taco seasoning and mix well.
5. Warm taco shells in the oven.
6. Fill shells with beef and desired toppings.

8) Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a delicious choice for a quick and easy dinner. It combines fresh ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and basil leaves. You can make it in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare your pizza crust using flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Roll out the dough, spread on the sauce, and add cheese and basil on top.

Once your oven is ready, bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.

It’s a simple and tasty meal that you can enjoy with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 packet yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
3. Prepare the pizza crust by rolling out the dough.
4. Spread pizza sauce over the crust.
5. Add mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

9) Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a delicious and easy dish you can whip up in no time. With the right ingredients, you can enjoy this classic Thai meal at home.

You’ll need rice noodles, some vegetables, and protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. You can prepare this meal in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

The key to great Pad Thai is the sauce. It usually includes tamarind paste, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. This mix creates a wonderful balance of flavors.

Feel free to add peanuts and lime for extra taste. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s quick, tasty, and sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 200 g rice noodles
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shrimp or tofu
• Oil for cooking
• Peanuts and lime for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water until soft.
2. Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Heat oil in a pan, then add garlic and vegetables.
4. Add protein and cook until done.
5. Push ingredients to the side, then scramble the eggs.
6. Add noodles and sauce, then toss everything together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with peanuts and lime.

10) Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a simple and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or to warm you up on a chilly day. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!

To make it even easier, you can use canned tomatoes. Look for San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. You’ll also need some chicken or vegetable broth for added taste.

Fresh basil is key to really bringing out that signature flavor. If you have cream, adding a splash can make the soup extra creamy and rich.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add basil and cream, if using.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
6. Enjoy!