10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Finding time to cook can be challenging, especially on busy weeknights. Easy dinner recipes can help you prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are feeding a family or just yourself, quick and simple dishes can make dinner a breeze.

With a variety of options ranging from pasta to tacos, there are plenty of easy recipes to choose from. These meals often require minimal ingredients and can be made in under an hour, making them perfect for any night of the week. You can enjoy tasty dinners without the stress of complicated cooking techniques.

1) One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a simple and tasty dinner option. It combines juicy chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce in just one pot. This means less cleanup for you!

To start, cook your chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Then, add garlic and onion for extra flavor.

Next, pour in the pasta along with some chicken broth and let it cook until the pasta is tender.

Finally, stir in cream and parmesan cheese to make a rich sauce. Serve it hot for a yummy meal that your family will love!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups pasta (like fettuccine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown.
2. Add garlic and onion, and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add pasta and chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in cream and parmesan, and cook until heated.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

2) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort meal that’s both easy and satisfying. This dish combines melted cheese, crispy bread, and warm, hearty soup.

To start, you can choose your favorite bread, whether it’s white, whole grain, or sourdough. Use a good melty cheese like cheddar or American for the sandwich.

You can prepare the tomato soup from fresh tomatoes or canned ones. Adding garlic and herbs enhances the flavor nicely. A touch of cream makes the soup extra creamy.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheese
• 1 can of tomato soup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the tomato soup, add salt and pepper, and heat through.
4. In a pan, grill the bread with cheese until golden brown.
5. Serve the grilled cheese with the tomato soup and garnish with basil if desired.

3) 30-Minute Shrimp Tacos

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? These 30-minute shrimp tacos are a great choice. You can whip them up in no time and enjoy a delicious meal.

Start by seasoning your shrimp. Use your favorite spices to make them flavorful. Then, cook the shrimp until they are pink and slightly crispy.

While the shrimp cook, warm some tortillas. You can use corn or flour, depending on your preference.

Add your cooked shrimp to the tortillas and top with fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp and desired toppings. Enjoy!

4) Quick Beef Stir-Fry

A quick beef stir-fry is a tasty option for dinner that you can make in just 25 to 30 minutes. It’s simple and can use ingredients you likely already have at home. You get protein from the beef and plenty of veggies to keep it healthy.

Start by slicing your beef and prepping your vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can add a three-ingredient sauce for flavor. It’s an easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add your vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up for dinner. It combines fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

You can make this meal in just about 20 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

You just need a few ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
2. In a large pan, combine the tomatoes and heavy cream over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir well.
4. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and basil.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

Slow-cooker chicken tacos are perfect for busy nights. They are easy to make and full of flavor.

Start by placing chicken in your slow cooker. Add salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning on top. This mix makes the chicken tender and zesty.

Cook everything on low for 7-8 hours (about 165°C). Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.

You can put the chicken in tortillas and top them with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and avocado.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 900 grams) chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings: cheese, lettuce, avocado, etc.

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add salsa, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours (165°F or 74°C).
4. Shred the chicken before serving.
5. Serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings.

7) Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

Sheet-pan lemon garlic salmon is a quick and easy dinner option. You can have it ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features salmon that is flavorful and healthy.

The salmon is coated in a mix of lemon juice and garlic. You can add vegetables like green beans or potatoes for a complete meal. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup simple.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: green beans or baby potatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon on a sheet pan.
4. Drizzle the oil mixture over the salmon.
5. Add vegetables if using, and toss to coat.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

8) Microwave-Poached Salmon with Herbs

Microwave-poached salmon is a quick and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and delicious. The herbs add fresh flavor that makes the dish even better.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need salmon, herbs, and a few other simple ingredients. Just combine everything in a microwave-safe dish, and your dinner will be ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) salmon fillet, skin on
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons fine or coarse sea salt
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Lemon slices
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the salmon fillet in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add the lukewarm water and salt.
3. Top with herbs and lemon slices, then sprinkle black pepper.
4. Cover the dish and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes (at 145°F/63°C).
5. Let it sit for a minute, then serve with your favorite side.

9) Easy Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is a classic dish that is both tasty and easy to make. You can whip it up for dinner in no time. The rich gravy adds a wonderful flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.

To start, you’ll need some ground beef mixed with seasonings. Form the mixture into patties and cook them until golden brown.

Next, prepare a simple gravy using onion, mushrooms, and beef broth. Pour the gravy over the cooked patties, and let everything simmer for a bit. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, water, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
4. Pour the French onion soup over the patties.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.

10) Vegan Chickpea Curry

Vegan chickpea curry is a delicious and simple dish you can make for dinner. It’s full of flavor and takes only about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll love how quick it is!

This recipe uses pantry staples like chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices. It’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can also serve it over rice or with bread.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz or 425 g), drained and rinsed
• 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 oz or 400 ml)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach if using, and cook until wilted.
6. Serve hot with rice or bread. Enjoy!