10+ Easy Recipes Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights

When it comes to meal planning, finding quick and easy recipes can make life significantly easier.

Easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. You need a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

With a variety of simple options, you can satisfy your family’s tastes and keep your evenings stress-free.

From pasta to tacos, these recipes can help you whip up something tasty in no time.

1) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple and tasty Italian dish. It uses just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

You’ll love the creamy sauce that pairs well with pasta.

The key ingredients include crispy pancetta or bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. As you mix these together, you create a rich and satisfying meal.

This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, so it’s great for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. spaghetti
• 8 pieces of bacon or pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water.
2. In a pan, cook the diced bacon until crispy.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix in Parmesan cheese.
4. Combine spaghetti, bacon, and egg mixture, adding pasta water to achieve creaminess.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley before serving.

2) Veggie Frittata

A veggie frittata is a great option for dinner. It is easy to make and packed with healthy vegetables. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, beat some eggs and mix in chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, and onions.

Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet and cook on the stove for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to the oven and bake until set and golden on top.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add chopped vegetables.
3. Grease a skillet with olive oil.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
5. Cook for 5 minutes on the stove.
6. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

3) Lemon Herb Chicken

Lemon Herb Chicken is a bright and tasty dish that’s easy to make. The zesty flavor from the lemon combined with fresh herbs makes it a favorite for dinner. You can use chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference.

This recipe is quick and can be prepared in one pan. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without too much fuss. Pair it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken with the marinade.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

4) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is an easy and delicious dish perfect for dinner. It features poached eggs in a savory tomato sauce with spices. You can make it in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Start by cooking onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.

Then, add tomatoes and spices to create a hearty sauce. Once it’s simmering, gently crack the eggs on top and cook them until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.

Shakshuka is great served with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the rich flavors and your meal!

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the garlic, followed by the crushed tomatoes and spices.
4. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

5) Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty meal that’s easy to make. You can toss in your favorite veggies and a flavorful sauce for a great dinner.

For this dish, start with sliced chicken breast. You can use broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. The sauce often includes soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for a sweet and savory flavor.

This recipe cooks quickly in a hot skillet or wok. You’ll have dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli and bell peppers)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the skillet over high heat.
2. Add cooking oil and then the chicken. Cook until browned.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce over the stir fry and cook for another 2 minutes.

6) Taco Salad

Taco salad is a fun and easy meal that you can make for dinner. It combines your favorite taco ingredients in a delicious bowl. You can enjoy it in less than 30 minutes!

Start with some seasoned ground beef or turkey on a bed of crisp lettuce. Add diced tomatoes, cheese, and your choice of toppings like sour cream or avocado. This dish is also great for using up leftovers.

Feel free to customize it based on your family’s tastes. You can use beans or grilled chicken as a base instead of meat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 head lettuce, chopped
• 2-3 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet. Simmer for a few minutes.
3. In a bowl, layer chopped lettuce, cooked meat, tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Top with any extra ingredients you like.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

7) Vegetable Stir-Fry

A vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option. You can use any mix of vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. This dish is colorful and packed with nutrients.

Start by slicing your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender.

For flavor, add soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. You can also toss in some sesame oil for extra taste. Serve hot with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil (like olive or sesame)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add vegetables and stir for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
5. Stir until all is well mixed and serve.

8) Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a comforting and hearty dish that you can easily prepare for dinner. It’s packed with vegetables, pasta, and beans. This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to use up leftover veggies.

You can customize the ingredients based on what you have at home. A basic minestrone includes tomatoes, carrots, beans, and celery. Season it with Italian herbs for extra flavor.

This soup is perfect for meal prep too. Make a big batch and enjoy it over a few days. It’s filling and healthy, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 5 carrots, sliced
• 4 cups tomato sauce
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pasta
• 1 can kidney beans, drained

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onions; cook until soft.
3. Stir in celery and carrots; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add tomato sauce and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and kidney beans; simmer until pasta is tender.
6. Season to taste and serve hot.

9) Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon

Honey-soy-glazed salmon is a delicious and quick dinner option. This meal combines sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. You can prepare it in about 20 to 30 minutes.

To make it, you need salmon fillets, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and some ginger. These ingredients work together to create a tasty glaze that coats the fish perfectly.

You will want to cook the salmon until it is flaky and bright pink inside. Using a pan makes cleanup easy too.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the salmon to the pan, skin side down.
4. Pour the honey-soy mixture over the salmon.
5. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side at 375°F (190°C) until done.

10) Black Bean Burger

Making a black bean burger is easy and quick. You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. This meal is both healthy and filling.

To start, mash cooked black beans in a bowl. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and spices for flavor. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet or on the grill. They have a delicious, satisfying taste.

Serve your black bean burger on a bun with your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomato, and avocado work great. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner or a fun barbecue.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the black beans in a bowl.
2. Mix in onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. The temperature should be about 350°F (175°C).
5. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side.