10+ Quick Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

10+ Quick Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

ByPin These Recipes Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Quick dinner recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They help you save time and still enjoy delicious, homemade food with minimal effort.

Whether you have a tight schedule or just want to keep things simple, finding efficient ways to get dinner on the table is essential.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, a variety of spices, and a sizzling pan on a stovetop

These recipes can range from one-pot dishes to speedy stovetop meals. You can have a satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes or less, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with your loved ones.

With a little creativity, you can turn simple ingredients into delightful meals that everyone will love.

1) Spaghetti Carbonara

A steaming plate of spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon and creamy sauce, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper

Spaghetti Carbonara is a quick and delicious dinner option. This dish is made with pasta, eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. It’s creamy and satisfying, perfect for a busy night.

To make this meal, you can have it ready in about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients.

The key is to mix the hot pasta with eggs and cheese to create a rich sauce.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) pancetta or bacon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix in grated Parmesan.
  3. In a pan, cook pancetta until crispy.
  4. Drain pasta and mix with pancetta and its fat.
  5. Quickly add egg mixture, stirring to create a creamy sauce.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

2) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling chicken, bell peppers, and onions on a sheet pan, surrounded by colorful spices and seasonings

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a fun and easy meal you can make on a busy night. This recipe combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all roasted together for a delicious flavor.

You simply toss the ingredients with your favorite spices. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work. You’ll have a tasty dish ready in no time.

Serve the fajitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner choice.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and spices.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

3) One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

A steaming pot of creamy chicken Alfredo simmering on the stove, surrounded by fresh ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chunks of chicken

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a simple and delicious dinner option. You can make it in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you. This dish features creamy sauce, tender chicken, and rich flavors.

Start by browning your chicken in a pot with some oil. Next, you’ll add garlic for flavor. Then, pour in broth, cream, and pasta, bringing it all to a boil.

As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the sauce, making it extra tasty. In about 30 minutes, you will have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and brown on all sides.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken broth and cream, then bring to a boil.
  5. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

4) Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables

A sizzling wok filled with colorful vegetables and strips of beef, surrounded by various ingredients and cooking utensils on a kitchen counter

Beef stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner option that’s also very versatile. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it easy to customize. This dish cooks up fast, usually in about 25 minutes.

For your stir-fry, you can choose tender cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin. Pair it with crunchy veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a colorful plate.

To make it even better, a simple stir-fry sauce adds great flavor without much hassle. Just mix some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger together, and you’re ready to go!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) beef steak, sliced thin
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
  2. Add the beef slices and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute.
  4. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.
  6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

5) Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

A piece of salmon topped with lemon slices and dill sprigs, surrounded by colorful vegetables on a white plate

Baked Salmon with lemon and dill is a tasty and easy dish to prepare. The fresh flavors make it a perfect fit for a quick dinner. Plus, it cooks in about 20 minutes!

To make this dish, start with fresh salmon fillets. The combination of lemon and dill adds a bright taste to the fish. You can serve it with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Top with lemon slices and fresh dill.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.

6) Cheeseburger Nachos

A plate of loaded cheeseburger nachos with melted cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and pickles, served with a side of salsa and sour cream

Cheeseburger nachos are a fun and tasty dinner option. They mix the flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy tortilla chips. You can make them quickly, perfect for busy nights.

To start, cook ground beef in a skillet until brown. Drain the fat and add your favorite seasonings.

Next, spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Layer the beef over the chips and sprinkle cheese on top.

Bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until the cheese melts. Finish with pickles, tomatoes, and your favorite burger toppings. Enjoy these nachos with your friends or family.

Ingredients

  • Tortilla chips
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp burger seasoning
  • Pickles
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Ketchup and mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until brown. Drain fat.
  3. Add seasoning to the beef and mix.
  4. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
  5. Layer beef over the chips and top with cheese.
  6. Bake for about 10 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Add toppings and serve warm.

7) French Bread Pizza

A kitchen counter with ingredients and tools for making French Bread Pizza

French bread pizza is a fun and quick dinner idea. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings. Just start with a loaf of French bread.

First, slice the bread in half lengthwise. Then, spread some pizza sauce on each half. Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the sauce. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of both.

Next, add toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of French bread
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1-2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar)
  • Optional toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the French bread in half.
  3. Spread pizza sauce on each half.
  4. Top with cheese and your favorite toppings.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.

8) Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

A sizzling wok filled with colorful vegetables, tofu, and steaming ramen noodles being tossed together in a flavorful stir-fry sauce

Ramen noodle stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

It’s also very flexible, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

You can use fresh or frozen veggies. Add in some chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.

The sauce is easy to make too, combining soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil for flavor.

This dish works great with any ramen noodles you have on hand. Just cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then toss everything together for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • Ramen noodles
  • Mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
  • Protein of choice (chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic
  • Sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and protein, cooking until done.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
  5. Stir in cooked noodles and sauce, mix well.
  6. Serve hot.

9) Tuna Mornay Jacket Potatoes

A steaming jacket potato topped with creamy tuna mornay, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils on a kitchen counter

Tuna Mornay jacket potatoes are a tasty and satisfying dish. You get fluffy baked potatoes filled with creamy tuna and cheese. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for dinner.

Start by baking your potatoes until they are soft. While they are baking, mix tuna with a creamy sauce and cheese.

Once the potatoes are ready, scoop out some of the insides and mix it with the tuna mixture.

Fill the potato skins with the creamy mixture, top with more cheese, and pop them back in the oven. Bake them for a bit longer until everything is hot and the cheese is melted. Enjoy with a fresh salad on the side!

Ingredients

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 1 can (about 6 ounces) tuna, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cream or milk
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake potatoes for about 45 minutes until soft.
  3. In a bowl, combine tuna, cream, and half the cheese. Then, season the mixture.
  4. Scoop out some potato from the baked potatoes and mix it in.
  5. Fill the potato skins with the mixture.
  6. Top with the remaining cheese.
  7. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

10) Sticky Caramel Pork Sausage Stir-Fry

A sizzling skillet with caramel-coated pork sausages, colorful stir-fry vegetables, and a sticky, savory sauce bubbling and steaming

Sticky Caramel Pork Sausage Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish. It combines sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please.

You will need thin pork sausages for the recipe. The sauce is made with kecap manis, oyster sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic. These ingredients create a rich flavor.

This stir-fry cooks up fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just chop the sausages and toss everything in a pan.

Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

  • 500g thin pork sausages
  • 40ml kecap manis
  • 48g oyster sauce
  • 32g brown sugar
  • 21g soy sauce
  • 12g fish sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Squeeze sausage mince from casings into 3cm pieces.
  2. Combine kecap manis, oyster sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic in a jug.
  3. Cook the sausage pieces in a pan until browned.
  4. Add the sauce mixture and cook until it thickens.
  5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

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