When the day winds down and you’re left wondering what to do about dinner, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of 35 effortless dinner recipes that’ll take the stress out of mealtime. With prep times clocking in at 30 minutes or less, you can quickly transition from chaos to calm, with a satisfying meal on the table in no time. From hearty soups and stews to crowd-pleasing casseroles and delectable pasta dishes, our recipes are designed to make weeknight dinners a seamless affair.
35 Dinner Recipes for a Weeknight Feast
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Savoring a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes is within reach with this effortless recipe. By combining just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s as flavorful as it is speedy. The key to success lies in the simplicity of cooking chicken breasts with garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your evening, like enjoying quality time with loved ones or catching up on your favorite TV show.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
There’s something undeniably cozy about a hearty beef stew on a chilly weeknight. To make it even more convenient, simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and by dinner time, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal waiting for you. And let’s not forget that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this recipe a perfect solution for busy days when lunch is a must.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Indulge in the comforting goodness of chicken parmesan – a recipe that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and always a hit with a crowd.
To make this culinary classic, start by preparing breaded and baked chicken breasts. Then, top them with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese for a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Serve the parmesan over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a satisfying and filling meal.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Savoring the warmth and comfort of a cozy night in, this soul-soothing soup is the perfect remedy. Begin by gently cooking onions and garlic until they’re translucent, then add canned tomatoes and chicken broth to create a rich and savory base. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together in harmony.As the aroma fills the air, blend everything together until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Serve with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ll be treated to an indulgent comfort food experience that’s sure to leave you feeling cozy and content.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Transforming leftover vegetables into a delectable meal has never been easier! This versatile stir-fry recipe allows you to get creative with the ingredients you have on hand. Sauté your chosen veggies and succulent shrimp in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then serve it all over fluffy rice for a nutritious and mouthwatering dinner that’s sure to please.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
For a romantic evening in, these succulent steak bites are the perfect solution. Simply cook them to perfection by searing them in a pan with a compound of garlic butter and spices, and pair them with a medley of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Cheesy Meatball Casserole
One clever way to repurpose leftover meatballs is by assembling a satisfying casserole. The process is straightforward: simply alternate layers of meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, then bake until the top layer is golden brown and the flavors are harmoniously combined.
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in a comforting and effortless dinner with this delectable recipe. Combine the savory flavors of sautéed chicken, garlic, and your preferred vegetables in a pan, followed by the addition of cooked pasta and rich Alfredo sauce. Complete the dish with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted to perfection and the top is golden brown.
Sausage and Pepper Skillet
For a speedy yet satisfying dinner, this one-pot skillet meal checks all the boxes. The combination of sizzling sausage and sweet peppers, cooked to perfection in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, is a match made in heaven. To take it to the next level, serve with a crisp side salad or a crusty loaf for a well-rounded and filling meal.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
For those juggling a packed schedule, this effortless recipe offers the ultimate solution for a stress-free weeknight meal. Simply place chicken breasts and BBQ sauce in your slow cooker, then let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours while you tackle other tasks. Once cooked, pair it with fluffy baked potatoes or your preferred accompaniment for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Chicken
For a hearty and satisfying evening meal, look no further than this delectable dish. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich parmesan sauce is a match made in heaven. To prepare, start by cooking the chicken and mushrooms in a pan with some aromatic garlic until they’re nice and caramelized. Then, add in the creamy parmesan sauce and let it simmer together before serving over pasta or rice. This comforting meal is sure to become a new favorite.
Taco Salad
Indulge in this delectable and nutritious salad that’s sure to become a new favorite for a quick and easy dinner. Simply brown ground beef or turkey with your choice of taco seasoning, then top a crisp bed of lettuce with an array of flavorsome toppings, including melted cheese, creamy avocado, and a tangy splash of salsa.
Easy Fried Rice
For a hassle-free dinner solution, this recipe checks all the right boxes. The combination of sautéed vegetables and rice, infused with savory flavors from soy sauce and seasonings, forms a solid base that can be elevated by adding cooked shrimp or chicken for an added boost of protein. This versatile dish is ideal for those seeking a speedy yet satisfying meal.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
When feeding a large group, these mouthwatering sandwiches are an ideal solution. To prepare them, simply place a pork shoulder in your slow cooker with BBQ sauce and let it cook until tender. Once cooked, shred the pork with a fork and serve it on buns accompanied by a refreshing side of coleslaw for a satisfying and hassle-free dinner experience.
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Alfredo
For a warm and satisfying supper, this dish is an excellent choice. The harmonious combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all cooked together in one pan with some aromatic garlic, makes for a truly delightful culinary experience. Serve it over pasta or rice to complete the meal.
Sausage and Pepper Pasta
For a speedy and satisfying supper, this pasta recipe checks all the right boxes. The combination of sizzling sausage and sweet peppers, infused with pungent garlic flavors, is then seamlessly merged with cooked pasta. To add a creamy finish, shredded cheese is sprinkled on top before being baked until golden and bubbly.
Easy Egg Fried Rice
For a speedy and satisfying supper, try combining the convenience of sautéed veggies and rice with the added bonus of protein-rich scrambled eggs. Simply heat up your favorite vegetables and cooked rice in a pan with a savory blend of soy sauce and seasonings, then crack in some eggs to create a well-rounded meal that’s ready in no time.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Indulge in the warmth of a satisfying evening meal by preparing this comforting dish. The combination of succulent chicken, wilted spinach, and rich tomato sauce, infused with aromatic garlic, is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy it served over fluffy pasta or savory rice for a truly delightful culinary experience.
Caprese Chicken Skillet
Indulge in the simplicity of this delectable skillet meal, ideal for a swift and satisfying evening repast. The harmonious union of sautéed chicken, cherry tomatoes, and garlic creates a rich flavor profile that’s elevated by the creamy presence of fresh mozzarella cheese. Serve alongside a refreshing salad or accompanied by the rustic charm of crusty bread to round out this effortless yet indulgent meal.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
For a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please a large group, look no further than this fajita recipe. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity – simply line up a sheet pan with sliced chicken, peppers, and onions, and let the oven do the rest. After about 30 minutes, you’ll be left with perfectly cooked and tender ingredients that are ready to be wrapped up in tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
For a speedy yet nutritious evening repast, consider whipping up this versatile stir-fry. Marinate chicken and broccoli in a mixture of garlic, ginger, and your preferred seasonings before quickly sautéing the combination in a pan. Serve with a side of fluffy rice to round out the meal.
Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a flavorful and speedy pasta creation that brings together the sweetness of succulent shrimp, the brightness of lemon, and the richness of butter, all harmoniously infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. This delectable combination is simply served atop your preferred pasta.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Indulge in the simplicity and satisfying flavors of a classic stir-fry dish, expertly combining tender slices of beef, crunchy broccoli florets, and a rich, savory sauce, perfectly portioned to accompany your choice of steaming hot rice or springy noodles.
Vegetable and Chickpea Curry
Savor the rich flavors of a vibrant vegetable-based curry, carefully crafted with a harmonious blend of chickpeas, an array of colorful vegetables, and pungent spices. This delectable dish is best paired with a side of fluffy rice or crispy naan bread, allowing each bite to be a delightful union of textures and tastes.
Mushroom Risotto
A warm and inviting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite, this creamy risotto is crafted with the finest ingredients, including Arborio rice, earthy mushrooms, and a generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s the epitome of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
To elevate your grilled chicken game, consider marinating chicken breasts in a tangy and aromatic lemon-herb mixture. This flavorful combination will not only enhance the natural taste of the chicken but also add a satisfying depth when paired with a medley of roasted or steamed vegetables.
Baked Ziti
Savoring the comforting fusion of flavors and textures, a classic ziti dish is brought to life by the harmonious marriage of tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheeses. As it emerges from the oven, golden and bubbly, this indulgent pasta delight is sure to become an instant favorite.
Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon fillets get a flavor boost from a sweet and savory teriyaki marinade, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner that’s both grilled and baked to perfection.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Indulge in the bold flavors of Louisiana as this delectable pasta dish combines succulent shrimp, savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions in a rich Cajun cream sauce that will leave you craving for more.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines ground meat, rice, and a blend of seasonings to create a mouthwatering, savory treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Simply fill bell peppers with the mixture, pop them in the oven, and let the baking process work its magic to tenderize and enhance the flavors.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Imagine a warm, inviting dish that combines the tender juiciness of chicken, the comfort of fluffy rice, and the vibrant flavors of sautéed vegetables, all wrapped up in a rich, creamy sauce and baked to golden brown perfection.
Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Indulge in the rich flavors of salmon fillets, elevated by a delectable honey mustard glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. Whether you choose to bake or grill these succulent pieces of fish, they’re sure to emerge from the kitchen as a culinary masterpiece.
Mongolian Beef
Indulge in the harmonious union of tenderly sliced beef, crisp green onions, and a rich, velvety sauce, expertly combined to create a delectable stir-fry that will leave you craving for more. This mouthwatering dish is perfectly served over fluffy rice, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Indulge in the harmonious union of crispy fried chicken, succulent bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks, all swimming together in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that’s perfectly balanced on a bed of fluffy rice.
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Indulge in a nourishing and warming bowl of lentil soup, packed with the goodness of vegetables and aromatic spices – the perfect remedy for a cozy weeknight dinner. And to make mealtime a breeze, I’d like to leave you with some final thoughts: there’s no need to stress about dinner when you have a collection of effortless and mouthwatering recipes at your fingertips. With 35 delightful options to choose from, planning your meals for the week has never been simpler or more enjoyable. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup, a flavorful pasta dish, or a crowd-pleasing casserole, these recipes are sure to hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied. So go ahead, get cooking, and treat yourself to a satisfying weeknight feast!