When time is short and the day feels too long, dinner can be the last thing you want to think about. These 19 quick weeknight meals are perfect for those nights when you need something fast and satisfying. They’ll get you through even the busiest evenings without much effort, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what matters.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Italian Meatball Soup
Warm and comforting, this hearty soup combines tender meatballs in a rich broth, making it the perfect quick dinner option. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need something filling fast. This easy-to-make soup delivers both flavor and satisfaction in no time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Cacio e Pepe
A simple yet rich pasta dish, Cacio e Pepe combines cheese and pepper for a flavorful dinner that’s ready in minutes. It’s a great choice when time is short, and you still want something comforting. The quick prep and satisfying taste make it a perfect meal for hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Honey Glazed Chicken
This honey-glazed chicken is sweet, sticky, and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. It’s ideal when time is tight but you still want a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Who says you can’t enjoy lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen? These lasagna roll-ups offer the same cheesy goodness in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have much time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Poached Orange Salmon
Tender salmon cooked with bright, citrusy flavors makes for a quick and healthy meal that’s full of taste. With minimal prep time, this dish is a great way to get a satisfying dinner on the table fast. It’s a perfect option when you want something light but flavorful in no time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Kefta Kebabs
These juicy kefta kebabs, seasoned with bold spices, cook quickly and pack a punch of flavor. They’re perfect for busy evenings when you want a meal that’s satisfying and a bit different from the usual. Easy to make, these kebabs turn any weeknight dinner into something special.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Packed with beans, salsa, and corn, this one-pan Mexican skillet quinoa is both flavorful and quick to make. It’s an easy, fuss-free meal that saves time on both prep and cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a filling and simple dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is packed with tender tortellini and savory broth, creating a warm and filling meal in no time. It’s the perfect comfort food when you need something quick but satisfying. Ready in a flash, it’s an easy go-to for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
With a creamy sauce, peas, and dill, this pasta dish offers a rich, comforting meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. It’s an ideal option when you need a flavorful dinner that’s quick and easy. The combination of creamy goodness and fresh peas makes it both filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
These cheesy stuffed shells are a simple yet comforting meal that comes together quickly. With rich cheese and flavorful sauce, they make for a hearty dinner in no time. This dish is a go-to when you need something filling and satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Shortcut Chicken Salad
When time is tight, this chicken salad is the perfect go-to. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, yet it’s full of flavor and satisfying. This light but filling meal is a great choice when you need a no-fuss dinner in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This one-pot casserole combines ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a quick, hearty meal. It’s ideal for busy evenings when you need something filling but don’t have much time. The easy prep and minimal cleanup make it the perfect choice for a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Pesto Salmon
This pesto salmon comes together quickly and is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. The herby pesto gives the salmon a rich taste, making it a satisfying yet simple meal. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something healthy but don’t have time for a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
These crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic meal without much effort. With just a few ingredients, they cook up fast, making them perfect for busy evenings. This quick, satisfying dinner will keep everyone happy without taking much time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas come together quickly, thanks to rotisserie chicken. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they deliver a flavorful, satisfying meal. They’re a great option for when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Cashew Chicken
This cashew chicken is a quick, flavorful dish with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful veggies. It’s the perfect meal when you need something filling but don’t have a lot of time. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This Instant Pot lentil soup is ready in no time and offers a hearty, protein-packed meal. It’s a healthy option that’s perfect for busy schedules when you need a filling dinner quickly. With minimal effort, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Craving takeout? This chicken egg roll in a bowl brings all the flavors together in a quick, one-pan meal. With minimal prep, it’s the perfect solution when you want something fast but satisfying. It’s a simple way to get all the delicious takeout flavors without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Caprese Panini
A Caprese panini, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is the perfect quick dinner when time is short. Toasted to perfection, this sandwich offers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s an ideal choice for busy nights when you need something quick but still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini