Dinner after a long day can feel like a lot of work. Who wants to spend forever in the kitchen when you’re tired? This list has 37 quick and easy weeknight meals, including slow cooker recipes that do the work for you. Each meal is full of flavor, so fast dinners don’t mean boring dinners. From one-pan dishes to meals ready in 30 minutes or less, there is something for every night of the week.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Don’t toss out leftover chicken! Give it a new life in this comforting soup. Tender chicken pieces mingle with cheese-filled tortellini in a flavorful broth, creating a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s like a hug in a bowl, made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
This pasta dish packs a punch of flavor without sacrificing comfort. Fresh peas and dill dance together in a creamy sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave a delicious and filling dinner but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Kefta Kebabs
Skip the grill and make these juicy kebabs. Packed with flavorful seasonings and cooked to perfection, they’re a delicious twist on the classic burger. These kebabs are sure to please a crowd, making them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Craving a flavorful and juicy roast pork dinner but short on time? This slow cooker recipe is your answer. Toss the pork with garlic and seasonings in the morning, then let your slow cooker work its magic while you’re busy. Come home to a delicious and effortless meal that practically falls off the bone. No need to babysit the oven – this recipe lets you set it and forget it, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Tomato Basil Bisque
This creamy tomato soup is bursting with fresh summer flavors. Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil simmer together, creating a warm and satisfying meal in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for busy weeknights, packed with the taste of fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Honey Glazed Chicken
This recipe is all about quick and easy flavor. A sweet and sticky glaze comes together in a flash, coating juicy chicken for a satisfying meal. With minimal prep required, you get maximum flavor – perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Impress your guests without the stress! These flavorful chicken empanadas are surprisingly easy to make with rotisserie chicken and a store-bought crust. They’re the perfect solution for a fancy-feeling weeknight meal that leaves you more time to relax and enjoy your company.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Chicken Tenders
Skip the frozen mystery meat and make these homemade tenders instead. They’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, with chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth. A world away from anything pre-made, dip them in your favorite sauce for a fun and satisfying meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Short on time but craving a vegetarian meal? This protein-packed quinoa dish is your answer. Earthy spinach and sharp parmesan cheese add a delightful contrast to the fluffy quinoa, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner option that’s both healthy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Craving sushi but on a budget? These spicy tuna rolls are a fun and affordable twist. Canned tuna gets a fiery kick with a jolt of hot spices, transforming into a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Skip the expensive sushi takeout and make these at home for a delicious and budget-friendly alternative.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Tomato Lime Chicken
Dinnertime just got easier! This flavorful chicken is your new go-to for busy nights. Packed with a punch of zesty lime and tangy tomato, it’s incredibly versatile. Transform it into tacos, salads, rice bowls, or anything else you can dream up. Easy to prepare, this chicken is a flavor chameleon, ready to be the star of any quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Calling all home chefs! This easy tuna and tomato pasta is a perfect choice for a no-brainer weeknight meal. Light, refreshing, and ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a great option for the whole family. It’s a simple recipe that delivers on flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Craving comfort food but short on time? This chicken soup with carrots comes to the rescue! Packed with flavor, it simmers to perfection in a flash, putting a warm and satisfying meal on the table quickly. Ditch the takeout menus and enjoy a hearty homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is your quick and easy answer to busy weeknight cravings.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese bake together for a comforting and familiar meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and delivers big on flavor. No fancy ingredients needed, just simple comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Thai Chicken Chili
Skip takeout and whip up this flavorful chili at home. Packed with warming spices and tender chicken, it’s a quick and easy meal the whole family will love on a chilly night. Forget greasy takeout, this homemade chili is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for those nights you crave something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Leftover or rotisserie chicken gets a new life wrapped in tortillas and smothered in sauce. With minimal prep and just a few steps, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying Mexican feast in no time. Skip the long cooking process and whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Pulled Pork
Turn your Instant Pot into a pull-apart pork paradise! Tender and flavorful pulled pork is ready in a flash, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or interactive nachos. Dinner with minimal effort, served! This recipe lets you enjoy delicious pulled pork for all your favorite dishes without hours of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Poached Orange Salmon
Delicate salmon simmers in a subtle citrus broth, creating a light and refreshing meal perfect for busy weeknights. The orange adds a touch of brightness without overpowering the flavor of the salmon. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers fresh, clean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Black beans, corn, and quinoa cook together in one pan to make a colorful meal full of flavor. It comes together quickly, which makes cleanup easy and weeknight dinners less stressful. Quinoa, beans, and vegetables combine to give a satisfying dinner that is simple to make and packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Caprese Panini
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are stacked between bread for a warm, cheesy panini. It is light but filling, perfect for nights when a quick dinner is needed. This easy-to-make meal delivers a fresh and satisfying dinner without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ribs cook in the Instant Pot until they are tender and full of flavor in a fraction of the normal cooking time. A savory dry rub and rich barbecue sauce add depth while keeping the process fast and simple. The result is a flavorful dinner that tastes as if it came from a slow cooker without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Soy Ginger Salmon
Salmon marinates in soy sauce and ginger to create a simple and tasty dinner in minutes. Cooking is fast, making it ideal for nights when flavor is important but time is short. The salmon is juicy and full of flavor, giving a satisfying meal with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Italian Meatball Soup
Juicy meatballs simmer in a flavorful broth to create a hearty and filling soup. It is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines everyday ingredients into a satisfying and delicious meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Simple Crock Pot Red Wine Braised Beef
Beef cooks slowly with vegetables, wine, and herbs until it becomes tender and full of flavor. Served with mashed potatoes, it makes a filling and comforting dinner. The long-simmered sauce brings rich taste to a simple recipe that’s easy to set and forget in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Simple Crock Pot Red Wine Braised Beef
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey is flavored with ginger and soy sauce for a quick and tasty twist on burger night. These burgers cook fast while still delivering a satisfying meal. Dinner becomes flavorful and easy with a simple recipe that stands out from the usual weeknight options.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy buffalo chicken is served over crisp greens with a creamy dressing for a bold dinner. It comes together quickly, which makes it perfect for busy nights. The mix of spicy chicken and fresh vegetables creates a filling meal that doesn’t take long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta tossed with cheese and black pepper makes a simple dinner full of flavor. It cooks in no time, making it perfect for weeknight meals. A few ingredients combine to create a dish that is quick, satisfying, and packed with rich taste.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Pesto Salmon
Salmon is topped with a bright, herby pesto that cooks quickly for a flavorful dinner. It is easy to prepare and brings a fresh taste to the table without extra effort. The combination of tender salmon and fragrant herbs creates a simple, satisfying meal that works for any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon is brushed with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger for a tasty dinner in 30 minutes. It cooks fast and delivers bold flavor without complicated steps. The glaze creates a rich and juicy meal that feels special while staying easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of a classic egg roll come together in one pan for a quick and easy dinner. It’s a lighter alternative to takeout while still giving a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. The mix of chicken, vegetables, and sauce makes a simple recipe that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Lentils, vegetables, and seasonings cook quickly in the Instant Pot for a hearty dinner that is ready in minutes. It’s packed with protein and flavor while staying easy to prepare. This meal provides a comforting and filling dinner without long cooking times or extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Grape tomatoes and creamy ricotta combine with pasta to make a fast and flavorful dinner. It’s simple to pull together and uses only a few ingredients for big taste. The dish is satisfying, fresh, and perfect for nights when dinner needs to come together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Cashew Chicken
Crunchy cashews add texture to tender chicken in a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together easily. It’s simple to cook and gives a filling meal that feels like a treat without extra effort. The combination of chicken, sauce, and nuts makes a satisfying dinner full of taste and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Fresh asparagus and tangy goat cheese top a pizza that bakes in under 30 minutes for a quick dinner. It’s easy to make and adds a slightly different twist to pizza night. The mix of crisp vegetables and creamy cheese creates a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Cheese and sauce are rolled inside pasta for a lasagna that comes together faster than the classic version. It’s easy to make while still giving all the flavors of traditional lasagna. The combination of soft pasta, melted cheese, and rich sauce creates a filling dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Leftover or rotisserie chicken is mixed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing for a fast and satisfying dinner. It’s simple to prepare and gives a fresh, filling meal that works for busy nights. The mix of protein and crisp veggies creates an easy dinner that feels complete without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Potatoes, seasonings, and cream cook in the Instant Pot to create a rich and comforting soup in a short time. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for nights when dinner needs to come together fast. The creamy, flavorful soup makes a filling and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup