11 Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes for Those Nights When Time Is Tight

Busy nights call for meals that come together fast without a lot of fuss. These recipes keep things simple with easy steps and ingredients that don’t take much prep. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen when you can make something satisfying without the extra effort. Get dinner on the table without the stress, so you can spend more time enjoying your evening.

Spoon drizzling orange glaze on salmon with rice on a blue plate.

Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

When cooking feels like too much, this is an easy way to get dinner on the table fast. A few simple ingredients come together for a flavorful, no-cook meal that takes little effort. It’s perfect for nights when time is short but a satisfying meal is still a must.


Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This rich, creamy pasta makes dinner easy without needing meat or complicated steps. A quick sauce and simple ingredients create a comforting dish that feels homemade with barely any work. It’s a warm and filling meal that comes together in no time, perfect for a busy night.


Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Chicken Egg Roll Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

All the flavors of an egg roll without the frying, this meal is simple to throw together. Leftover chicken and fresh veggies make it hearty while keeping prep to a minimum. It’s a great way to get a tasty, satisfying meal on the table without a lot of effort.


Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll Bowl

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bold flavors and a satisfying crunch make this salad an easy choice for dinner. Leftover chicken and a fast dressing bring everything together in minutes without losing out on taste. It’s the kind of meal that feels fresh and flavorful without taking up your whole evening.


Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy, cheesy pasta is rich in flavor but takes almost no time to make. A handful of ingredients come together fast for a warm, satisfying meal that feels like comfort food. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen when dinner can be this easy and delicious.


Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These rolls are a great way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal without a lot of work. The right balance of spice and texture makes them just as satisfying as takeout but much faster to make. They come together quickly, making them a great option when time is tight.


Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Soy Ginger Salmon

Image shows Soy ginger salmon on a white plate with sweet potato tater tots.
Soy Ginger Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A tangy soy ginger glaze gives this salmon a big flavor without a complicated prep. With just a few ingredients, it cooks fast while staying juicy and delicious. It’s an easy way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.


Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon

Poached Orange Salmon

Orange salmon on a blue plate with rice with albumin on top of the salmon.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Light and fresh, this salmon gets a bright citrus flavor without much effort. With minimal prep, it comes together quickly while still feeling like a complete meal. It’s a simple way to get a fresh, healthy dinner on the table when time is short.


Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this soup makes dinner easy without sacrificing comfort. It’s warm, filling, and ready in just 30 minutes, so there’s no need to spend hours cooking. A simple way to enjoy a homemade-style meal without the extra work.


Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor, this chicken is a great way to get a satisfying meal on the table fast. It cooks quickly with minimal prep while still tasting like something special. A perfect choice for nights when you want something hearty without a lot of effort.


Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A fresh pesto topping gives this salmon a big flavor without any complicated steps. With just a handful of ingredients, it bakes up quickly for a meal that feels light yet satisfying. It’s an easy way to make something fresh and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.


Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

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