You don’t need to be a pro to whip up dinners that taste like they came from a fancy kitchen. These 23 weeknight meals are simple, but they’ll have you feeling like a chef. Even on busy nights, you can pull off dishes that look and taste impressive. Ready to make dinner the best part of your day?
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey glazed chicken is a simple yet tasty dish that can turn a regular night into something special. The sweet and savory flavors create a meal that feels chef-worthy while being quick to prepare. This easy recipe makes satisfying dinners at home a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken brings a delicious twist to dinner with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful vegetables. It’s easy to make, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal that feels like something from a restaurant. This dish proves that tasty dinners can be made without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta is a quick and tasty dinner that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The light flavors come together to create a meal everyone will enjoy, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. This easy recipe shows that cooking at home can be both simple and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas are both cheesy and delicious, making them an excellent choice for a fast meal. Using shredded chicken cuts down on prep time, allowing for a dinner that feels gourmet without much effort. This dish highlights how easy it can be to create flavorful meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor while being quick to prepare. With minimal effort needed, it’s a fantastic choice after a long day when a healthy meal is desired. This easy recipe makes satisfying hunger a breeze and feels like a chef’s creation.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork made in an Instant Pot is a fantastic option for a filling dinner that takes little effort. The tender, flavorful meat can be served in various ways, making it versatile for any meal. This simple recipe ensures that busy nights can still include delicious food that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Asparagus goat cheese pizza offers a unique take on pizza night that stands out. With its blend of flavors and quick prep time, it’s a great way to switch things up. This easy recipe shows that impressive meals can be made at home without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy beef and rice casserole is a hearty dish that satisfies hunger while being easy to make. The combination of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese creates a filling dinner that feels restaurant-quality. This straightforward recipe highlights how great meals can come together quickly in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian meatball soup is a comforting option that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. Juicy meatballs simmered in rich broth create a fulfilling meal that warms the soul. This simple recipe makes it perfect for dinner without much effort, showing that tasty food can be home-cooked with ease.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a satisfying meal that comes together with leftover chicken and pantry staples. This comforting dish fills everyone up with minimal hassle, making it an excellent choice for busy nights. It shows that delicious dinners can be easy to create at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Kefta Kebabs
Kefta kebabs are smoky and full of flavor, cooking quickly for busy evenings. The seasoned ground meat is shaped and grilled, then served on pita for a tasty meal. This easy recipe means that dinner can be both fast and flavorful, giving a chef-like feel without complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Instant Pot lentil soup cooks up fast and is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a hearty meal. This healthy option is perfect for those who want dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing taste. It’s a simple way to enjoy a filling meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shortcut chicken salad is a refreshing meal that takes no time at all to prepare. Combining juicy chicken with crisp vegetables, it offers a light taste that’s great for lunch or dinner. This easy recipe proves that tasty meals don’t need to take long to make, feeling impressive without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque is a comforting soup that comes together quickly and tastes amazing. Blending fresh tomatoes with aromatic basil creates a creamy dish that satisfies. This simple recipe shows how easy it can be to whip up a delicious dinner in no time, making it feel like a chef’s special.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken egg roll in a bowl captures the flavors of takeout without the frying. Combining leftover chicken with fresh veggies, this dish comes together fast for a satisfying meal. It’s a perfect choice for busy nights when comfort food is needed quickly, making it feel like a gourmet option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Honey Habanero Tacos
Honey habanero tacos deliver a bold meal that’s easy to make. The mix of sweet honey and spicy habanero creates a vibrant dish that stands out. This straightforward recipe impresses without the fuss of complicated cooking, giving a feeling of chef-inspired quality.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Slow cooker tomato lime chicken is a low-stress option that cooks itself. Just toss in the ingredients and come home to a flavorful meal that requires little effort. This dish simplifies dinner planning while ensuring a tasty meal that feels like it was made with care.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Taco Wraps
Chicken taco wraps are a fast meal that’s bursting with flavor. They are a great way to use up leftover chicken, and they come together quickly for an easy dinner. This recipe shows that great food can be simple and satisfying, making it feel like something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Thai Chicken Chili
Thai chicken chili is a flavorful dinner option that comes together fast. Loaded with spices and tender chicken, it provides comfort without a lengthy prep time. Choosing this easy recipe means enjoying homemade chili that tastes amazing without much hassle, creating a meal that feels chef-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Mexican skillet quinoa is a nutritious meal that combines black beans, corn, and spices in one pan. The easy prep and cleanup make it ideal for hectic nights when time is short. Serving this wholesome dish guarantees a quick and satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy, feeling like a chef’s creation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Caprese Panini
Caprese panini features fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, creating a sandwich full of flavor. Ready in minutes, it feels like a special meal made at home. This easy-to-make recipe allows anyone to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen, making it feel chef-inspired.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken made in an Instant Pot is flexible and simple, perfect for busy nights. It can be enjoyed on salads, sandwiches, or over mac and cheese, adding great flavor to any meal. This recipe makes dinner planning easy while keeping taste at the forefront, offering a chef-like quality with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta is a quick dinner that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a well-rounded meal that anyone can whip up. This simple recipe makes it clear that dinner can be both easy and delicious, feeling impressive without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta