When the day runs long and dinner feels like a chore, having fast and flavorful recipes ready to go can make all the difference. These 23 weeknight meals come together quickly and taste great, even when time is tight. They’re simple to make and perfect for anyone who wants good food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
This pasta combines cheese and pepper in a way that tastes rich and satisfying without a long recipe. It all comes together quickly in one pan, so there is very little cleanup after dinner. Keep this easy-to-make dinner recipe handy for nights when fast and tasty is the only option.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey and savory spices mix to create a sticky glaze that makes chicken taste like a special meal even when it’s made fast. Cooking it all in one pan saves time and cleanup, so you get dinner on the table without fuss. Pick this delicious dinner recipe when you want a fast meal that still feels like more.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Italian Meatball Soup
Meatballs, pasta, and broth come together in a single pot to make a meal that is hearty and full of flavor without taking hours. It cooks up quickly but feels like a slow-cooked dinner you can rely on any night. Choose this fast and flavorful dinner recipe when comfort food is a must, but time is short.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Leftover chicken gets a bold boost from buffalo sauce and pairs with fresh greens for a salad that fills you up. It comes together in under 15 minutes with almost no mess, making it perfect for busy nights. Use this quick and easy dinner recipe when a spicy, full meal is what you want fast.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa, beans, and spices cook together in one pan for a warm and hearty meat-free dinner that won’t slow you down. Cleanup is simple, and the recipe comes together fast without losing any flavor. Make this one-pan dinner recipe when you want something filling, colorful, and easy to eat on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Caprese Panini
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil get pressed between bread to create a warm, crisp sandwich that tastes like it came from a café. It cooks quickly and offers a light but satisfying dinner without any fuss. Try this easy dinner recipe when you want a hot meal on the table in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixes with pantry staples to create a creamy salad that is ready almost instantly and very filling. This no-cook recipe works great for quick dinners or meals made ahead of time. Keep this simple dinner recipe on hand when cooking time is limited, but a tasty meal is still needed.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna flavors get rolled into cheesy bites that bake quickly without the usual long prep or layering. These roll-ups are hearty and full of sauce, making them a comforting meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen. Choose this easy dinner recipe when you want a filling meal that fits into your busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Kefta Kebabs
Juicy ground meat kebabs come together fast with bold seasoning and need only minutes on the grill or in a pan to cook through. There is no long marinating or prep time, just simple steps for a tasty dinner. Use this quick and flavorful dinner recipe when you want something different without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Creamy Pea Pasta
Frozen peas add color and a fresh pop to a creamy pasta sauce that feels rich and filling but uses only a few simple ingredients. This meal cooks fast and delivers comfort without any fuss. Keep this delicious dinner recipe ready for nights when you want dinner fast but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Pesto Salmon
Salmon gets a fresh flavor boost from pesto, then cooks quickly in the oven or on the stove with very little prep. The herbs and cheese make it taste like a special dinner without extra steps. Add this easy and healthy dinner recipe to your regular rotation for fast, fresh meals without stress.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tender tortellini swim in a rich broth filled with chicken and flavor that feels like it simmered all day. This soup comes together quickly and fills you up without long cooking times. Make this cozy dinner recipe when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough bake into a golden, crisp dinner that tastes fun and fresh. The juicy inside pairs perfectly with the flaky outside, making it a meal everyone will enjoy. Try this quick and easy dinner recipe when you need something fast, tasty, and easy to serve to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Lentils, veggies, and spices cook together in the Instant Pot to create a thick, hearty soup that fills you up without much effort. This meal comes together fast and requires almost no attention while cooking. Use this healthy and easy dinner recipe when you want a warm, filling meal that’s ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken makes these cheesy enchiladas a fast dinner option that still tastes homemade and rich. The sauce, cheese, and tortillas blend together in minutes for a filling meal. Keep this quick dinner recipe on hand for busy nights when comfort food is needed fast.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken, cabbage, and sauce cook together in one skillet for a meal that’s packed with flavor and needs almost no cleanup. This dinner tastes like takeout but is done in half the time. Use this easy dinner recipe when you want a quick, tasty meal without frying or a mess.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Beef, rice, and cheese bake together into a bubbly casserole that fills the kitchen with a warm, hearty aroma. This recipe is easy to put together and uses ingredients most people already have. Make this quick and filling dinner recipe when you want a one-dish meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells get filled with creamy cheese and baked until bubbling hot for a cozy meal everyone will love. This dinner feels special, but comes together with less effort than expected. Choose this no-fuss dinner recipe when you want a warm, comforting meal on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cashew Chicken
Sweet and savory sauce coats tender chicken and crunchy cashews in one skillet for a fast meal that tastes like takeout. This recipe is simple to make, and clean-up is quick. Turn to this delicious dinner recipe when you want a quick meal that delivers big flavor without waiting.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon cooks gently in a bright orange broth that takes minutes to prepare and adds a fresh twist to dinner. The fish stays juicy and tender with very little prep needed. Try this fast and fresh dinner recipe when you want a meal that looks and tastes put together without a long cook time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Alfredo Steak Pasta
Creamy Alfredo sauce mixes with juicy steak to make a rich and filling pasta dish that cooks in no time. It’s perfect for nights when everyone is hungry and there isn’t much time to spare. Make this hearty and easy dinner recipe when you want a satisfying meal ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Pork chops get coated in seasoned crumbs and baked until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without frying. This simple recipe skips long prep and cleanup while still delivering great taste. Choose this easy and satisfying dinner recipe when you want a fuss-free meal with plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Fried chicken cooks up crispy and golden with much less oil and mess using the air fryer. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is juicy chicken with a crunchy outside. Use this quick and easy dinner recipe when you want classic comfort food that doesn’t take long to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken