Some dinners are just easier than others, and these are the ones I keep coming back to. They’re quick to make, don’t need a bunch of steps, and always turn out the way I want. If you’re tired, busy, or just don’t feel like cooking a big meal, these 19 super-easy weeknight recipes are the ones that always save the day.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Thai Chicken Chili
This spicy chicken chili is full of bold flavor, but it’s surprisingly quick and simple to make. The ingredients go together fast, and it always feels like more work than it really is. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that keeps showing up on repeat because it never lets you down.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pasta comes together in minutes using a few things you probably already have in the kitchen. It’s rich, smooth, and always hits the spot when time is short. It’s one of those super-easy weeknight recipes I’ve made more times than I can count because it always works.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tomato Lime Chicken
The mix of tomato and lime gives this chicken a fresh, punchy flavor that comes together quickly. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but still feels different from the usual. This is one of those delicious dinner recipes that takes almost no time but always delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Crockpot Chili
This chili takes just a few minutes to throw together before the slow cooker takes over. It’s thick, hearty, and full of flavor without much work at all. It’s one of those easy-to-make dinner recipes that always turns out just right, no matter how busy things get.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
A few tomatoes and a scoop of creamy ricotta turn plain pasta into something comforting and full of flavor. It only takes about half an hour to make, but it tastes like something from a nice restaurant. This is one of those super-easy weeknight recipes that I keep going back to whenever I need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Pesto Salmon
This pesto salmon takes just a few ingredients and barely any prep, but the flavor is still big. The salmon cooks fast and pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies for a simple dinner. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that feels like more than it is and always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Pantry staples like tuna and tomatoes come together for a quick pasta that’s surprisingly filling. It’s fast, simple, and has that homemade feel without much effort. This is one of those super-easy weeknight recipes that’s great when the fridge is almost empty but you still want dinner to taste good.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
This soup uses just a handful of ingredients but comes out warm, hearty, and full of flavor every time. It feels like something that simmered for hours, even though it’s ready fast. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that I go back to when I want comfort food without the work.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Using rotisserie chicken means these enchiladas come together quickly with very little prep. They bake up cheesy and full of flavor, even though they only need a few ingredients. This is one of those easy to make dinner recipes that feels like comfort food without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
The slow cooker does the work on this Thai pork, leaving you with tender meat and great flavor. Just throw everything in and walk away until it’s ready to serve. It’s one of those delicious dinner recipes that makes busy nights feel a little easier without giving up good food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These lasagna roll-ups are cheesy, saucy, and feel like the real thing, but take way less time to make. You get all the flavor of classic lasagna without the extra steps. It’s one of those super-easy weeknight recipes that I’ve come back to again and again because it always turns out right.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
This garlic pork cooks low and slow until it’s tender and full of flavor, with almost no effort. Just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it go while you do something else. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that feels like a weekend meal but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Honey Glazed Chicken
A quick glaze of honey and seasonings turns plain chicken into something sweet, savory, and satisfying. It only takes a few minutes to pull together, but it tastes like you spent way more time on it. This is one of those delicious dinner recipes that feels special without being hard to make.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken, fresh greens, and creamy dressing all come together for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s fast to make and filling enough to be a full meal on busy nights. This is one of those super-easy weeknight recipes that makes a simple salad feel like something more.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Crockpot Carnitas
These carnitas cook low and slow until the pork is tender and packed with flavor, with hardly any prep. They’re great in tacos, rice bowls, or whatever you have on hand. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that’s always worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Italian Meatball Soup
This soup is hearty, simple, and full of meatballs, pasta, and flavor without taking much time to make. It tastes like it simmered for hours, but it’s actually ready pretty fast. It’s one of those super-easy weeknight recipes I turn to when I want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Canned Chicken Salad
Just open a can, mix a few things together, and you’ve got a quick and easy chicken salad that’s still really satisfying. It’s great on crackers, in a sandwich, or straight from the bowl. This is one of those easy-to-make dinner recipes that saves the day when there’s no energy left to cook.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad
Cacio e Pepe
This pasta only needs a few ingredients, but it comes out creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor every time. It cooks fast and doesn’t require anything fancy to pull off. It’s one of those super-easy weeknight recipes that feels like a treat but takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Curry Chicken with Onion
This chicken cooks with sweet onions in a curry sauce that tastes rich and deep but doesn’t take much time. The flavor builds as it simmers, but the steps are simple and easy to follow. It’s one of those delicious dinner recipes that brings a lot to the table without making a big mess.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion