As the week rolls on, the hustle and bustle of daily life can make meal planning feel like a daunting task. However, with a little inspiration, weeknight dinners can transform from mundane to marvelous. Whether you're feeding a family, cooking for one, or looking to impress your friends, we've compiled over 55 mouthwatering recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. From quick stir-fries to comforting casseroles, this collection has something for everyone, ensuring that your weeknight meals are anything but ordinary.
Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Indulge in this creamy, flavorful Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast—perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion! Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, creamy spinach filling that's both healthy and delicious. Simple to make and sure to impress.
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Tasty and Simple Dinner Recipes Perfect for Two Tonight
Savor a cozy dinner for two with our easy, delicious recipes! Perfect for a romantic night in. Quick, tasty, and satisfying.
Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes
Looking for a comforting and delicious meal idea? Try our mouthwatering ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Our ground beef and potatoes recipe combines savory seasoned beef with tender potatoes cooked to perfection in one skillet. Whether you're a cooking pro or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings the whole family together. Rooted in traditional Midwestern flavors, it combines ground beef, potatoes, and a blend of savory ingredients to create a heartwarming meal. This slow cooker version is perfect for busy days—just add the ingredients, set it, and go about your day, returning to a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice
Indulge your taste buds with these creamy chicken and mushroom one-pot recipes that are perfect for any weeknight dinner! Whip up a delicious meal in just 25-40 minutes, using a medley of fresh ingredients like boneless chicken, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs. The rich creaminess is perfectly balanced with Parmesan and savory spices. Cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup, these dishes are as simple as they are satisfying. Explore exciting variations with added veggies or alternate proteins.
Read more: Gobble Up These 30+ Tasty Turkey Cheese Ball Recipes
22 Flavorful Soups From Around The World To Try Right Now
Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.
Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad
This vibrant Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad combines roasted butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, and feta for a perfect fall side dish.
1 Pot Vegetarian Chili Recipe
This vegetarian chili recipe is a super simple 1-pot meal that's ready in 30 minutes. It's made with TVP (aka fake meat) and lentils as a plant based protein source making it lower in calories and fat. It's also perfect for meal prep so if you're looking for some weeknight fall comfort food inspo- this is the recipe to try!
15 Potpie Recipes That Are Anything but Basic
Few things match the level of satisfaction we get from pairing a creamy potpie gravy with a crispy, buttery outer crust. It has the ease of a casserole without the questionable reputation. It's a comforting, warm treat on a cold day. If it can't be eaten all at once, it's just as good as leftovers. It's perfect for feeding several hungry people at once. It can be made into fancy single-serving pies or served family style in a big pie plate. If you've only stuck by standard chicken potpie, explore these 15 untraditional recipes.
Thai Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup
A fragrant and ultra-creamy dish that's ready in just 15 minutes. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite dumplings and vegetables. Picture a slightly spicy, rich broth combined with frozen potstickers or gyozas for a meal that's as effortless as it is delicious!
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious! Ready in 20 minutes, packed with nutrients, easy to customize, and perfect for busy families.
Creamy Thai Curry Noodle Soup
Savor the rich taste of Chicken Khao Soi, a Thai coconut curry noodle soup made with coconut milk, chicken, and red curry paste. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, bringing a taste of Thailand to your kitchen.
14 Easy Pork Chop Recipes to Make for Dinner
Lean, cheap, and full of flavor, these weeknight warriors deserve a permanent place on your menu plan.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Dive into the deliciousness with our easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, uncooked pasta, and zesty marinara, all baked to perfection. Whether you go for a lighter version with half and half or top it with crispy chicken cutlets, this recipe promises to deliver incredible flavors with minimal fuss.
22 Winter Dinner Recipes
Planning a cozy meal? These 22 winter dinner recipes are perfect winter recipes for cold weather recipes that are sure to satisfy.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week! If you're looking for an easy chicken enchilada soup recipe that's full of flavor, this one's for you. Made with tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and a creamy broth, it's the ultimate comfort food.
12 Minute Citrus Broiled Salmon Filet
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that is also packed with flavor, then look no further because this is it! This 12 Minute Citrus Broiled Salmon Filet comes together with minimal prep, and is one of the best salmon recipes you will make, this year. It's seasoned with tender baked slices of citrus, fresh herbs, and a seasoning blend that makes this salmon flaky, delicious, and practically melt-in-your-mouth.
Our 20 Most Popular 20-Minute Winter Dinner Recipes
These flavorful, easy and quick 20-minute dinners are some of the most popular on the EatingWell site for being the perfect seasonal dishes to make during winter. Try dishes like our One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli and Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding Soup), and you'll find out why these are some of the most-visited recipes on the EatingWell site.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, these wraps combine tender chicken, melted cheddar and mozzarella, and creamy garlic sauce all tucked into a golden tortilla! Customize with your favorite extras, from avocados to grilled veggies, for a delightful twist! Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these wraps are sure to become a family favorite!
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Rigatoni Alla Vodka (Carbone Style) - a rich, creamy, and delicious pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of al dente rigatoni, a flavorful vodka cream sauce, and optional spicy Italian sausage creates a truly indulgent meal.
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna
This Spinach Lasagna is a family favorite that will impress! Rich with three cheeses, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or your next gathering. Layers of spinach, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make this a satisfying vegetarian dish.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This million dollar baked ziti features a decadent combination of four cheeses, meat sauce, and tender pasta. It's creamy, cheesy and oh-so-comforting. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry
Discover a deliciously versatile recipe featuring tender chicken and crisp-tender zucchini, enhanced with aromatic garlic and ginger. This quick dish, ready in 20-30 minutes, is perfect for busy weeknights! Sautéed to perfection and tossed in a savory blend of coconut aminos and optional sauces, it offers a fantastic base for customization.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining. Made with 7 simple, fresh ingredients, it's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and creamy burrata cheese creates a delightful flavor profile.
Healthy Enchilada Skillet
Get all those enchilada flavors you love, but in a recipe that takes half the time. Made in one pan, this weeknight dinner is high in protein and features so many nutritious ingredients, including lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, and corn. Plus, it's budget friendly, gluten free, and flexible.
Honey Sesame Chicken
This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a delicious and quick weeknight meal combining the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that's sticky, flavorful, and perfect with rice or steamed veggies.
Spicy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
This healthy butternut squash soup with warming spices and roasted garlic is the perfect fall soup recipe. It's freezer-friendly and full of flavor, making it a great meal prep option or cozy dinner.
Grilled Chicken Tawook and Mediterranean Rice Bowl Delight
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Grilled Chicken Tawook and Rice Bowl Delight. Perfectly marinated chicken skewers are grilled to juicy perfection and served atop a bed of fluffy, fragrant rice. Accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Delight in the classic taste of Italy with these creamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Filled with a rich cheese and spinach mixture and smothered in marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings
This is a semi home-made recipe, made with a few store bought ingredients, and put together, for a delicious easy meal! It is uber delicious, and makes for a very filling meal!
Creamy Chicken Stew with Mushrooms, Potatoes, and Wine
This creamy chicken stew recipe is cozy and comforting. It cooks quickly enough for a weeknight, and can be on the table in under an hour.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to savor the incredible combination of tender steak bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Our richly spiced and tender slow cooker chilli con carne is the perfect meal to prepare for busy weeknights and when comfort food is needed.
Baked Rosemary Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Orzo
Baked rosemary chicken meatballs over creamy tomato orzo & spinach. This dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
If you're on the lookout for a delicious and hassle-free chicken recipe that's bound to tantalize your taste buds, look no further than this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. With the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that you can effortlessly whip up in your own kitchen.
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Looking for a quick and delicious one-pan meal? Try this creamy chicken and rice dish! Combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich Parmesan sauce, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Customize with your favorite veggies like broccoli or asparagus, and enjoy the comforting flavors that everyone will love.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, rich dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It's the perfect balance of flavor and indulgence, ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Easy The BEST Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delicious blend of tangy and sweet flavours, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender chicken pieces are coated in a flavourful sauce, combined with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple.
53 Quick Dinners That Were Made for Busy Weeknights
Wouldn't it be miraculous if dinner appeared on the table every single night at 6 p.m.? Thanks to these 53 speedy weeknight recipes, it's not a pipe dream.
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl
Experience a burst of flavors with our Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl! This wholesome dish features marinated chicken, cooked to perfection, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients. Loaded with fresh veggies, olives, and a drizzle of tangy dressing, this bowl is both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for meal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a healthy, hearty meal.
Creamy Salmon Piccata with Lemon and Capers
Indulge in the deliciousness of Creamy Salmon Piccata! This easy-to-make dish features pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a luscious creamy lemon sauce, capers, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion! Serve it alongside orzo, salad, or roasted veggies for a delightful meal.
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
Enjoy our Sweet Chili Meatballs cooked in a Crockpot! Grab the delicious recipe at thefreshmancook.com
Sweet & Savory Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
These Dr. Pepper baked beans will be the hit of any gathering! The sweet and savory recipe is such a fun twist on a classic.
Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Impress your holiday guests with this Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin! It's elegant, delicious, and a time-saver, making it the ultimate main dish for your festive feast.
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful cream sauce that's sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners, this is a rich and satisfying meal that that promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a quick and flavorful meal combining savory ground beef, a rich and slightly sweet sauce, and tender linguine. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner that's both satisfying and easy to make.
Classic Patty Melt
The next time you're stuck on what to make for dinner, try this classic patty melt recipe. It's tasty, easy to make, and sure to please the whole family.
Easy Mongolian Meatballs
Looking for a new and unique meatball recipe? Try these Mongolian meatballs in a sweet, savory sauce that makes a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Chicken Pot Pie with biscuits is the ultimate comfort food! It's easy to make in a skillet, top with biscuits, and bake in the oven! It's made from scratch and full of comforting flavor.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delicious, comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chunks of chicken and pillowy gnocchi are bathed in a creamy garlic sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's an ideal weeknight dinner that's easily customizable and sure to please the whole family.
Chicken Sweet Potato Curry
This luxurious Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is an Indian-inspired meal made in one pot with mostly pantry staples. It's a fabulous weeknight dinner that is nutritious and filled with ultra-creamy, rich flavors that will taste as good as your favorite Indian takeout.
Tini's Mac & Cheese
Testing out the best mac & cheese across the internet is not an easy task, but someone's got to do it! This recipe for Tini's Mac & Cheese is a delicious and indulgent option perfect for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side or anytime you're craving a comforting, cheesy dish.
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly - perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. The creamy spinach sauce adds a delicious twist to this healthy meal.
Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
A light and delicious weeknight meal is always a necessity, and this Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is the perfect thing to satisfy those taste buds! This recipe features a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats pillowy ravioli.
Steak Frites
Enjoy a classic Steak Frites dish at home! This recipe features tender steak served with a delectable Béarnaise sauce and perfectly crisp french fries. It's a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make.
Ending
With these 55+ weeknight recipes at your fingertips, dinner no longer has to be a chore. Embrace the joy of cooking with meals that are simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something light and fresh or hearty and satisfying, there’s a recipe here to suit every palate and occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the culinary adventure begin! Your weeknights will never be the same again.
