Dinnertime during the week can be a challenge. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for boring or unhealthy meals. With a little planning, you can whip up delicious and satisfying dinners in no time at all.
This post is packed with 27 quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas that are sure to please everyone at the table. From one-pan wonders to 30-minute meals, there's something for every taste and every busy schedule.
Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This easy bourbon chicken recipe is a classic dish that's ready in under 30 minutes and combines delicious tangy and sweet flavors. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory Bourbon sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal. Get the recipe.
Cumin Beef Fried Rice Recipe
This beef fried rice recipe is the perfect one-bowl meal that combines ground beef, leftover rice, and the warmth of cumin for the perfect meal! It’s faster than takeout and only takes 15 minutes to make this from scratch. This fried rice tastes incredible and goes with just about everything. Get the recipe.
Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms
This 30-minute Polenta Recipe gets its unique flavor from an umami-packed Miso Paste. Served with quick sautéed mushrooms, this polenta is SO creamy and perfect for busy days. It's healthy, comforting, and easy to make. Get the recipe.
Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
Easy Spaghetti Carbonara is comfort food at its best. Made with crispy bacon and delicious combination of Italian cheeses, this flavorful pasta will quickly become your favorite hearty meal. Get the recipe.
One-Pot Pork and Vegetable Stew
Easy to prepare One-Pot Pork Vegetable Stew is a delicious and comforting weeknight meal your family will enjoy. Get the recipe.
Eggplant Chicken Stew
Eggplant chicken stew is a delicious and healthy, nutrient-packed stew that goes perfectly well with rice and noodle dishes. Get the recipe.
Creamy Salmon Pasta
This Easy and Creamy Salmon Pasta features quickly seared salmon tossed in a creamy smoky sauce along with your favorite pasta. This hearty and satisfying dish is loaded with flavor and comes together in no time. Get the recipe.
Easy Thai Coconut Curry
This Thai Eggplant Red Curry is simple yet flavor packed meal perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Zucchini and tofu add richness and nutrients to this already healthy freezer-friendly dish. Made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes. Get the recipe.
Super Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe
This super easy sloppy joes recipe requires only 5 ingredients and will be ready in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days when you want to whip up something the whole family will love! Get the recipe.
Garlic Mussels in Sour Cream Sauce
Ridiculously quick and easy recipe for dinner requires just a handful of ingredients. These Garlic Mussels In Sour Cream Sauce are such a comforting seafood dish, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don't feel like cooking. Get the recipe.
Kielbasa and Veggies Sheet Pan
This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.
Chicken Ragu Pasta
This simple chicken ragu pasta may be easy to make and use everyday ingredients, but there's nothing basic about its flavor. This yummy, savory, and quick-to-make dinner idea is bound to become a favorite family meal. Enjoy this homemade pasta with ground chicken in just half an hour. Get the recipe.
Italian Cannellini Bean Salad
This Italian Cannellini Bean Salad is healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. Made with white beans, juicy roasted bell peppers, olives, marinated red onions, and dollops of cashew cheese, it's the perfect cold side dish or easy lunch. A good option for picnics, potluck, or work lunches too. Get the recipe.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This is hands down the BEST Creamy Mushroom Risotto and I'm not exaggerating. It's uniquely flavorful, rich and indulgent. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy, gluten-free risotto is a perfect choice for a date night or family dinner. Get the recipe.
Thai Salmon Curry
Enjoy authentic Thai flavors in a super creamy sauce with this Thai Salmon Curry. Pan-seared salmon is served in a creamy coconut milk curry sauce, all done in just 30 minutes. This quick and flavorful Thai Salmon Curry makes the perfect weeknight dinner! Get the recipe.
Grilled Chicken Panzanella Salad
Herb-smothered grilled chicken, fresh veggies and crunchy croutons produce an epic Grilled Chicken Greek Panzanella Salad. It's a feel good recipe your family will love! Get the recipe.
Korean Beef and Rice
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then try this Korean beef and rice! It’s the perfect combination of flavors for a meal that’s going to become a new family favorite! With a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal from start to finish in just 15 minutes! Get the recipe.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
An easy weeknight one pot dinner idea, kid-friendly and delicious. Get the recipe.
Pasta Checca
Pasta Checca with Burrata! This recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes. Quick, no-cook sauce tossed with hot angel hair pasta and topped with creamy burrata. Get the recipe.
Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms
Make these super juicy Cast Iron Pork Chops in just 25 minutes - for a delicious, flavor packed dinner. With garlic, mushrooms & thyme, these chops are seared, then simmered in red wine for the juiciest chops you've ever had. Get the recipe.
Sausage and Bean Soup
Craving soup to warm your bones this winter? Try this easy Sausage and Bean Soup for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It's full of protein, spices, and vegetables. Get the recipe.
Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff
This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is the perfect one-pot meal that'll be ready in under 30 minutes to give you a deliciously satisfying meal without having to slave away in the kitchen all day! It features chicken stroganoff, the chicken version of this incredibly popular East European dish that we've all come to know and love. Get the recipe.
Gluten Free Salmon Piccata
Get a healthy dose of omega-3 fats with this quick and delicious Gluten Free Salmon Piccata. This gluten-free dish is fresh, lemony, and salty and comes together in under 20 minutes. Get the recipe.
Shrimp Lo Mein
Make delicious shrimp lo mein at home and skip the takeout with this simple recipe. Featuring Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp and vegetables tossed in a restaurant-worthy sauce, this 20 minute meal will become a dinner time favorite. Get the recipe.
TikTok Spaghetti
Welcome to the easiest version of the Viral Tiktok Spaghetti pasta recipe. It's the ultimate comfort food – spaghetti, meat, and cheese – transformed into a viral sensation. Get the recipe.
30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry
This easy pepper steak stir fry recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and it’s better than take-out! It’s got everything I look for in a meal (from a nutrition standpoint): carbs, veggies, protein, and FLAVOR! Your whole family will love this recipe for pepper steak stir fry. Get the recipe.
Salmon Stew
I love a good fish stew or fish soup, and any time I see a bouillabaisse on the menu you can be sure I'm going to order it. But since creating this recipe, I don't need to go out to enjoy a flavorful stew. Instead, I just make this simple salmon version at home. Get the recipe.
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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