The Top 10 Easy Weeknight Dinners You’ll Make Again and Again

Weeknight dinners can be a source of stress for many. After a long day, the thought of planning and preparing a meal can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and the right recipes, you can whip up delicious and satisfying dinners that are both quick and easy. This article compiles ten top-rated weeknight dinner ideas you’ll want to add to your regular rotation, focusing on speed, simplicity, and flavor.

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

One-pan meals are a weeknight champion for a reason. They minimize cleanup and allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. This lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe is a perfect example.

Simple Steps to Flavorful Chicken and Veggies

Start by prepping your vegetables. Broccoli florets, chopped carrots, and quartered red potatoes work well, but feel free to use your favorites. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs – rosemary, thyme, and oregano are great choices.

Next, season a whole chicken (or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces) with the same herb mixture, plus a squeeze of lemon juice and some lemon zest. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in a large roasting pan or on a baking sheet.

Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand, and experiment with different herb combinations for a unique flavor profile each time. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

2. Quick & Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Seafood lovers rejoice! Shrimp scampi is a restaurant-quality dish that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s surprisingly simple to make and incredibly flavorful.

From Prep to Plate in Minutes

Start by cooking your linguine according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor), lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the linguine and add it to the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The brightness of the lemon and the richness of the butter create a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds. For an extra touch, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

3. Black Bean Burgers

For a satisfying and healthy vegetarian option, look no further than black bean burgers. They are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and infinitely customizable.

Making the Perfect Veggie Burger

To make the burger patties, combine cooked black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained are fine), cooked brown rice, chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a binder such as breadcrumbs or rolled oats in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but still has some texture.

Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry, bake, or grill until heated through and slightly browned.

Serve the black bean burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. These burgers are packed with flavor and protein, making them a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Experiment with different spices and toppings to create your own signature black bean burger recipe. A chipotle mayo or a spicy guacamole will add an extra layer of flavor.

4. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Another sheet pan winner! Sheet pan fajitas are a vibrant and customizable meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The best part? Minimal cleanup!

Customize Your Fajita Feast

Slice bell peppers (various colors for visual appeal) and onions into strips. Toss with olive oil, fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add sliced chicken or steak to the sheet pan alongside the vegetables. You can also add shrimp for a faster-cooking option.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serve the fajita mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Let everyone build their own fajitas for a fun and interactive meal. Don’t forget the lime wedges! A squeeze of lime juice adds a final burst of flavor. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your refrigerator.

5. Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach

This creamy tomato pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that comes together quickly. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens, too!

A Twist on Classic Tomato Sauce

Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) and stir until smooth.

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (optional). This dish is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of freshness. You can also add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

6. Chicken Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are incredibly versatile and a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. Plus, they cook up in a flash!

Create Your Own Stir-Fry Masterpiece

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry in a wok or large skillet over high heat until cooked through.

Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Pour in your favorite stir-fry sauce (store-bought or homemade), such as teriyaki, soy sauce, or sweet and sour sauce. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve the chicken stir-fry over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Experiment with different sauces and vegetable combinations to create your own signature stir-fry. A sprinkle of peanuts adds a nice crunch.

7. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a customizable and kid-friendly meal that can be ready in minutes. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Endless Quesadilla Possibilities

Spread shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) over half of a tortilla.

Add your favorite fillings, such as cooked chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and sauteed vegetables.

Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.

Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. The possibilities are endless with quesadillas. Get creative with your fillings and try different cheese combinations. A little hot sauce adds a kick.

8. Tuna Melts

Tuna melts are a classic comfort food that’s both quick and satisfying. They’re a great way to use up canned tuna.

Elevating the Classic Tuna Melt

Combine canned tuna (drained), mayonnaise, celery (finely chopped), onion (finely chopped), salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Spread the tuna mixture on slices of bread. Top with slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone).

Butter the outside of the bread and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve the tuna melts with your favorite side dish, such as tomato soup or a side salad. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a brightness to the tuna mixture. Try adding a slice of tomato for extra flavor and moisture.

9. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice.

A Flavorful and Filling Soup

Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a pot with olive oil until softened.

Add lentils (brown or green work best), vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the lentil soup with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

10. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Baked salmon with asparagus is a healthy and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s a great way to get your omega-3s!

A Simple and Delicious Salmon Dinner

Place salmon fillets and asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as dill or parsley.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.

Serve the baked salmon with asparagus with a side of rice or quinoa. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a final touch of brightness. This dish is simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Experiment with different herb combinations for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs About Easy Weeknight Dinners

• What makes a dinner “easy” for a weeknight? Easy weeknight dinners are typically quick to prepare (30-45 minutes or less), require minimal ingredients and cleanup, and often involve simple cooking methods like one-pan meals, stir-fries, or quesadillas.
• How can I meal plan for easy weeknight dinners? Start by choosing a few recipes that you enjoy and that fit your dietary needs. Make a list of the ingredients you’ll need and shop for them in advance. Consider prepping ingredients, like chopping vegetables, on the weekend to save time during the week.
• What are some pantry staples that can help me make quick weeknight dinners? Canned beans, canned tomatoes, pasta, rice, quinoa, eggs, frozen vegetables, and condiments like soy sauce, olive oil, and spices are all great pantry staples to have on hand.
• What are some tips for reducing cleanup after a weeknight dinner? Use one-pan recipes or slow cookers to minimize the number of dishes you have to wash. Clean as you go by washing dishes while you’re waiting for food to cook. Use parchment paper or foil to line baking sheets for easy cleanup.
• How can I involve my kids in preparing weeknight dinners? Kids can help with simple tasks like washing vegetables, measuring ingredients, stirring sauces, or setting the table. Involving them in the cooking process can encourage them to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits.
• What if I don’t have all the ingredients for a recipe? Don’t be afraid to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, if you don’t have a specific vegetable, you can use a different one that you do have.