10+ Dinner Recipes Easy and Delicious for Busy Weeknights

Finding simple dinner recipes can make your evenings way less stressful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a couple friends, easy recipes save time and effort without sacrificing taste.

Easy dinner recipes give you quick and straightforward ways to prepare meals with everyday ingredients.

You don’t need to be a chef to whip up dinner everyone will actually enjoy. With just a few basic staples and simple steps, you can create meals that are both tasty and satisfying.

These recipes help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing—or honestly, just doing whatever you want.

1) One-Pot Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This one-pot pasta with cherry tomatoes is a quick, no-fuss dinner you can make any night. You cook the pasta right in the sauce, so it soaks up all those fresh flavors.

The tomatoes burst as they cook, making a simple, natural sauce. You only need a handful of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil to bring this dish alive.

It’s perfect if you want something that feels fresh without spending forever at the stove. This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if you want a little extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, add pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and 4 cups water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Stir often and cook until pasta is tender and water reduces, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from heat, stir in basil, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if you want before serving.

2) Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies

You can make a delicious dinner with honey-soy-glazed salmon and fresh veggies, and it’s easier than you think. The salmon gets coated in a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic, giving it a sweet and salty vibe.

Roast or steam your favorite veggies alongside the salmon—carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers are always a win. The veggies add color and crunch.

This dish cooks fast, usually in under 30 minutes. It’s a healthy, easy option when you want a warm dinner without too much fuss.

You can find a full recipe to try here.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, mustard, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
3. Place salmon on a baking sheet and brush with the sauce.
4. Add veggies around the salmon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with the roasted vegetables.

3) Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Sticky BBQ chicken meatballs are a solid choice when you want dinner fast and flavorful. Just mix ground chicken with spices and breadcrumbs, shape into balls, and cook until golden.

Once they’re cooked, coat the meatballs in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This makes them sticky and packed with flavor.

They pair well with simple sides like broccoli slaw or a fresh salad. You can bake them in the oven or brown them in a pan with a splash of olive oil before adding the sauce.

This meal comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides.
5. Add BBQ sauce to the pan. Toss meatballs to coat.
6. Transfer to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

4) 20-Minute Zucchini Pasta with Goat Cheese

This zucchini pasta is quick and simple. You can make a fresh, creamy dish without spending much time in the kitchen.

The goat cheese adds a tangy, smooth flavor that works perfectly with the zucchini and pasta. It’s a light dinner option, especially on warm evenings.

Add lemon or basil for extra brightness and a pop of freshness. This meal feels a little special, but it comes together fast.

Cooking this pasta only takes about 20 minutes. It’s great when you want something easy but tasty.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced thin
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Sauté zucchini until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add pasta to the pan with zucchini.
5. Stir in goat cheese, lemon juice, and zest until creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

You can find more details on this recipe here.

5) Classic Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is an easy, satisfying dinner that works any night of the week. Start by seasoning a whole chicken with salt, pepper, and butter.

This keeps the flavors classic and juicy inside, while the skin turns crispy and golden. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste.

Some people like to rub garlic and lemon under the skin for even more flavor. As the chicken roasts, your kitchen will smell amazing.

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• 1 lemon (optional)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken dry and rub butter all over the skin.
3. Season with salt and pepper, including inside the cavity.
4. Optional: Stuff cavity with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
5. Place chicken breast side up in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for about 1 hour 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.

For more details, see this juicy roasted chicken recipe.

6) Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet pan nachos are a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner you can make fast. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then sprinkle on cheese, cooked ground beef, beans, and any other toppings you love.

Bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) until the cheese melts and bubbles. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Add fresh toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream after baking. It’s great for feeding a group or just a quick weeknight meal.

You can customize it with your favorite ingredients—seriously, go wild.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• Shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Optional: corn, onions, avocado, sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a pan until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Add cooked beef, beans, and cheese over chips evenly.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Add fresh toppings like salsa or sour cream before serving.

7) Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

This dish is a simple, healthy option for dinner. Cook chicken and vegetables together with pesto in one pan, and you’ve got a meal with almost no cleanup.

Use whatever vegetables you have—bell peppers, zucchini, onions, you name it. The pesto brings a fresh, herby kick that pairs well with the chicken.

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Everything roasts together, making the chicken juicy and the veggies tender.

Ingredients

• 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken and vegetables in a baking dish.
3. Spoon pesto over chicken and vegetables, then toss gently to coat.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve warm.

You can find more tips on easy pesto chicken and vegetables here.

8) Black Bean Chili

Black bean chili is a simple, filling dinner you can pull off any night. It’s packed with flavor and hearty enough to keep you full.

You can make it with ground turkey, beef, or just stick to beans and veggies for a vegetarian version. This chili cooks fast, so it’s great for busy evenings.

Spices like oregano and chili powder give it a nice kick. A splash of red wine vinegar or lime juice brightens everything up.

You can easily double the recipe if you want leftovers or need to feed a crowd. This dish goes great with rice, cornbread, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef (optional)
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat—think around 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss in the onion and garlic. Let them get soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, and all those spices.
4. Turn the heat down and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir now and then.
5. Add the vinegar or lime juice, plus salt and pepper. Taste and tweak it if you want.
6. Dish it up hot with whatever sides you like.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, this black bean chili recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights.

9) Homemade Meatballs

Homemade meatballs just hit the spot. You can bake them in the oven, which means less mess and less fuss.

They cook fast—usually just 20-25 minutes. Serve them with pasta or just eat them on their own.

Mixing ground beef and pork gives you a richer flavor. If you soak the breadcrumbs in milk, the meatballs stay nice and moist.

Season with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. That’s really all you need for something tasty.

Try them with tomato sauce, or maybe some roasted veggies on the side. If you want to go all in, here’s a homemade meatball recipe that’s easy to follow.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, soak the bread crumbs in milk for about 5 minutes.
3. Mix together the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread crumbs, onion, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
5. Set them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through and browned.
7. Serve them with your favorite sauce or whatever side you like.

10) Smoky Pork and Greens Stew

Sometimes you just want something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this stew comes in.

You’ll use smoky pork shoulder and fresh greens. It’s straightforward but still tastes like you put in some real effort.

The smoky pork and tender greens are a great combo. Serve it with crusty bread or maybe over rice.

You can even make it ahead and eat it for days—always a win.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped greens (kale, collards, or spinach)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour a little olive oil into a big pot and set it over medium heat.

2. Toss in the pork chunks and let them brown up, turning so they get golden on every side. This should take about 5-7 minutes, give or take.

3. Next, add your chopped onion and garlic. Let them cook down until they’re soft—maybe around 3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika. Stir everything together, then pour in the chicken broth.

5. Add the greens.

6. Crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil.

7. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The pork should get nice and tender by then.

8. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.

9. Serve it up warm.

If you want to check out a similar recipe for smoky pork and greens stew, you can find one here.