60+ Easy Dinner Ideas to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation

Caramelized Leek Spaghetti

This creamy, salty pasta dish gets a boost from a leek-infused base and a crisp topping of pan-fried leeks. Basil and lemon zest provide contrast, and aged provolone and Parmesan cheese thicken up the buttery sauce. From start to finish, the whole dish comes together in under 35 minutes.

Veggie Udon Stir-Fry

A vegan stir-fry that’s loaded with flavor? Sign us up! This 30-minute meal calls for vegetarian oyster sauce and naturally-vegan udon noodles, and you’ll also find a hearty and healthy mix of peppers, carrots, onion, and cabbage. When cooking this tasty dish, aim to thinly slice the vegetables so they cook in a short amount of time. A thickness of ¼-inch or less is best.

Spiced Lamb Tacos

Lamb isn’t necessarily a common taco filling, but it’s certainly a delicious one. To whip up these tasty tacos in 20 minutes, start by cooking ground lamb with cumin and harissa. Then, you’ll make a zippy Greek yogurt sauce spiked with garlic and lemon, and prepare some lemon-marinated cabbage. Garnish each taco with a sprinkle of cilantro to seal the deal.

Egg Roll Bowls

This take on a deconstructed egg roll has all of the flavors you know and love, but without any rolling or frying. Still, you’ll find store-bought wonton wrappers that’ll bake until golden brown, ground pork flavored with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha, and pre-cut coleslaw and carrots that add that trademark egg roll crunch.

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

This 30-minute skillet lasagna is picky-eater friendly and comes together in one pot to make easy work of tonight's dinner. The recipe utilizes pre-packaged ravioli and jarred marinara sauce to keep prep time under 15 minutes. If marinara sauce isn't your thing, swap in alfredo sauce instead.

Use-It-Up Quiche

Save some food from going to waste with this use-it-up quiche. Instead of calling for specific ingredients, this recipe calls for a cup of veggies, a half cup of meat, and a half cup of cheese, leaving interpretation up to what's in your fridge. Leftovers make for a delicious breakfast the next morning!

Smash Burger Tacos

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried a smash burger in taco form. Here, perfectly warmed tortillas are packed with seasoned ground beef, avocado chunks, and pico de gallo. Drizzle each taco with a homemade mayonnaise mixture spiked with cilantro, garlic, and lime juice for even more flavor.

Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

The key to this 30-minute recipe is the potent garlic butter, which coats the shrimp. The shrimp are also seasoned with smoked paprika and orange zest, and joined by Castelvetrano olives for a briny punch. Serve the shrimp over rice and garnish with scallions for the best results.

One-Pot Miso Mushroom Pasta

There’s nothing not to love about a one-pot recipe, and this miso mushroom pasta dish is a cut above the rest. That would be courtesy of a white miso sauce that also includes fresh sage and garlic-infused butter on sautéed mushrooms. This pasta is ready in 40 minutes, and the cleanup is even easier. Talk about a win-win!

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

For a slightly different (but equally delicious) take on grilled cheese, give this quick dinner recipe a try. In between thick slices of Italian bread, you’ll find a mixture of fontina and Parmesan cheeses, along with cream cheese, spinach, artichoke heart pieces, and Italian seasoning. Ready in a mere 30 minutes, this is an easy meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Herby Chickpea, Spinach, and Rice Stew

Unlike most stews, which can simmer on the stove for hours, this one is ready in just 35 minutes. Start by cooking an onion and adding chickpeas before seasoning them both with sumac, and then let the mixture simmer in broth and chickpea liquid. Add spinach and herbs for flavor, and don’t forget to stir in the cooked rice!

Scallops in Brown Butter and Caper Sauce with Broccolini

Don’t let the brown butter sauce fool you, this scallop dish is an easy and healthy dinner option that’s ready in 20 minutes. Scallops are a great source of protein, and the side of broccolini adds even more protein, as well as other necessary nutrients.

Parsley-Garlic Salmon

This “game-changing” fish dish totally lives up to the hype, we promise. That’s largely thanks to a stir-together sauce made with mayonnaise, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, lemon, and, of course, parsley and garlic. Since this decadent dinner is ready in just 40 minutes, it’s no surprise that it’s one of our most-saved recipes of all time.

Brothy Coconut Cod With Noodles

This dish may look like it takes hours to cook, but we promise it’s ready to eat in just 25 minutes. Here, rice noodles and delicate cod mingle in a coconut-turmeric broth for an easy dinner that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. To spice things up a bit, cook a finely chopped green or red chile alongside the ginger.

Weeknight Beef Stroganoff

This hearty, comforting beef stroganoff could easily end up in your weekly dinner rotation for how simple and fast it comes together. The oniony mushroom sauce ensures each bite of thinly sliced steak and noodles is tender and full of flavor. To round out the meal, serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Sheet-pan dinners are a dream come true for busy cooks. You can cook a whole meal—in this case, chicken leg quarters and sweet potato wedges—in the same pan. This cooking method saves time and effort during meal prep and speeds cleanup, too.

Salt and Pepper Chicken

In just under 30 minutes, this easy Chinese staple chicken recipe is ready for indulging. You'll use just one skillet—plus a pot for the rice and a couple of bowls—to make this recipe, so you won't have much to clean up. And if you have leftovers (emphasis on "if"), we recommend reheating the chicken in the air fryer for crisp perfection.

Slow-Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast Rice Bowls

This slow cooker pork roast recipe is full of flavors, thanks to the packet of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and shallots that get tossed in the mix. After eight hours in the slow cooker, the pork becomes fall-apart tender. You'll then serve it on a bed of white rice with cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, and more peppers.

Shawarma-Seasoned Cauliflower and Chickpea Pitas

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of marinated meat that is thinly sliced and slow-roasted on a spit. This vegetarian twist uses a shawarma spice blend to add shawarma's bold flavor to the cauliflower and chickpeas mix before placing it onto a pita round with smooth yogurt. Sliced red onions give the pita a kick while crunchy cucumbers mellow it out.

Skillet Chicken With Grapes and Shallots

This easy weeknight dinner is made to impress everyone at the table. Seasoned juicy chicken thighs, caramelized shallots, and sweet browned grapes lie on a bed of creamy polenta for a unique dish full of flavor. Thyme leaves top it off, giving the plate an earthy taste.

Crispy Chicken Cutlets With Artichoke Dressing

You can't go wrong with crispy chicken cutlets for a quick dinner. Breadcrumb-coated chicken bakes with roasted asparagus and is topped with a lemony dressing made from briny artichoke hearts, fresh parsley, and salty Parmesan cheese. It is so tasty that it's hard to believe you can whip it up in just 25 minutes.

Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce

With only eight ingredients and 30 minutes, this simple dinner recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner. It tops linguine noodles with a tasty cherry tomato sauce infused with pancetta. Finish with Parmesan and basil for a truly delicious meal.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Arugula Salad

A grill is perfect for easy dinner ideas, as proven by this simple pork chop recipe. Give the pork chops a perfect sear by patting them dry before setting them on a hot, oiled grill. And—bonus!—there's no smoky kitchen to worry about afterward.

Grilled Halloumi Salad

Let's count why this grilled salad will likely become a new dinner fave:

1. It's easy to throw together after work, yet it manages to be super filling.
2. It hits all the right flavor notes—from briny olives to spicy garlic and cool, crunchy cucumbers.
3. Best of all, it's grilled halloumi: a firm cheese that can stand the heat of a grill or grill pan and tastes salty, like feta.

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

How does curry make a list of quick dinner recipes? This fast version uses rotisserie chicken to save time, so the meal is ready in just over 30 minutes. Pin this one for nights when you're craving Indian food but don't want takeout.

Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn

Most chili recipes require you to simmer everything for an hour or two, but when your family wants chili fast, this poblano chile-spiked version is the one to pull out. It's packed with ground beef, black beans, corn, and carrots and comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. Double the recipe and take care of dinner for a night down the road, or stretch the chili by serving it over brown rice.

Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes

That sheet pan used for easy chicken dinners works for fish, too. This recipe roasts everything—creamy Yukon gold potatoes, cod fillets, and crispy chard leaves—on a single pan. Dress it up with a quick olive salsa that adds richness, acidity, and a little spice to the whole dish.

Steak and Potato Skewers With Orange Salsa

There's nothing better than a meal on a stick, especially if it only takes 30 minutes to cook. With this dinner recipe, you grill spiced steak and cooked potato skewers alongside bell peppers and onions. The whole spread is tied together via a spicy orange salsa that you'll want to make over and over.

Quick Lamb and Vegetable Stew

Carrots, onion, diced canned tomatoes, green beans, chicken broth, and fresh parsley combine to flavor this easy-to-make lamb stew. It's a hearty, warm meal you can make any night, but is especially comforting on cool fall or spring days. If you're feeling ambitious, the recipe provides instructions for you to make an extra batch to freeze for later.

Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers

Turkey burgers can be a tad dry, but these are anything but. Key ingredients—shredded zucchini, eggs to bind, garlic powder, and cumin—combine to make these patties extra juicy and flavorful. Top burgers with the obligatory sliced tomato, crispy lettuce, and your other favorites, and you won't be disappointed.

Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Mango Chutney Slaw

Ready in 30 minutes, these delicious chicken cutlets adopt flavor and crunch from their shredded coconut breading. Serve alongside a tasty mango chutney coleslaw—which pairs perfectly with the coconut flavor—and you have a new winning dish for your weeknight dinner rotation.

Summer Nachos

Full of flavor and nutritious summer vegetables, these vegetarian nachos are perfect for a quick dinner for yourself or the family. Featuring corn, zucchini, and avocado in every cheesy bite, they're ready in 30 minutes, start to finish. (Despite "summer" in the title, you're allowed to follow this recipe any time of year!)

Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes

Sheet pan dinners are a favorite for a quick and easy dinner. This one features roasted salmon and potatoes flavored with smoked paprika and orange zest dressing. Topped with avocado and orange salsa, you can enjoy this easy meal with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep.

Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps

Fun to eat and easy to make, these chicken lettuce wraps feature a delicious coconut-peanut sauce and rice vermicelli noodles. Top with your favorite vegetables, and let everyone assemble their own. Ready in just 25 minutes, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Chicken Paprikash Soup

Inspired by the traditional Hungarian dish of the same name, this recipe turns those same robust flavors into a comforting soup that's ready in just 30 minutes. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this a perfect dish for any weeknight dinner or when you're in a rush.

Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast

A delicious combination of breakfast favorites—roasted potatoes, crispy prosciutto, and sunny-side-up eggs—makes this wholesome dish perfect any time of day. Easy and convenient, everything cooks on a single baking sheet with only 20 minutes of hands-on prep. Let the oven do the rest, and enjoy your meal!

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Take advantage of pre-cooked chicken to make this creamy pasta dinner. You'll love how the wider noodles and nutritious mushrooms combine with the sauce. It's simple to make and quick to cook, so enjoy!

Spicy Summer Squash Stir-Fry

We're fans of a quick, easy, yet filling stir-fry dinner, and this 20-minute vegetarian version is one reason why. It features summer squash and eggplant, as well as red jalapeño and crushed red pepper that bring a bit of heat to the dish. Serve with white rice for a perfect pairing.

Curried Eggplant With Tomatoes and Basil

Full of protein and fiber from canned chickpeas, this vegetarian curry dish comes together in only 25 minutes. Eggplant, tomatoes, and basil boost the nutritional value and flavors while (optional) Greek yogurt tops the dish for a refreshing contrast. Serve with rice for a filling and complete meal.

Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Full of healthy vegetables like fennel and broccoli rabe, this easy dinner idea cooks in just 30 minutes. It delivers a hearty combination of sausage, gnocchi, veggies, and creamy ricotta cheese in every bite. Aside from the broccoli rabe, everything else cooks in a single skillet to make cleanup a breeze.

Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli

This dinner recipe might taste like a traditional slow-cooked Italian pasta dish with vegetables and sausage, but it's ready in 20 minutes and uses ground turkey, a leaner, healthier alternative to sausage that cooks up quickly. Chopped garlic and crushed red pepper give the pasta a bit of a zip.

Spicy Chorizo-and-Pinto Bean Chili

Spicy chorizo and poblano chiles mingle with pinto beans in a tomato broth for this hearty 30-minute chili. Top with diced avocado, thinly sliced cabbage, cilantro, or any other toppings you enjoy. It's a perfect weeknight solution that's filling and delicious.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

A sheet pan comes to the rescue again in this quick 30-minute recipe. Out of the oven, serve right from the pan with warm tortillas and toppings like avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, or your faves. The best part is the easy cleanup!

Saucy Shrimp and Noodle Stir-Fry

This easy stir-fry is packed with protein, nutritious veggies, and umami flavor from shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce. Chile-garlic sauce and honey mix for a tasty sweet and spicy coating for the shrimp and rice noodles. Since it's ready in just 20 minutes, you have time to make an easy dessert!

Speedy Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches

Our take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich comes together in just 30 minutes. It glazes tender roast pork with honey, lime, and sesame flavors, while carrots and cucumber are quick-pickled in lime juice. You'll enjoy the fresh flavors in this simple-to-make sandwich topped with a spicy Sriracha mayo.

No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna

It's hard to imagine cooking lasagna in only 25 minutes, but this no-bake vegetarian recipe accommodates a busy night's time constraint. Full of summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and zucchini, this recipe delivers a nutritious and comforting meal, and the oven stays off!

Gnocchi With Corn & Miso

It only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and this corn and miso gnocchi feels sophisticated despite its ease. It tops tender gnocchi with salty pecorino cheese and a sprinkling of pepper. Think of it as a summery take on cacio e pepe.

Lemony Linguine With Olives and Feta

This 30-minute dinner recipe packs a flavor punch. It partners jarred Castelvetrano olives with golden pine nuts, which add a bit of crunch. Fresh garlic and lemon keep the dish light and bright while red pepper flakes amp up the heat.

Tortellini With Sausage and Greens

Cheesy and creamy, this comforting dinner is on the table in just 25 minutes. The shortcut lies in the store-bought tortellini, which perfectly complements the meaty hot Italian sausage. Top with a quick sprinkle of Parmesan and dig in.

Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Salmon and Broccolini

For a busy weeknight, look no further than this 25-minute recipe. No ordinary cooked salmon, it's flavored with a buttery, garlicky, sun-dried tomato treatment. Paired with cheesy, charred broccolini, this easy meal does not disappoint.

Soba Noodle Salad with Chili-Glazed Shrimp

Shrimp is a shoo-in for a quick and easy recipe, and this one pairs them with soba, which are soft, Japanese, buckwheat noodles. It surrounds the shrimp, noodles, and veggies (your favorite coleslaw mix) with a rich, sweet-and-savory peanut sauce, all tossed just before serving. The result is an innovative, Asian-inspired salad full of protein and flavor.

Creamy Enchilada Soup

Weekends are for spending half the afternoon cooking a big batch of enchiladas, but weeknights call for this 30-minute recipe that borrows those same Tex-Mex flavors. Yes, there are shortcuts—bottled salsa verde, taco seasoning mix, and canned green chilies—but you end up with a meat-free meal that really wows.

Rosemary Lamb Chops

When you think of a quick and easy dinner, lamb chops probably aren't top of mind, but this recipe should be. In just 15 minutes, you can do it all—boil bulgur, broil lamb chops bathed in a rosemary-olive-mayo mixture, smash cucumbers to mix in with the cooked bulgur, and plate—for a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Instant Pot Risotto With Peas & Crispy Salami

In the culinary world, risotto has a reputation as a high-maintenance dish that requires toasting, adding, stirring, watching, more adding, and more stirring. For this recipe, your Instant Pot does most of the work for you in less than half the time. The result is a creamy, Spanish-inspired, rice-and-veggie dish to serve with a main or on its own.

Thai Peanut Butter Ramen

Almost nothing is quicker and easier than preparing a package of instant ramen, but this dish comes close and is so much tastier. Instead of adding the little seasoning packet that comes with it, this recipe flavors those same quick-cooking noodles with a mixture of peanut butter, chile sauce (gochujang or Sriracha), and sesame oil. Add a protein if you want, or keep this dish in mind for Meatless Monday.

Shrimp and Chorizo Skillet Supper

If you're wondering, "Is it a salad, a stew, or a gumbo?" the answer is, "Yes!" It's also a one-pot 30-minute recipe with "busy weeknight" written all over it. Besides the titular ingredients, it features chickpeas and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce, all served on a bed of arugula.

Fast Italian Fish Stew

With fast in its title, this dinner recipe was made for a busy weeknight. It calls for searing halibut filets and then setting them aside. The stew—cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and capers in seasoned chicken stock—cooks in that same skillet, and then the filets return for the final few minutes on the stove. With just one skillet to clean, what'll you do with all that extra time?

Instant Pot Colcannon with Herbed Pork Chops

Why not try a new Irish dish for dinner? Colcannon is a long-time favorite comprising of onion-flecked mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage alongside some herby pork chops. You'll sear it on a hot skillet until it is browned and add a pinch of poultry seasoning—thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and sage.

Broiled Salmon on Rice With Broccoli

This dish features broiled salmon that's buttery, flaky, and won't stink up your kitchen. When nearly done, it's brushed with a glaze of brown sugar and low-sodium soy sauce or tamari that caramelizes, giving each fillet a slightly crispy top. Save some sauce for drizzling over the broccoli rice, too.

Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas

Quick and simple to make, these quesadillas are also filling and nutritious. Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up prep to put this dish on the table in just 20 minutes. Serve with salsa, sour cream, avocado, and whatever other toppings you enjoy.

Rosemary Chicken with Zucchini

If you're looking for a recipe that won't create a lot of dirty dishes, a sheet pan meal is the way to go. This one roasts potatoes, zucchini, and boneless, skinless chicken breasts—all on the same pan—for a well-rounded meal that's a breeze to clean up.