It’s a constant struggle to find the motivation to cook when you’re tired and just want to relax after a long day at work.
Nevertheless, feeding your family healthy, satisfying meals becomes a priority. Let’s face it, dining out every night isn’t an option – both for health and budget reasons.
So, what’s the solution? Easy weeknight dinners! Here, we’ve compiled a list of 45 easy and delicious meals that can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less.
These recipes will make meal planning easier and stress-free – leaving plenty of time for relaxation and enjoyment with your loved ones.
45 Easy Weeknight Dinners
1. Cauliflower Fried Rice
This low-carb, vegan meal is filling and flavorful. Swap out rice for cauliflower and add colorful vegetables and spices.
2. One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
This classic Italian pasta dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s quick, easy, and only requires a few basic ingredients.
3. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps
This recipe can be made with your choice of protein. It includes pineapple salsa and BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy combo.
4. Lentil Soup
This hearty soup is filling, healthy, and budget-friendly. Plus, it’s an instant pot recipe – which makes it easy and hassle-free.
5. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Make this comforting meal in a single pot. This vegetarian/vegan dish is loaded with protein, fiber, and all the flavors of Indian curry.
6. Baked Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
This simple and nutritious meal can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
7. Pesto Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are always a hit with families. Add a twist by spreading pesto over the tortillas for a fresh, zesty taste.
8. Easy Black Bean Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are loaded with flavor, protein, and fiber. Add different toppings such as avocados, fresh herbs, and salsa.
9. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This recipe is a mouthful of tender chicken breasts loaded with creamy broccoli and cheese. Dinner cannot get any more wholesome and delicious.
10. Sesame Ginger Quinoa Bowls
This easy dinner bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The sesame ginger dressing takes it up a notch.
11. Easy Sloppy Joes
This childhood favorite is ready in under 30 minutes. Add a side salad or sweet potato chips for extra nourishment.
12. Creamy Lemon Chicken
This recipe is a one-pan meal packed with flavor and color. Pair with roasted vegetables for a well-balanced dinner.
13. Chicken Enchiladas
These cheesy enchiladas are great for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. Add corn, beans, and rice to make it a complete meal.
14. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This stir-fry recipe is quick, easy, and healthy. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
15. Crispy Fish Tacos
These crispy fish tacos are made with a blend of spices that bring a sweet and spicy flavor. Load them with various garnishes for a homemade, Mexican-style meal.
16. Pappardelle with Chicken in Cream Sauce
This filling pasta meal takes only a half-hour to whip up. The cream sauce is accompanied by chicken and baby spinach to make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
17. Honey Mustard Pork Chops
These moist and tender pork chops are a weeknight favorite. Serve with roasted cauliflower or green beans for a hearty meal.
18. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
This recipe is ideal when you want a straightforward and fuss-free meal. It brings together sausages and colorful vegetables with only one baking sheet.
19. Turkey and Veggie Chili
A chili meal hits the spot after a stressful day. This chili recipe is made with healthy ground turkey and loaded with vegetables.
20. Fish Piccata
This zesty lemon butter and caper sauce is perfect for fish. Add some cooked pasta or risotto on the side for a well-rounded meal.
21. Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry
This dish is a classic Asian stir-fry loaded with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
It takes 30 minutes to prepare, and attention to the flavors in the sauce is the key element to make it stand out.
22. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Sautee shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, then toss with cooked pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal.
23. Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry
This teriyaki beef stir-fry is packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Stir-fry the beef and veggies, then pour the teriyaki sauce over and cook until everything is coated and glazed. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
24. Caprese Chicken
This caprese chicken is a fresh and light dinner option. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then top with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
25. Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon
This lemon herb roasted salmon is a healthy and flavorful dinner choice.
Season salmon fillets with a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roast in the oven until tender and flaky. Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
26. Vegetarian Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are filled with a variety of colorful and flavorful ingredients. Sautee onions, bell peppers, and your choice of veggies, then season with taco spices.
Serve the sauteed veggies in warm tortillas and top with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
27. Greek Lemon Chicken
This Greek lemon chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Grill or bake the chicken until golden and juicy, and serve with a side of Greek salad and tzatziki sauce for a fresh and flavorful meal.
28. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
These quinoa stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and satisfying dinner option. Cook quinoa and mix it with sautéed vegetables, beans, and your choice of spices.
Stuff the mixture into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
29. Thai Red Curry Shrimp
This Thai red curry shrimp is a fragrant and spicy dish that’s quick and easy to make. Sauté shrimp with red curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious Thai-inspired meal.
30. Baked Chicken Parmesan
This baked chicken Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic Italian dish. Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake until crispy.
Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with spaghetti or a side salad.
31. Mexican Quinoa Skillet
This Mexican quinoa skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal. Cook quinoa with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices, and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.
It’s a satisfying vegetarian option that’s packed with protein and fiber.
32. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
This honey garlic glazed salmon is a sweet and savory delight. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then brush the mixture over salmon fillets.
Bake or grill until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
33. Caprese Stuffed Chicken
This Caprese stuffed chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish. Cut a pocket in chicken breasts and stuff them with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Sear the chicken on the stovetop and finish cooking in the oven. Serve with a balsamic glaze drizzle and a side of roasted vegetables.
34. Vegetable Stir-Fried Rice
This vegetable stir-fried rice is a quick and easy way to use up leftover rice and vegetables.
Sauté mixed vegetables in a wok or skillet, add cooked rice, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Customize with your favorite protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
35. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing option for dinner. Slow-cook pork shoulder with BBQ sauce and spices until it’s tender and easily shredded.
Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for a satisfying and tangy meal.
36. Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry
This teriyaki beef stir-fry is a flavorful and protein-packed dish. Sauté thinly sliced beef with vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious Asian-inspired dinner.
37. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a cheesy and comforting meal option. Stuff cooked jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and herbs.
Bake in marinara sauce and top with mozzarella cheese until bubbly and golden.
38. Baked Chimichangas
These baked chimichangas are a healthier twist on the deep-fried favorite. Fill flour tortillas with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese.
Roll them up, brush them with oil, and bake until crispy and golden. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
39. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
This lemon herb roasted chicken is a classic and comforting meal.
Rub chicken with a mixture of lemon juice, herbs, and garlic, then roast until golden and juicy. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
40. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
This shrimp scampi linguine is a quick and flavorful pasta dish. Sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine, then toss with cooked linguine.
Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
41. Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry
This beef and mushroom stir-fry is a simple and delicious dinner option.
Sauté thinly sliced beef with mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
42. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables.
Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. It’s a nutritious and well-rounded meal in one.
43. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish. Cook pasta and toss it in a creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a heartier meal.
44. Greek Gyro Bowls
These Greek gyro bowls are a deconstructed version of the classic sandwich.
Layer seasoned and grilled meat (such as lamb or chicken) with a variety of toppings like tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Serve over a bed of rice or salad greens for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
45. Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish. Cook ziti noodles, layer them with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
Final Thoughts,
With these 45 easy weeknight dinners, you’ll be able to feed your family healthy, delicious meals without the stress of complicated recipes.
From classics like One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio E Olio to exotic dishes like Sesame Ginger Quinoa Bowls, this diverse list offers something to satisfy every taste bud or craving.
Enjoy quality time with your family while you enjoy a satisfying meal.
