Weeknight dinners don’t have to be stressful or time-consuming to be delicious. Whether you’re looking for something quick, satisfying, or just plain easy, these 21 dinner ideas are reliable go-to recipes that get dinner on the table without needing to prepare a million different components or courses. From one-pan wonders to 30-minute meals, these dishes make it simple to win the dinner game every single time.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic parmesan chicken skewers are a reliable 20-minute meal that you can easily whip up when you don’t feel like cooking and just need an easy meal. This recipe is a hit with the whole family, and you most likely already have everything on hand to make it.
View the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Easy Ragù Alla Bolognese
Flavorful and comforting, this hearty bolognese sauce comes together in a flash and is gone almost as quickly when served to hungry appetites. This rich, meaty sauce is quick and easy, unlike other classic bolognese recipes that call for several hours of simmering.
View the recipe: Easy Ragù Alla Bolognese
15-Minute Pistachio Crusted Salmon
This pistachio crusted salmon recipe is elegant yet easy, and packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a great date-night dinner because it makes two servings, but it can easily be scaled up to feed the whole family.
View the recipe: 15-Minute Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Ginger Ground Beef Bowls (Soboro Donburi)
This simple Japanese rice bowl features soboro—finely ground meat infused with umami flavors—generously served over a bed of steamed rice, creating a satisfying donburi (rice bowl) dish. This rendition of the casual dish includes gingery ground beef, mushrooms, peas, and fresh spinach, cooked in a flavorful blend of tamari, toasted sesame oil, and brown sugar. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and nutritious meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
View the recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Bowls (Soboro Donburi)
Flank Steak Peperonata
When the weather makes outdoor grilling less than ideal, this pan-seared flank steak recipe is the answer. Using a foolproof indoor cooking method, this flank steak doesn’t need to be marinated and will still result in a perfectly tender cut with maximum flavor, especially when topped with an easy homemade peperonata. Serve with polenta, mashed potatoes, or inside tacos, as an addition to a rice bowl, or turn into steak sandwiches.
View the recipe: Flank Steak Peperonata
One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this vegan pasta bake recipe features a rich tomato sauce, fresh baby spinach leaves, simple seasoning, creamy plant-based ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all baked in one dish for minimal cleanup. It’s vegan, nut-free, and refined sugar-free with a gluten-free option.
View the recipe: One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake
Easy Air Fryer Meatballs
Baked in an air fryer (or oven) these tender, juicy gluten-free meatballs will be a hit whether you serve them as an appetizer, over a plate of spaghetti, or in a meatball sub. They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
View the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Meatballs
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American classic dish of chicken, mushrooms, and seasonings cooked in a creamy Marsala wine sauce. Requires just one skillet (easy cleanup!), a handful of staple ingredients, and 30 minutes to cook. This one-pan meal is restaurant-worthy but so easy to make at home.
View the recipe: Chicken Marsala
One Pot Mac & Cheese
This creamy, cheesy homemade stovetop mac and cheese is almost as quick and just as easy as the boxed stuff, but oh, SO much better. This recipe requires just one pot and 20 minutes.
View the recipe: One Pot Mac and Cheese
Comforting Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings
This is the perfect dinner when you’re craving chicken and dumplings, but not up to the task of making the traditional dish. Shredded chicken, store-bought gnocchi, and a mirepoix of vegetables in a creamy sauce are the heart and soul of this cozy 30-minute recipe.
View the recipe: Comforting Chicken & Gnocchi Dumplings
Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta
Pasta is tossed in a creamy, silky, lemony sauce with sautéed asparagus, shallots, & toasted almonds. It’s an easy and delicious 30-minute dinner recipe that can serve as a quick go-to meal any night of the week.
View the recipe: Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta
Easy White Biryani
As the name suggests, white biryani is a biryani recipe in which white rice remains white (rather than using saffron or tomatoes which are typically included in this South Asian dish). This biryani recipe is a savory mix of marinated chicken with seasoned basmati rice. Marinate the chicken the day before for best results and to make this recipe even quicker and easier the day of.
View the recipe: Easy White Biryani
Vegan Sloppy Joes With Lentils
Classic sloppy joes made vegan bring a comforting taste of childhood into a health-conscious era. Packed with a blend of spices, savory vegetables, and a tangy tomato base, these hearty sandwiches are packed with plant-based protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
View the recipe: Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils
Easy Beef Taco in a Bowl
This taco in a bowl recipe takes taco fillings to a whole new level. Ground beef, homemade taco seasoning, Mexican rice, green chilies, salsa, black beans, and shredded cheese are topped with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro for a delicious taco meal without the shell. A taco rice bowl so perfect, you’ll want to save the leftovers for easy meal prep lunches.
View the recipe: Easy Beef Taco in a Bowl
Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Add some pizzazz to the dinner table with these spicy garlic chili oil noodles, the quick dinner solution to boring noodle recipes. Noodles are tossed in a fiery concoction of garlic and chili, so deliciously addictive you’ll be licking the bowl (don’t worry, we won’t judge). Just grab a large pot of water and a handful of ingredients and this easy dinner will be ready in no time.
View the recipe: Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
One Pan Saffron Chicken and Jewel-Inspired Rice
The beauty of this saffron chicken and jewel-inspired rice recipe is its simplicity. With just one pan, you’ll create layers of flavor that feel indulgent yet achievable. Tender, golden brown chicken is nestled into a bed of fragrant rice infused with saffron and studded with jewel-like bursts of dried fruits, nuts, and herbs. This dish is a feast for the senses—bold, vibrant flavors come together effortlessly to create something truly special, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a show-stopping meal on a weeknight.
View the recipe: One Pan Saffron Chicken and Jewel-Inspired Rice
Sheet Pan Broiled Cod Recipe With Lemon Herb Sauce
Warmly-spiced broiled cod is surrounded by crispy potatoes, jammy tomatoes, and caramelized onions, all topped with a bright and zingy herb sauce to tie it all together. With simple prep, everyday ingredients, and just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Transfer it from the oven to the table and dinner is served!
View the recipe: Sheet Pan Broiled Cod Recipe with Lemon Herb Sauce
Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
This sheet pan beef and broccoli is a homemade twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Tender cubes of NY steak and fresh broccoli are coated in a savory umami sauce and baked to perfection. Easy to make, full of flavor, and with minimal cleanup—this one-pan dish is a winner!
View the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
Broiled Miso Chicken Thighs
If you’re tired of the same old teriyaki chicken served with rice, this miso chicken might become your new favorite. Enjoy tender, juicy chicken full of umami, made with miso and basic Asian pantry ingredients. No need to marinate in advance—it’s a tasty chicken dinner in a snap!
View the recipe: Broiled Miso Chicken Thighs
Spicy Shrimp Bowl With Rice and Peach Avocado Salad
Packed with tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a vibrant peach avocado salad, this dish transforms plain rice into a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. The sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and spicy shrimp create a deliciously refreshing combination—perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
View the recipe: Spicy Shrimp Bowl with Rice and Peach Avocado Salad
Chow Mein Noodles
This classic Chinese stir-fry features tender chicken, chow mein noodles, and a colorful mix of onions, cabbage, and carrots. Tossed in a savory sauce, it’s quickly cooked over high heat for a flavorful, crave-worthy dish with the perfect balance of textures that rivals any restaurant takeout.
View the recipe: Chow Mein Noodles
More from ‘Pass Me Some Tasty’:
Leave a Comment & Rating!