Weeknight Wins: 40 Easy Recipes to Get Dinner Done!

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Tired of the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma? Say goodbye to takeout menus and last-minute grocery dashes. Dive into this array of simple recipes that bring scrumptious, hassle-free dinners straight to your kitchen, no matter how hectic your weeknights get.

Chicken Fajitas

Image Credit: Downshiftology

Chicken fajitas make a tasty weeknight meal that’s super easy to whip up. Juicy chicken, cooked to perfection, seasoned and tossed with sauteed bell peppers and onions. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime, wrap it all up in warm tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and voila! A delicious, healthy family favorite dish you can’t resist.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fajitas

Shrimp and Grits

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

Here’s an easy shrimp and grits recipe! You’ve got juicy shrimp in a delicious sauce served on creamy, cheesy grits, topped with bacon and scallions.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Lemon Pasta

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

This lemon pasta recipe is a total treat! With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes, you’ll feel like you’re in sunny citrus heaven!

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pasta

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a plate with some rice.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

It doesn’t get simpler (or more delicious) than this! Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs require only three ingredients and come out perfectly baked in your oven. Ideal for a hectic weeknight, this recipe packs a punch of flavor with minimal fuss.

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Cacio e Pepe

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Cacio e Pepe is a delicious pasta dish with just four ingredients, ready in twenty minutes, and perfect for feeding the whole fam. Before you know it, you’ll be hollering, “Food’s up!”

Get The Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Panko Chicken

an overhead image of Panko Chicken on a plate with a fork and lemon wedgesImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to boring chicken! These golden-brown cutlets feature a delightful crunch thanks to the panko parmesan crust, unveiling succulent, tender chicken inside. The perfect blend of flavor and texture will have you craving seconds in no time.

Get The Recipe: Panko Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

a close up image of a Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast being served with a spatula.Image Credit: Ajoke/The Dinner Bite

Ditch the boring chicken routine! This recipe takes boneless, skinless breasts to flavor town with a simple bacon weave and everyday spices. Baked to juicy perfection with a caramelized crispy exterior, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with anything!

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

talian Sausage and Peppers

a close up image of Italian Sausage and Peppers on a sheet pan ready to serve.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy Italian sausage and peppers recipe is perfect for any occasion. Grill or bake it, then serve it on a roll, with pasta, or as a pizza topping.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage and Peppers

Pesto Shrimp Recipe

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These succulent shrimp skewers are marinated in a vibrant pesto, then grilled to juicy tenderness. The result? A burst of flavor in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Shrimp Recipe

Amatriciana Pasta

A heaping bowl of pasta with Amatriciana Sauce topped with grated cheese.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Staying authentic to its origins, it showcases a zesty tomato sauce infused with the rich flavors of pancetta, onions, and white wine. Simply toss it with your preferred pasta for a swift and delectable weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Amatriciana Sauce

Chicken Francaise

A close up image of Chicken Francaise in a pan.Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

Tender chicken cutlets are bathed in an insanely delicious sauce that bursts with fresh lemon and white wine. Silky butter adds a touch of richness, making each bite a flavor explosion. The best part? This one-skillet wonder comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Chicken Pot Pie

Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

This chicken pot pie recipe is your secret weapon for delicious and effortless dinners. Juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and creamy gravy are all prepped ahead of time, leaving just the baking step for when you’re ready.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A plate full of shrimp scampi and spaghetti sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple Shrimp Scampi is made with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine; it’s a timeless Italian favorite made wonderfully simple.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Charleston Shrimp And Grits With Crab Gravy

Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration! Experience a symphony of flavors that’s not only spectacular to taste, but also faithful to the rich culinary history of Charleston.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp And Grits

Mustard Chicken

A close up of a pan of chicken in mustard sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat your guests to the delicious flavors of this wonderful Mustard Chicken recipe, which is simple to prepare and ready in just 35 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Mustard Chicken

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

Dinnertime just got easier! This Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is a one-pan wonder, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Chicken & Asparagus

A bowl of Chicken and Asparagus in a cream sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’ll love this Creamy Chicken & Asparagus dish, where everyday ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary. Easy to prepare yet brimming with flavor, it’s perfect for special occasions and delightful weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Asparagus

Chicken Marsala

a close up image of A cast iron pan filled with chicken marsala and mushrooms.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This chicken marsala recipe brings an Italian restaurant favorite to your table. It’s so delicious that you won’t need to order in again.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup, with a spoon.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This comforting soup is packed with tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables all simmering in a flavorful Italian broth. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and get a satisfying, nutritious meal on the table in no time.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken Cobb Salad

An overhead photo of cob salad layered with eggs, bacon, tomatoes lettuce etcImage Credit: fortyforks

This hearty Chicken Cobb Salad bursts with flavor and texture. Imagine juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado mingling with fresh tomatoes perfectly cooked eggs, and all crowned with crumbles of tangy blue cheese.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Cobb Salad

Easy Crab Cakes

Three Crab Cakes on a plate with lemon wedges and a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe lets you whip up incredible crab cakes with fresh, flavorful ingredients at home. It’s surprisingly easy – just mix it up, pan-fry it, and enjoy a customizable, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll leave you happy and satisfied.

Get The Recipe: Crab Cakes

Easy Baked Chicken Legs

an overhead image of a platter of baked chicken legs.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe makes succulent chicken legs coated with a zesty garlic mustard marinade and a tantalizing spice blend. This crispy, flavor-packed dinner will delight everyone gathered around the table.

Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken Legs

Miso Chicken

a slice of miso chicken on a fork with more slices in the backgroundImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple miso chicken recipe will be a delightful addition to your dinner lineup. Miso paste forms a flavorful marinade, imparting a savory-sweet essence to the chicken, while high heat guarantees crispy skin and juicy perfection.

Get The Recipe: Miso Chicken

One Pot Pastalaya

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Get a taste of Louisiana with Pastalaya, a quick, budget-friendly, one-pot wonder! This flavorful pasta dish is like a shortcut jambalaya, perfect for a festive meal.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Pastalaya

One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

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Craving creamy, cheesy goodness without the hassle? This one-pot vegan mac and cheese is your answer! Made entirely in a single pot, this recipe is the epitome of simplicity and flavor.

Get The Recipe: One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

Easy Beef Stroganoff

a close up image of Beef and mushrooms in a creamy Stroganoff sauce over noodlesImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Are you looking for a speedy and comforting meal? Try our 30-minute Beef Stroganoff recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely heavenly.

Get The Recipe: Easy Beef Stroganoff

Chicken and Rice

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This comforting chicken and rice dish is a breeze to make in one pot, featuring tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Yellow Rice

a pan full of Chicken and yellow rice in a black skillet.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Transform your leftover chicken into something spectacular with our delectable Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe. This simple, one-pot dish gives new life to your ingredients, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Broiled Scallops

broiled scallops in a garlic butter sauce being served with a spoon.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe offers gourmet flavors without denting your wallet! These broiled scallops with garlic butter are quick to whip up and offer the taste of a restaurant right in your home.

Get The Recipe: Broiled Scallops

Shrimp Risotto

A dish piled high with yellow rice, asparagus and plump shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy the bright flavors of spring in this simple risotto, crafted with care using stock, saffron, asparagus, and parsley. It’s a hassle-free, no-stir risotto ideal for effortless weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs that are served in a casserole dish.Photo credit: xoxoBella

A fantastic Swedish meatball recipe with a creamy gravy allows you to skip the IKEA crowds and prepare them in the comfort of your own home. You can easily put these together without the need for a complicated diagram or worrying about having two screws left over at the end!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Pork Burgers

a pork burger topped with Caramelized OnionsImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Try these amazing Pork Burgers! Grill ’em up for a smoky twist, sear them on the stove for a quick fix, or toss them in your favorite appliance—these versatile patties are down for whatever your hunger throws their way.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Hamburger and Rice

Skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steaks in a mushroom sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot, simple Paella recipe uses Shrimp, Chorizo, and savory saffron rice. It’s a wonderful, easy meal that is full of flavor. 

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Sausage and Egg Frittata

A golden brown Sausage and Egg Frittata with peppers and feta cheese.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This delicious edd dish combines creamy Parmesan and tangy feta cheese with savory Italian sausage, all nestled in eggs, roasted onions, and colorful peppers.

Get The Recipe: Sausage and Egg Frittata

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto on a white dish with a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to tedious stirring with our simple Salmon and Pea Risotto! Toss everything together and let it simmer until creamy and delicious—no fuss required.

Get The Recipe: Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Chicken Lo Mein

Chopsticks holding a chicken lo mein with noodles, vegetables, and chicken, set against a white background.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the takeout menus! This recipe unlocks the secrets of restaurant-worthy chicken lo mein, all from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to follow, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table raving.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

Baked Chicken and Rice

A spoonful of chicken and rice being scooped from a blue pan.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe turns your oven into a flavor factory. Juicy chicken thighs nestle on a bed of lemony garlic rice, all baking together for a stress-free and delicious weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken and Rice

One Pot Chili Mac

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Ditch the boxed dinner! This One-Pot Chili Mac is a grown-up version of your childhood favorite, made entirely from scratch for a super filling comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chili Mac

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