Easy Dinner Recipes That'll Make Your Weeknight Meal Planning Stress-Free
Easy Dinner Recipes That'll Make Your Weeknight Meal Planning Stress-Free
There's nothing we love more than earmarking recipes in the hopes of churning out creative, exciting dinners for our families. In reality, we tend to produce the same handful of meals recycled week after week. Ugh! If you're stuck in this type of cooking rut, check out these easy dinner ideas that home chefs of any cooking level can master with little to no fuss. With outside-the-box pasta recipes and delicious chicken dishes included, these dinners are guaranteed to make everyone at the table sing your praises. (Pinky promise!)
Whether you're cooking for young, picky eaters or you're looking for some creative 30 minute meals, these dinner ideas cover a wide range of palates. If you're looking for recipes that are just as easy as they are imaginative, you definitely need shrimp and grits, crispy chicken Florentine, or turkey taco skillet in your life. There are also several dishes—like casserole recipes—that you can put together quickly and leave to bake. For these, check out the chicken Alfredo stuffed shells or chicken enchiladas.
While you could always opt for Crock-Pot or Instant Pot recipes for easy dinner recipes, check out these ideas that are just as simple, but don't require any special kitchen gadgets.
Grilled Peanut Chicken and Broccolini
The sweet and salty marinade made with peanut butter, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and more makes for an undeniably flavorful dish.
Crispy Chicken Florentine Melt
This crispy chicken cutlet is topped with baby spinach and cherry tomatoes for a bright taste.
Honey Soy Salmon
Get a crispy sear on a flaky piece of salmon with this sweet and salty honey soy recipe, best served over some fluffy rice.
Breakfast Pizza
This showstopping breakfast pizza is great for a party, or a unique spin on your family's next pizza night.
Hawaiian Burgers
You'll be transported to an island getaway with these incredibly flavorful burgers, piled high with grilled pineapple and a sweet and spicy sauce.
Cashew Chicken
What makes this meal so simple is that you can toss everything together in a skillet for a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes.
Veggie Tortellini Soup
Mixed veggies and cheesy tortellinis come together in a hearty bowl that takes just 15 minutes to create.
Pork Rind Chicken Strips
These chicken strips are the supreme comfort food, covered in a crispy pork rind coating and dipped in a homemade avocado sauce.
Pepperoni Chicken
Just like a slice of pepperoni pizza, except better—because everything is loaded on top of a tender piece of chicken breast.
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Basmati rice is a must-have for this rich curry dish, featuring jumbo shrimp and bold flavors.
Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry
Attention cauliflower lovers: This dish is for you! Flavored with sriracha sauce and soy sauce, you can serve this over fluffy rice or even on its own.
Hummus Wrap
Hummus, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and more create this delightful wrap, suitable when you need a refreshing bite for dinner.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Turn a simple, pasta dish into a delicious Italian feast with this cheesy pasta with fresh basil sprinkled on top.
Veggie Stir Fry
Keep it simple for your next meatless Monday with this quick, easy veggie stir fry.
Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad Wrap
For a light, summery bite, try this wrap filled with chicken right from the grill and a fresh strawberry-balsamic salad.
Beef Stroganoff Soup
Turn the classic comfort food into an even cozier meal with this creamy soup that's easy to pull together.
Salmon Cakes and Mango Salsa
Believe it or not, these vibrant salmon cakes come together in a few easy steps, including the gorgeous mango salsa.
Philly Cheesesteaks
Your kids will be obsessed with these extra cheesy Philly cheesesteaks, thanks to the sinfully good Velveeta sauce.
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This creamy, cheesy roasted red pepper pasta might make a regular appearance in your weeknight dinners, since it takes just 15 minutes to whip up.
French Bread Pizzas
Transform your family pizza night with these customizable personal-sized pizzas so your kids can experiment with some fun flavors.
Chicken and Veggie Skillet
It doesn't get easier than a skillet recipe, especially this dinner that combines roasted chicken and hearty veggies for a filling, nutritious meal.
Creamy Spinach and Red Pepper Chicken
The creamy, garlicky spinach and red pepper mixture is both stuffed into the chicken breast and also is the base of this rich dinner.
Shrimp and Grits
You can never go wrong with a classic shrimp and grits dish. This recipe uses quick cook grits for a hearty meal that's ready in no time.
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
A pasta bake is a great idea for a simple dinner, just like these huge stuffed shells filled with the creamiest chicken Alfredo.
Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Balsamic vinegar plays a key role in this sheet pan dinner that's ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
Shrimp and Tomato Sheet Pan Dinner
Shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and garlic are basically all you need to create this tasty dinner.
Turkey Taco Skillet
Charred corn tortillas and queso fresco turn this easy skillet dinner into a weeknight treat.
Chicken and Dressing Sheet Pan
Get a Thanksgiving taste anytime of the year with this sheet pan dinner, made of roasted chicken and tasty stuffing.
Mini Meatball Pasta Bake
This pasta bake will become your new go-to weeknight meal. It's perfect for when you want to toss everything together and let it cook in the oven.
French Dip Sandwiches
Thinly sliced ribeye sandwiched between a toasted roll and dipped into a homemade au jus? We'll take 10.
Fig-Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula
All these flavors come together in an insanely delicious pizza that's both indulgent and takes little effort to make.
Kale Citrus Salad
Put this too-simple salad together for a refreshing bite, livened up with sliced jalape?os, tangerines, and goat cheese.
Cereal-Crusted Chicken Strips
Rethink your crunchy coatings with these chicken strips covered in crushed cereal. Yum!
Taco Quesadilla
Can't decide between tacos and quesadillas? Get the best of both worlds with this glorious combo instead.
Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Smothered Pork Chops
The gravy used in this dish is the finishing touch needed to bring these pan-fried pork chops and fluffy mashed potatoes together.
Beef Stroganoff
Tender sirloin steak and buttery egg noodles will make everyone in your family very, very happy.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Nothing says easy like a Crock-Pot soup! Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do all the cooking.
Baked Stuffed Shells
Ricotta cheese and spinach make up the no-fuss filling in these delicious baked stuffed shells, smothered in marinara sauce.
Panzanella
Fresh basil and Parmesan shavings make this panzanella a meal in itself.
Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These aren't your ordinary lettuce wraps! Filled with grilled chicken, rice noodles, and as much hoisin as your heart desires, this low-carb dinner is highly satisfying.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Nothing say comfort food like a bowl of cheesy baked mac and cheese—especially with a rich butternut squash sauce and savory breadcrumbs sprinkled on top.
Chickpea Curry
Keep it veggie-friendly with this no-stress chickpea curry packed with tons of aromatic spices.
Chicken Kale Pasta
The garlicky, white wine sauce makes for a light pasta dish that will be an easy recipe for a last-minute dinner.
Pasta With Homemade Marinara Sauce
Learn how to make a huge batch of marinara sauce, great for pasta night, pizza night, or any of your other Italian dishes.
Thai-Inspired Salmon Salad
Make this healthy salad that's anything but boring, thanks to the pan-fried salmon and bold peanut sauce.
Chicken Nuggets
For an easy dinner that'll keep your pickiest eaters happy, opt for these breaded chicken nuggets and a variety of dipping sauces.
Grilled Veggie Enchiladas
Combine the delicious flavor of veggies right off the grill with cheesy enchiladas.
Zucchini Noodles
Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and shredded Parmesan turn these zucchini noodles into a complete pasta dinner.
Chicken Broccolini With Mustard Cream Sauce
These pan-fried chicken cutlets stuffed with fresh broccolini are easy to whip up and serve to a hungry crowd.
Italian Meatloaf
Instead of wrapping your meatloaf in bacon, cover it with pieces of thick pancetta in this insanely delicious dinner staple.
Four-Bean Vegetarian Chili
You don't need meat in this protein-packed chili, made with four types of beans and flavorful toppings.
Pumpkin Ravioli
Create this little pockets of heavenly pumpkin filling in just under 30 minutes, topped off with Parmesan and fresh sage.
Sesame Chicken Salad
A dusting of toasted sesame seeds is the cherry on top of this salad already bursting with delicious tastes.
Butternut Squash and Kale Pasta
It doesn't have to be fall to enjoy the rich, earthy tastes of this simple pasta dish.
Butternut Squash Risotto
What's not to love about this heavenly risotto dish? Sautéed butternut squash meets its match with creamy risotto and lots of Parmesan cheese.
Black Bean Burger
Skip the beef burgers with these massive black bean patties, made with ingredients you already have around your kitchen.
Shells With Bacon and Peas
Smoky bacon and snappy peas give the classic cheesy shells dish a makeover.
Orange Chicken
Ginger, orange juice, and soy sauce come together to make this sticky chicken dinner, served over fluffy white rice.
Chicken Avocado Pizza
Make your own pizza dough and top it with some colorful ingredients, like sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.
Green Chile Chicken
Either serve this roasted green chile chicken with a side of rice and beans or wrapped in crispy corn tortillas.
Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto
Great for a summer dinner, this shrimp risotto is flavored with fresh basil and lemon juice.
Oven Roasted Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Grab your favorite bottle of barbecue sauce and get to cooking with this easy-to-follow recipe—with a sweet twist.
Cobb Salad With Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
Serve up a classic Cobb salad, complete with grilled chicken, eggs, crispy bacon, and a smattering of blue cheese dressing.
Chicken Pot Pie
Nothing beats a classic chicken pot pie, since you can just toss it in the oven and easily satisfy your whole family.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
The best part about these personal-sized lasagnas is that you can easily freeze them for a future dinner.
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
A colorful cabbage slaw is just what these delightfully messy barbecue chicken sandwiches need.
Chicken Enchiladas
A jar of sauce and some Jack cheese are all you need to make these chicken enchiladas sing!
Grilled Veggie Burritos
For a quick lunch or dinner recipes, check out these veggie-loaded burritos. Don't forget to pile sour cream and salsa on top!
Quinoa with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella
This colorful quinoa salad is full of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and mozzarella. It's filling enough to be its own meal!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
These meatball sized Salisbury steaks are the ideal companion to a big bowl of buttery egg noodles.
Chipotle Chicken Chili
You can serve this delicious cup of chili alongside tortilla chips, crusty bread, corn bread, or whatever else strikes your fancy!
Peach-Whiskey Barbecue Chicken
For all the flavors of summer without even having to crack open the grill, this peach-infused barbecue chicken is just what you need.
Tomato-Basil Four-Cheese Pizza
With steps on how to make your own dough, this recipe will totally transform family pizza night as you know it.
Skillet Chicken Lasagna
For the quickest lasagna ever, try this skillet recipe that will have you eating in just 30 minutes.
Just remember: Less time cooking means more time eating.