15 weeknight dinners anyone can make

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Let’s be real: after a long day, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours in the kitchen trying to whip up some gourmet meal. The good news? There are tons of super simple dinners out there that anyone can make, no chef hat required. We’re talking about 15 go-to weeknight dinners that save the day when you’re short on time and energy but still want something tasty to end the day with.

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew making a classic like Chicken Cordon Bleu could be so easy? Thanks to the air fryer, this dish becomes a weeknight feasible feast, marrying chicken, ham, and cheese in a delightful crunch. It’s a sophisticated meal turned into an easy weeknight dinner anyone can master. Ideal for when you’re craving something a bit fancy but with minimal effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Craving pizza on a Tuesday night but want something even more filling? Dive into the Pizza Casserole. It piles all your favorite toppings in a dish that is super easy to make, perfect for anyone looking for a delicious twist on classic pizza during the week. You’ll end up with a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and a hit with the whole family, especially when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ease and flavor collide in Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This one-pan meal mixes the soft texture of gnocchi with the spicy kick of sausage and a bit of greens for good measure. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly and leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s a simple way to bring a touch of Italian flair to your dinner table any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

French Onion Soup

Low-Carb French Onion Soup in a tall white bowl on a marble counter.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of French Onion Soup to comfort you on a chilly weeknight. The sweet caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with gooey cheese, make for a perfect dinner that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s one of those weeknight dinners anyone can make, elevating a simple soup into something everyone will think took all day to cook. Plus, it’s a great excuse to break out some crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your weeknight dinners with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Just toss everything on a pan and let the oven do the work, infusing the chicken with the bright flavors of lemon and rosemary. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that anyone can make, offering a delicious solution to the nightly dinner dilemma. And the best part? Minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you’re looking for a lighter take on the classic sandwich, the Turkey Chaffwich has you covered. It’s a savvy choice for a weeknight dinner, using a simple cheese and egg waffle instead of bread. Perfect for those seeking a low-carb option without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Throw this together any night of the week for a meal that feels special but is straightforward and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Roast Pork with Apples is the way to go when you’re in the mood for something savory and sweet. The apples add a perfect complement to the pork, making it a dish that fills the house with an inviting aroma. It’s a surprisingly easy dish to pull off on a weeknight, making anyone look like a seasoned chef. And it’s guaranteed to satisfy the whole family, making weeknight dinners a moment to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: .

Transform your weeknight dinners with a Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It brings together juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella for a light yet fulfilling meal. And the best part? It’s a straightforward dish that offers a fresh twist on classic flavors, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ever thought you could enjoy turkey not just on Thanksgiving? With an Air Fryer Turkey Breast, you get juicy results that are perfect for any weeknight meal. This is a weeknight dinner that anyone can make, turning a potentially daunting dish into something doable and delicious. Pair it with your favorite sides for a dinner that’s both easy and impressively satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Light up your grill and your dinner routine with some Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. This dish is not only quick but packs a punch of flavors that can transport you to the Mediterranean seaside any night of the week. It’s an easy, flavorful option that’s sure to impress, making weeknight dinners feel a little more special without the fuss. Grab your favorite veggies or a side of rice to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the frontier of flavor with a Beefy John Wayne Casserole on any weeknight. It layers beef, cheese, and biscuits for a meal that’s undeniably hearty and satisfying. This is one of those weeknight dinners anyone can assemble, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re in the mood for something comforting. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, if not better.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shaking up the weeknight dinner routine is easy with a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This dish blends tender shrimp with orzo and fresh Mediterranean flavors for a light yet satisfying meal. It proves that weeknight dinners can be easy and exciting, offering a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean any night of the week. Plus, it’s just as tasty the next day, making lunch a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to keep weeknight dinners light and zesty? Chicken Piccata does the trick with its lemon-caper sauce drizzled over tender chicken breasts. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is actually straightforward, making it a weeknight dinner anyone can tackle. Serve it up with some pasta or veggies, and watch it become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give leftover turkey the royal treatment with Turkey à la King. This creamy dish combines turkey with vegetables in a sauce that’s rich and comforting, ideal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while keeping weeknight dinners simple and delicious. Just serve over rice or toast, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Four tacos with Mexican molida on a wooden table.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your weeknights with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This dish is a flavorful foundation for tacos, burritos, or bowls, making weeknight dinners both easy and exciting. It’s a versatile, tasty way to bring a bit of Mexican flair into your home, proving that considerable flavor doesn’t require considerable effort. It’s a weeknight dinner winner for anyone looking to shake things up.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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