Ready, set, supper! 15 quick weeknight dinner recipes

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Navigating weeknights can be a whirlwind, especially with busy schedules and hungry mouths to feed. We get it. That’s why we’ve curated a list of speedy dinner recipes to ease the evening rush. Each dish is delicious and simple to whip up, ensuring your dinners are satisfying and time-efficient. Let’s dive in and make those busy weeknights a bit tastier!

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A cast iron skillet with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

After a busy school day, dive into this easy-to-make creamy garlic chicken. Using minimal ingredients, it cooks up fast and is a hit with both kids and adults. Pair with some quick-cooking rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenderloins on a plate with bbq sauce.
Crispy Chicken Tenders. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

School nights call for fuss-free favorites like these crispy chicken tenders. Ready in a flash, they’re perfect for a homework break. Serve with a side salad for a quick, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Tenders

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts lined up in a baking dish.
Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

For those evenings when you want something a tad special without the effort, try stuffed chicken breasts. Prep ahead in the afternoon and just pop in the oven after school. Elegant yet efficient.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Combine the excitement of fajitas with the simplicity of a casserole. Prep your ingredients the night before, and you have a flavorful dinner ready soon after the school bell rings. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Grilled Chicken Tenders

A plate with chicken breasts, tomatoes, and a fork.

Short on time? These grilled chicken tenders come to the rescue. Quickly seasoned and grilled, they’re a healthier, fast alternative that pairs well with any side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Tenders

Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When you need comfort food in a hurry, this creamy ranch chicken is your go-to. Using pantry staples, it’s a heartwarming dish that’s ready quickly. Perfect for rejuvenating after a long school day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

A pan of bacon ranch casserole topped with tater tots and cheese.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: little house Big Alaska.

This casserole is a weeknight hero, especially on school nights. Combining everyone’s favorites, it’s both satisfying and simple. Prep ahead, and it’s ready to bake when you’re back home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaves on a white platter with sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts behind it.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Speed up meatloaf night with these mini versions. They cook in almost half the time and are perfect portion sizes for the kids. A delicious solution to school night hunger.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Blend the ease of meatballs with the flavors of enchiladas for a quick dinner solution. Prep them ahead and you’ve got a school night meal in minutes. Serve with tortillas or a quick salad.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Chicken Piccata

A skillet with chicken piccata in it on a wooden board on a white back ground.
Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This zesty chicken dish might sound fancy but is a breeze on busy weeknights. Quick-cooking and vibrant, it’s a refreshing break from routine school night dinners. Pair with steamed veggies for a fast and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili with avocado and sour cream.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Put a spin on regular chili with this turkey and pumpkin version. Ideal for cooler school nights, it’s warming and can be made in bulk for the next day. Serve with some crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup in a large orange pot with bowls next to it.
Lasagna Soup. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Get the flavors of lasagna without the layering time. This soup version is rich, hearty, and perfect for school nights when time’s tight. Best with a side of garlic toast.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed shells might seem like a weekend dish, but they’re surprisingly weeknight-friendly. Quick to assemble, especially if you stuff them ahead, they make school nights feel special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Everyone loves burgers and fries on busy nights. It’s just one meal that everyone loves. This delicious turkey smash burger recipe is the best you’ve ever tasted. Swift to cook and packed with flavor, these Turkey Smash Burgers make school nights more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

Easy cheesy hamburger casserole in bowl with onion garnish.
Easy cheesy hamburger casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

When you want something universally loved and quick, this hamburger pasta comes through. Combining the best of two favorites, it’s a rapid solution for hungry school night tummies..
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

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