17 easy weeknight recipes that make family dinner perfect

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Make family dinners a breeze with our 17 flavorful reader-tested weeknight recipes. These easy-to-follow dishes bring amazing flavor to your table without the fuss, ensuring stress-free and delicious meals for you and your loved ones.

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Baked Blackened Salmon

Two blackened salmon fillets on a plate with lemon and parsley.
Baked Blackened Salmon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the bold flavors of perfectly seasoned blackened salmon, oven-baked to tender perfection. A simple yet delectable weeknight choice that brings a touch of spice to your dinner table. Elevate your evening with this effortlessly impressive dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Blackened Salmon

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the ease of slow-cooked goodness with chicken enchiladas—a comforting and flavorful dish that effortlessly comes together for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Share the joy of homemade Mexican cuisine without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken over white rice in a white bowl.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience the delightful combination of sweet and savory with honey garlic chicken—simple, succulent, and sure to become a family favorite on those busy evenings. Enjoy a dish that’s not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi on a white plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Delight in the simplicity of pillowy gnocchi bathed in a zesty lemon-parmesan sauce—a quick and satisfying weeknight option for those craving a burst of flavor. Embrace the freshness of citrus and cheese in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat yourself to the heartiness of slow-cooked country-style ribs, a comforting dish that brings tender, savory goodness to your weeknight dinner without the fuss. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, creating a homey atmosphere.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the warmth of slow-cooked sausage and peppers—a crowd-pleasing favorite that turns an ordinary evening into a flavorful and hassle-free feast. Experience the perfect blend of savory sausage and sweet peppers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and beans on a plate.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the simplicity of salsa chicken, where vibrant flavors come together effortlessly in your slow cooker—a versatile option perfect for various easy weeknight meals. Revel in the ease of preparation and the robust taste of this delightful dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

A fork is being used to take a bite of cheesy penne out of an instant pot.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Relish the comforting goodness of slow-cooked cheesy penne—a straightforward and cheesy delight that brings joy to your weeknight dining experience. Dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the crispy tenderness of Italian chicken cutlets—a straightforward and delicious weeknight choice that captures the essence of Italian flavors. Bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craft a nourishing Mediterranean grain bowl filled with wholesome ingredients—a quick and healthy weeknight option that satisfies your taste buds. Experience the vibrant flavors and textures of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Chicken sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Simplify your weeknight dinner with a sheet pan of chicken sausage and veggies—effortless, tasty, and a perfect solution for those busy evenings. Enjoy a colorful and nutritious one-pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

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.

Delight in the juiciness of turkey smash burgers—quick, flavorful, and an easy-to-make weeknight alternative to traditional beef burgers. Elevate your burger night with a leaner, equally delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat)

Blackened chicken tenders in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat). Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Satisfy your craving for bold flavors with blackened chicken tenders—a Popeye’s copycat that brings the deliciousness of restaurant-style tenders to your weeknight table. Enjoy a taste of your favorite fast-food flavor at home.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat)

Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies

Salmon, sweet potato, and broccoli on a sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat yourself to a sheet pan dinner featuring maple Dijon salmon and veggies—a straightforward and tasty weeknight option that balances sweetness and savory goodness. Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Salmon & Veggies

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the comforting simplicity of a cheesy beef and rice casserole—a hearty and flavorful weeknight dish that’s both easy to make and enjoy. Let the cheesy goodness and savory beef create a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Air Fryer Ham Steak

air fryer ham steak on a white plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Discover the ease of cooking ham steak in the air fryer—a quick and delicious weeknight option that adds a savory touch to your dinner plate. Enjoy a juicy ham steak with a crispy exterior, courtesy of your air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Blackened Cod Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the bold flavors of blackened cod tacos—a simple and tasty weeknight dish that brings a hint of spice to your taco night without the extra effort. Spice up your taco Tuesday with the zesty kick of blackened cod.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

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