A new week starts tomorrow, which means it’s meal plan time! If you’re out of ideas, then low fuss, low clean-up and low frustration is the name of the game with these quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas. These 23 recipes offer a delicious variety of family-friendly meals you can make in 45 minutes or less. Ranging from classic comfort foods to more adventurous international dishes, these recipes will add new flavor to your dinner routine without requiring hours in the kitchen.
![A skillet with chicken piccata in it on a wooden board on a white back ground.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Piccata-Resize_-2.jpg)
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
![A picture of stuffed chicken breast with paprika.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ruth-chris-stuffed-chicken-1200x630-1-1.jpg)
The Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken brings a touch of gourmet to your dinner table in under an hour. With juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of garlic, cheese, and herbs, this dish offers a rich and satisfying taste. It’s a perfect balance of comforting flavors and elegant presentation, making it an impressive yet easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
![Middle eastern rice bowl close up.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/middle-eastern-bowl.jpg)
Dive into the flavors of the Middle East with a Tofu Rice Bowl that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines the earthy taste of tofu with aromatic spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that delivers a burst of flavor in every bite, ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Baked Feta Pasta
![Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pasta-recipes-2.jpg)
Baked Feta Pasta is a trendy dish that can be on your table in 35 minutes. It’s a blend of tangy feta cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes, all baked to create a creamy sauce that coats your pasta beautifully. This dish is a comforting classic with a twist, offering a rich and robust flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Thai Chicken Curry
![Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thai-chicken-curry-fdl.jpg)
Thai Chicken Curry offers an exotic escape on busy weeknights, ready in about 30 minutes. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a coconut milk-based sauce infused with Thai spices, it’s both spicy and aromatic. This curry is a delightful combination of warmth and comfort, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry
Classic white fish in white wine sauce
![White fish fillets on a white plate with lemon wedges and fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/White-fish-in-white-wine-sauce.jpeg)
Enjoy a sophisticated yet simple Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce in just 25 minutes. The delicate taste of white fish is enhanced by a light and savory white wine sauce. It’s a dish that promises a refined dining experience with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic white fish in white wine sauce
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
![Overhead view of sockeye salmon in cast iron pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pan-Fried-Sockeye-Salmon-Recipe.jpg)
The Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe is a quick, 20-minute dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. This recipe highlights the rich, bold taste of sockeye salmon with a crisp exterior. It’s a straightforward and delicious way to enjoy fish, ensuring a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
Spicy Tofu Tacos
![Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spicy-Tofu-Tacos.jpg)
Spicy Tofu Tacos bring a plant-based twist to taco night in just 20 minutes. These tacos are packed with flavorful, spicy tofu and topped with fresh veggies for a crunchy contrast. They’re a fun and easy way to enjoy a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Chicken Piccata
![Creamy chicken in a cast iron skillet with capers.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Piccata-Resize_-2.jpg)
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish ready in 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken cutlets in a zesty lemon-caper sauce. The sauce’s bright and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the chicken, creating a dish that’s both light and savory. It’s an effortless yet delightful meal that’s sure to please any palate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Breaded Panko Pork Chops
![Panko pork chop on plate with greens.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/panko-pork-chops-l.jpg)
Breaded Panko Pork Chops are a crispy delight, ready in 30 minutes. These chops are coated in panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, complementing the succulent pork. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a comforting and hearty flavor, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
![A plate with a burrito and skewers on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kofta-kebab-pita.jpg)
The Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich is a flavorful meal you can enjoy in 35 minutes. It combines spiced turkey kofta with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita. This sandwich offers a taste of the Middle East with a healthy twist, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Korean Beef Bowl
![A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/keto-korean-beef-bowl-finished.jpeg)
Korean Beef Bowl is a sweet and savory dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. It features ground beef with a rich, garlicky soy sauce over rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions. This bowl is a quick and easy way to enjoy bold Korean flavors on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
Ajiaco Recipe
![Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chicken-ajiaco.jpeg)
Ajiaco Recipe, a traditional Colombian soup, can be served in about 35 minutes. This comforting dish is filled with chicken, potatoes, and corn, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The taste is hearty and homey, making it a perfect meal to warm up your evening.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
![Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Turkish-kofta-kebabs.jpg)
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab can be on your table in 30 minutes, offering a smoky and savory flavor. These kebabs combine ground chicken with a blend of Middle Eastern spices for a juicy and aromatic meal. They’re an excellent choice for a quick, protein-packed dinner that’s full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
![A fork holding a bite of pork chop with mustard shallot gravy in front of a plate of pork chops and mashed potatoes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pork-Chops-with-Mustard-Shallot-Gravy.jpg)
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy is a dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The pork chops are complemented by a rich and tangy gravy, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a Sunday dinner but is simple enough for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks
![Chicken drumsticks on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easy-Colombian-roasted-chicken-drumsticks-HORIZONTAL.jpg)
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are a zesty and flavorful meal that takes 45 minutes to prepare. Marinated in a blend of citrus and spices, these drumsticks offer a taste that’s both tangy and savory. They’re an easy way to bring some South American flair to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks
Baked creamy salmon
![Grilled salmon and potatoes on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/creamy-salmon.jpeg)
Baked Creamy Salmon is a decadent dish ready in just 20 minutes. The salmon is baked in a lush sauce that’s both rich and comforting, making it a luxurious yet easy meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.
Get the Recipe: Baked creamy salmon
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy | No Onions
![Gravy being poured over sausages and mashed potatoes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bangers-and-Mash-with-Guinness-Gravy.jpg)
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy is a classic British dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It pairs well-seasoned sausages with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich, stout-based gravy. This meal is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy | No Onions
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
![Salmon bites on a plate with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/air-fryer-salmon-bites.webp)
Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, 15-minute meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. These bite-sized pieces of salmon are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re an excellent choice for a fast and fuss-free dinner that’s still packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Baked oat-crusted cod fillets
![A plate with a piece of bread and a salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Baked-oat-crusted-cod-fillets.jpeg)
Baked Oat-Crusted Cod Fillets are a healthy and crunchy alternative to fried fish, ready in 25 minutes. The oat crust provides a satisfying texture that complements the mild flavor of the cod. It’s a wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and enjoyable, ideal for a light weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked oat-crusted cod fillets
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
![One stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/moroccan-stuffed-pepper.jpeg)
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a colorful and nutritious meal that takes 45 minutes to make. They’re filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, rice, and spices, baked to perfection. This dish is both filling and flavorful, offering a balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles
![Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles close up.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Shirataki-Chicken-Noodles-11.jpg)
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles is a low-carb, flavorful meal ready in just 15 minutes. This stir fry combines tender chicken with shirataki noodles in a savory sauce. It’s a light and quick option for those looking for a tasty, health-conscious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
![Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/beef-broccoli-stir-fry-landscape-1.jpg)
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, 20-minute meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor. The thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce that’s sure to please. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
![A closeup side view is shown of an air fryer turkey burger on a light blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10.jpg)
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a healthy and easy meal, ready in just 10 minutes. These burgers are juicy and full of flavor, making them a great alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re an excellent choice for a quick, lean dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers