27 easy weeknight dinners to tame the back-to-school rush

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School’s back! That means homework, activities, and a whole lot less time to cook dinner. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 27 easy weeknight meals you can make in a hurry. These recipes are kid-approved and perfect for busy schedules, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This super quick tuna and tomoato pasta is so simple, your kids can help make it! It’s packed with protein and ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon garlic chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a flavorful chicken dish? This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is the answer. Tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic creates a delicious meal in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the takeout and satisfy your cravings with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. They’re a meatless Monday meal filled with savory goodness, sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This easy honey glazed chicken is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. The chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that’s sure to be a hit with kids.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

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.

This one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite. Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Love lasagna but short on time? These Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect solution. Enjoy perfectly portioned lasagna goodness, oozing with cheese and flavor, in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Creamy Pea Pasta is a quick and easy meatless Monday option. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving takeout but short on time? This Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a lifesaver. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory seasonings, all cooked in a single pan for a fuss-free and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic Tomato Basil Bisque is a delightful and comforting dinner option. It’s a rich and velvety blend of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this Grown-Up Mac and Cheese recipe. This twist on the classic dish adds tomatoes and crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but craving Mexican food? These Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Pizza Rolls

Image shows a Pizza roll on a white plate in front of a pyrex with the rest of the batch in it.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Here’s a fun twist on a classic dinner roll! These Pizza Rolls are filled with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, all wrapped in a fluffy, cinnamon-infused dough.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Pizza Pot Pies

Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.
Pizza Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving pizza night but want something more comforting? Look no further than Pizza Pot Pies. These individual pies are filled with leftover chicken, melty cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all encased in a flaky crust. Perfect for using up leftovers and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Bacon Egg Salad

Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Upgrade your dinner game with this Bacon Egg Salad. This twist on the classic adds crispy bacon for a flavor and texture boost. Enjoy it on your favorite bread or in a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for cozy nights in. It combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth for a heartwarming and comforting meal, made even easier with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a one-pot wonder packed with protein and flavor? Mexican Skillet Quinoa is your answer. This gluten-free dish combines quinoa, beans, salsa, corn, and more for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name, Cacio e Pepe is incredibly simple to make. This cheesy pasta dish takes about 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a soul-soothing dish made even easier with leftover rotisserie chicken. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth come together for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beat the heat with this Shortcut Chicken Salad. Made with canned chicken, it requires no cooking and is perfect for a refreshing dinner on a hot day. Enjoy it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Rich and creamy with tender broccoli florets, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile recipe. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect as an appetizer or a hearty main course with the chicken, beans, and corn.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste! Transform it into a flavorful and comforting meal with this easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe. Use your favorite veggies for a quick and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the rich and savory flavors of cashew chicken, a popular Chinese dish that’s sure to satisfy. Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a flavorful sauce make it an irresistible meal option.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Who knew BBQ and the Instant Pot could go so well together? This delicious BBQ shredded chicken is a cinch to make, and it’s perfect for a BBQ chicken sandwich, on a salad, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat yourself to the flavors of the Southwest with a tantalizing Southwest tortilla pie. This layered dish features rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, all nestled between crisp tortillas and topped with melted cheese. Whether served as a main course or a festive party dish, this Southwest-inspired pie will impress your taste buds with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe

A plate of sliced roast meat topped with gravy, sautéed onions, and a few diced tomatoes, accompanied by a serving of mashed potatoes.
Italian Pot Roast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast. This recipe slowly cooks the meat to tender perfection, resulting in a delicious roast that’s perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe

Pulled Pork

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the tender and flavorful goodness of our Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Succulent and juicy pork, slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in mouthwatering pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

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