15 dinners that’ll make you the weeknight hero you were born to be

Photo of author

| Published:

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a stressful scramble to throw something together. With the right recipes, you can whip up meals that are quick, easy, and still feel like a win. Whether you’re a fan of one-pan wonders, speedy pastas, or flavorful skillet meals, there’s something here to make you look like a weeknight hero.

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gnocchi brings comfort to the table in this one-skillet dinner. With ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella, it’s a simple way to serve up a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta featuring lemon, spinach, and feta. Enjoy as a vegetarian option or add your favorite protein for an easy dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese elevates a classic comfort dish. With spinach, peppers, and real cheddar, it’s a healthier, tastier option that’s on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Brown butter shrimp and orzo served with burst cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brown butter shrimp paired with creamy parmesan basil corn orzo and blistered cherry tomatoes makes for a great summer dinner, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy and quick, this stuffed eggplant with chicken and cheddar is a dinner option that pleases everyone. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a solid weeknight choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken-stuffed poblano peppers, packed with melted cheese and black beans, deliver major comfort without the carbs. Mexican-inspired flavors in a dish ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Spicy shrimp tostadas on a cutting board.
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Not quite tacos, but these tostadas with spicy shrimp and jalapeño avocado sauce bring plenty of flavor to the table. A refreshing twist for your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy, one-pan meal with fresh basil and a savory-sweet sauce, perfect over rice. This cashew chicken skillet is a quick option that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and make this shrimp lo mein at home. With Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce, it’s a 20-minute meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a wholesome yet impressive dinner, try this bacon-wrapped salmon. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced beef is the star in this quick stir-fry, paired with a sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. A speedy dinner that’s hard to beat when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In under 30 minutes, this bucatini pasta tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes becomes a go-to dinner. It’s a great choice when you want something fast yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cream cheese chicken, seasoned with five bold spices, is the answer to boring dinners. It’s creamy, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A sheet pan dinner that combines maple mustard chicken with Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries. Simple and satisfying, this all-in-one meal makes weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy and flavorful, this pecan-crusted chicken is served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce that’s sure to be a hit. A dish that’s so good, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.