Hangry no more: 37 speedy weeknight meals you’ll love

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Get ready to simplify your weeknight dinner routine with these 37 easy and delectable recipes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a hardworking professional, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious yet hassle-free meal, this collection has your back. From quick stir-fries and no-fuss pasta dishes to mouthwatering seafood and flavorful chicken creations, you’ll love these options that are as simple as they are scrumptious.

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.

Cacio e pepe is one of those meals that sounds (and tastes) fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, including getting your water to boil. Enjoy this quick and delicious pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your burger game with these flavorful and juicy Asian-inspired turkey burgers, a quick and delicious choice for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of these turkey burgers.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers

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 tuna and tomato pasta is so simple that kids can make it (with supervision, of course). It’s tasty and offers a simple protein source, making it ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for any busy evening. Enjoy this simple and quick pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simplify your weeknight dinner with this ground beef stir fry recipe. Made in one pan with an assortment of fresh vegetables, it features a garlic ginger homemade stir-fry sauce that’s healthier, tastier, and quicker than any takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Simple Marinara Sauce

Image shows an overhead shot of a blue enameled cast iron pot with freshly made Marinara Sauce.
Simple Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight your taste buds with this savory homemade marinara sauce recipe. Bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, this sauce is the perfect companion for your favorite pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a cool and flavorful weeknight dinner that doesn’t require cooking? These chicken taco wraps are quick and easy to make with leftover rotisserie chicken. Enjoy a convenient and tasty wrap without heating up your house.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

Satisfy your cravings with Creamy Pea Pasta, a creamy and flavorful weeknight dinner that leaves you wanting more. This meatless favorite is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious dinner that satisfies everyone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Canned Chicken Salad

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

Enjoy a hassle-free and refreshing weeknight meal with canned chicken salad. With no cooking required, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for hot days. Pair it with your favorite greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

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.

Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells, filled with savory goodness. They are the perfect meatless Monday meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Image shows a baking sheet with a raised tray holding Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the perfect balance of flavors with Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs, combining the goodness of sweet potatoes and lean turkey into delicious, wholesome bites that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. These meatballs are a delightful fusion of textures and a healthier twist on a classic dish. Enjoy these flavorful and quick turkey meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Need a quick and delicious weeknight dinner for the family? This orange salmon recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful fish.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

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.

An egg salad sandwich is a classic, but like the saying goes: Everything is better with bacon. This egg salad is the modern version of the one you fell in love with as a kid. Go ahead – enjoy it on that old-fashioned white bread you still love. Enjoy this quick and flavorful egg salad.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

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.

Experience the comforting harmony of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil in this rich and velvety Tomato Basil Bisque. This classic soup offers a warm and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This simple Caprese panini takes classic Italian flavors and melds them into a delicious and simple sandwich filled with melty cheese and layers of comfort. It’s sure to be a go-to when you want something “fancy” that takes just a few minutes to whip together. Enjoy this quick and flavorful sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spice up your salad game with this vibrant and zesty Kung Pao chicken salad. Packed with bold flavors, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying weeknight dinner in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craving an easy and quick weeknight dinner? This simple tuna pesto pasta recipe, with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, is a meal you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Whip up a sweet and spicy Korean Beef and Broccoli dish in minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Discover how easy it is to satisfy your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate.
Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal idea? Try this delicious Baked Panko Chicken recipe. Packed with flavor and crunch, this simple dish is ready in about thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

Chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese on a bed of rice.
Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Indulge in an effortless weeknight dinner with our Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups Recipe. This succulent chicken roll-up casserole, filled with mozzarella cheese and spinach, offers a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth delight, perfect for your next family dinner. It’s a breeze to prepare and bake, making it an ideal option for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

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.

Need a hassle-free weeknight meal? Thinly sliced shaved beef is your answer for a quick stir-fry dinner that’s ready in minutes. With a crave-worthy sauce that rivals any takeout order, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for a tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Discover the best turkey smash burgers you’ve never tasted for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet, creating a caramelized exterior that’s crisp, savory, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

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.

Experience comfort food in a hurry with this one-skillet Baked Gnocchi. It’s not quite “pasta,” but equally comforting. This quick and hearty dish features ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate.
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Recreate the flavors of your favorite restaurant at home for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Craft a classic Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt quickly, adding a touch of flavor to your evening without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving a hassle-free weeknight meal? Try this easy 30-minute shrimp and broccoli stir-fry. It’s the perfect solution for your dinner needs, quick, tasty, and ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Simplify your weeknights with this one-dish Taco Rice Skillet. You’ll have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes, thanks to only 8 simple ingredients. It’s a quick and tasty option for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Want an easy, beefy dish for weeknight dinners? Try the Korean Beef Bowl. It’s packed with great flavors, affordable, and, most importantly, quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh, flavorful, and packed with bold spices, Baja Fish Tacos make for an ideal weeknight dinner, be it for Taco Tuesday or any other evening. These tasty tacos offer a quick and simple way to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In search of a speedy and healthy weeknight meal? Enjoy flakey and tender air fryer cod without breading, ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craving a convenient weeknight meal? These Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are ready in under 30 minutes, offering a wonderfully crisp, savory, salty exterior and a tender, juicy interior that can’t be matched.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In search of a quick and simple weeknight meal? Try this 20-minute Creamy Tomato Farfalle. It’s a healthy take on traditional cream sauce with peas and crispy prosciutto, providing an easy, filling dinner option. Enjoy this straightforward and delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Make busy weeknight dinners a breeze with this quick recipe for baked salmon with mayo. The mayo topping locks in the moisture, creating a perfectly juicy texture even picky eaters will love. This is a quick and delicious solution for your weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Make your evenings stress-free with this simple and quick Chinese Black Pepper Chicken recipe. Discover the secrets to a delicious weeknight dinner. You’ll love the bold flavors and how little time it takes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

General Tso Shrimp

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the convenience of a quick and easy General Tso Shrimp recipe, a copycat Chinese takeout that tastes just like the real deal. Made in one skillet in just 10 minutes with that sweet and slightly spicy sticky sauce you love, there’s no need to order out anymore.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your weeknight dinner with ease by air frying these shrimp skewers. They offer a quick and crispy alternative to traditional grilling. Savor that grilled flavor, even when you can’t cook outside.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For those weeknights when you need flavor in a hurry, check out this easy peasy Chicken Stir Fry. Also known as Chicken Chop Suey, this take-out classic is so easy to make at home. Enjoy the convenience of this delicious and quick stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

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

Need a quick and wholesome weeknight dinner? This bacon-wrapped salmon recipe is your answer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Herb-Crusted Chicken (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)

A picture of Herb-crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe.
Herb-Crusted Chicken (Texas Roadhouse Copycat). Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Prepare this easy weeknight meal – Herb-crusted Texas Roadhouse chicken. Enjoy succulent, juicy, tender chicken breasts packed with flavor from dried herbs and black pepper in no time. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)

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