19 Easy Dinners That Save Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can feel like a whirlwind – between work, school, activities, and everything in between, it’s easy to understand why dinner is an afterthought. These recipes will save you on those busy nights when you need to feed a family…but don’t want to spend hours to make it happen.

Crispy Baked Quesadillas

These baked quesadillas are easy and cheesy with plenty of tender chicken tucked between crispy baked shells. It’s a great way to make quesadillas for a crowd as you no longer need to babysit the stove! The recipe calls for chicken, but you could swap it for cooked ground beef, black beans, or fajita veggies instead if desired.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Quesadillas.

Dinner-Worthy Snack Board

Who says you can’t have a mini charcuterie board for dinner? This snack board has such a delicious assortment of deli meats, cheese, fresh fruit, and veggies. It has all of the variety we look for in a meal, with minimal prep.

Get the Recipe: Dinner Worthy Snack Board.

Easy Udon Noodles

Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.

Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.

Shrimp Fajitas

Not only is this meal nutritious and delicious, but it’s also totally easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. Shrimp is seasoned with a homemade fajita seasoning blend and cooks with bell peppers, onions, and garlic for maximum flavor. Put out a bunch of fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de Gallo, and sour cream, and let everyone build their own fajita.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Fajitas.

Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Thinly sliced steak is cooked to perfection and bites of crisp and tender broccoli are coated in a deliciously glossy sauce that is sweet, savory, and balanced that brings everything together. This beef and broccoli is made with simple ingredients and can be prepped in just 15 minutes, which is why we love it on busy weeknights, and given all of the rave reviews on my original steak stir-fry, I know your family will, too!

Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Turkey Pesto Panini

This recipe is inspired by a Starbucks panini, but we’ve added a lot more fillings for even more flavor. It comes together quickly thanks to deli turkey and has tons of flavor, thanks to the pesto and cheese. Serve with fries, chips or fresh fruit.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Pesto Panini.

Cheesy Boursin Pasta

This is the best cheesy pasta and it’s made with just a few ingredients. Creamy Boursin cheese is the base of this simple sauce and has the smoothest creamy texture. Simply cook the pasta, and whip up the sauce with some sliced garlic, Boursin, and pasta water. Serve with a simple green salad and breadsticks for an utterly delicious meal.

Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Pasta.

Naan Pizzas

These easy mini naan pizzas are perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking as they take just a few minutes to prep. Put out toppings and let everyone make their own.

Get the Recipe: Naan Pizzas.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This one is a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite! Orecchiette pasta is tossed with tender broccoli and hearty chunks of sausage to make a meal that looks as good as it tastes. You might even have everything you need to make this orecchiette pasta dish in your kitchen already, it’s made with just five simple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli.

Panko-Crusted Salmon

Tender and flaky salmon is topped with a mustard mixture to impart flavor and keep it from drying out, and then is topped with panko breadcrumbs that add a golden brown layer of crunch. It’s a family favorite. Not only is this oven-baked salmon recipe easy, but it’s also made with simple ingredients (just like crispy baked cod), ready in 20 minutes, and super delicious! 

Get the Recipe: Panko Salmon.

Steak Quesadillas

These homemade steak quesadillas combine layers of tender seasoned steak, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. They are delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor – perfect for game day or a quick and satisfying dinner. After a quick sear, the steak rests and is then thinly sliced before being layered into the cheese and tortilla layers.

Get the Recipe: Steak Quesadillas.

Easy Salmon Caesar Salad

This simple Caesar salmon salad is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it on the dinner table in just about 30 minutes, and the whole family is sure to enjoy it! Pair with freshly baked bread or a bowl of soup for a filling and tasty meal that is ready in a flash.

Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad.

Shrimp Quesadillas

You can make these tasty quesadillas in just 20 minutes! Shrimp cooks in mere minutes, which makes it a great weeknight protein option. The toasted tortillas have layers of melty cheese and succulent spiced shrimp. This easy dinner delivers great flavors in each bite.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Quesadillas.

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

This 20-minute stir fry makes a great weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory chunks of chicken taste just as good as the dish from your local Chinese restaurant. Serve it over rice or with stir-fried veggies for a take-out fake-out dinner that the whole family will enjoy. 

Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry.

Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet

Taco night has never been so tasty! This dish is as easy as can be and is loaded with cheesy ground turkey, black beans, corn, and plenty of taco toppings to make a one-dish meal that can fill up a hungry family. You can have this quick meal on the table in just about 15 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet.

Big Mac Salad

Skip the drive-thru and get the flavor you crave, at home. This recipe has Big Mac-inspired flavor in each bite, but with a lighter and fresher flavor. Serve with fries for a delicious and nutritious main course dinner salad.

Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

If you like buffalo chicken this recipe is for you! This buffalo chicken quesadilla is incredibly easy to make, and it has so much flavor with layers of buffalo chicken, sautéed veggies, and plenty of cheese. Serve with plenty of fresh toppings for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas.

Dumpling Soup

Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.

Penne Pomodoro

If you have 25 minutes, you can make this incredibly easy and tasty homemade pomodoro sauce. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and it has so much flavor that it’s hard to believe that it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This sauce uses high-quality ingredients and lets the classic Italian flavors shine in the best way possible.

Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro.