22 Weeknight Dinners That Will Make Your Life Easier

Weeknights can be a whirlwind, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy and delicious recipes, you can whip up a meal in no time that the whole family can enjoy. From comforting and cozy soups and hearty pastas to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes are designed to save time without skimping on flavor. Which one will you try first?

Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

This healthy turkey meatloaf recipe is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and hearty! This lighter take on classic meatloaf also has some (not-so) secret veggies mixed right in, making it a delicious way to eat some extra veggies. It’s cheesy, juicy, super flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and so versatile.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf.

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.

Bean and Cheese Burritos

Bean and cheese burritos are always a good idea for weeknight dinners. These are so easy to wrap up for a meatless meal that is filling, budget-friendly, and best of all, delicious. Put out some fresh toppings or add them inside so your family can dress a simple bean burrito up if desired.

Get the Recipe: Bean and Cheese Burrito.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

If you could benefit from some cozy comfort food, this chicken noodle soup is the recipe to make. It is a classic chicken noodle soup but with a rich drizzle of heavy cream for ultra-delicious flavor and texture. Each bite has a creamy flavor and chunks of chicken and veggies with plenty of noodles. Serve with a simple green salad.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Save your money while still getting that Chipotle chicken flavor you crave. This recipe is so easy and versatile. You can add it to a rice bowl, wrap it up in a burrito or just eat it as is! This will be a flavorful favorite with your family and it will save you a bunch of cash on take out dinner on busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken.

White Bean Chili

 This nutritious chili is loaded with flavor (lime, cilantro, spices!), a great source of protein and fiber (beans, corn!), and it’s made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry (broth, onion, garlic). Serve the vegetarian white chili with a ton of toppings and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and cozy meal. Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian White Bean Chili.

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 a fruit cup.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Pesto Panini.

Moo Shu Shrimp

This moo shu shrimp recipe has everything you’re looking for in a weeknight meal. It’s nutritious, it’s fast (just 20 minutes), and it’s totally delicious. With classic moo shu flavors, this easy stir-fy is quick and easy to make at home. Serve over rice or with a warmed tortilla as a nod to moo shu wraps.

Get the Recipe: Moo Shu Shrimp.

Chicken Taco Soup

This flavorful soup might taste like it took all day to simmer, but it puts a shortcut ingredient to work to make it so easy you can serve it on a weeknight. With chicken, taco spices, and the best tomato-studded broth, this soup will have your family coming back for a second bowl. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Soup.

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

This easy recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and is loaded with protein, veggies, and a flavorful sweet and savory stir-fry sauce that’s made with pantry staples! Ground turkey and broccoli florets cook together and then get major flavor from the sauce. Serve over rice and dinner is ready.

Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stir Fry.

Is there anything more satisfying than ground beef enchiladas? Not much! A savory ground beef filling is wrapped in tortillas, smothered with enchilada sauce, and baked into bubbly, cheesy perfection. Add your favorite fresh toppings.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

What could be better than a cozy bowl of chicken gnocchi soup? Pillowy gnocchi, veggies, and chicken are cooked together in a creamy broth with herbs. It tastes like it’s been cooking all day, but it’s ready in less than an hour.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

If you are craving takeout at home, try this slow-cooker recipe for chicken teriyaki! You’ll have a flavorful and easy dinner waiting for you – with minimal work. Chicken is coated in a jarred teriyaki sauce for a true dump-and-go recipe! Serve with rice and a veggie.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki.

Protein Pastina Soup

Chicken pastina soup is a classic Italian dish with a protein twist. Pastina is quite simple – tiny noodles cooked in broth and topped with some butter and parmesan for a sick day or comfort food meal. Here, it gets some extra protein with bone broth and whisked eggs. It’s rich, creamy, and always delicious.

Get the Recipe: Protein Pastina Soup.

Ground Beef Ramen Noodles

This homemade dinner rivals takeout from your local restaurant. Made with bell peppers, carrots, and ground beef, this easy dish delivers great flavors in a budget-friendly package that manages to pack in flavor, veggies, and protein!

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Ramen Noodles.