21 Weeknight Recipes To Save You Time And Still Taste Great

Long days don’t mix well with long cooking times, and no one wants to spend the evening scrubbing dishes. With 21 easy recipes, dinner comes together fast without feeling rushed. Forget takeout that arrives lukewarm and costs too much. A quick, homemade meal that actually tastes good is the real weeknight win.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

If you’ve got a craving for something crunchy and fulfilling, this recipe hits the spot. Buttermilk Fried Chicken gives you that perfect crispy exterior with a juicy inside. Whip it up on a busy weeknight for a meal that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare. No need to wait for the weekend to enjoy a fried chicken feast!
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love a classic comfort food that’s easy to make? Mac and Cheese is a go-to recipe that combines creamy cheese and tender pasta in one dish. It’s simple, quick, and a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Want the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your answer. It’s packed with all the savory goodness of the classic dish but in a convenient, soup form. Enjoy a bowl on a cold evening, and watch it become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Everyone loves those famous restaurant biscuits, and now you can make them at home. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are surprisingly easy to prepare and bring a touch of dining out into your kitchen. Serve them up as a side, and watch them disappear fast. They’re just that good.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Sesame Chicken

Imagine turning a takeout favorite into a weeknight wonder. With Sesame Chicken, you can. This dish is not only tasty but quick to make, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a great way to bring a touch of Asian cuisine to your dinner table without the extra cost of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Corn Casserole

For a side dish that’s both hearty and easy to make, look no further. Corn Casserole combines simple ingredients into a delicious bake that complements any main. Whether it’s a part of your weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. It’s comfort food at its easiest.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Baked Chicken Thighs

Busy evenings call for recipes that are both uncomplicated and fulfilling. Baked Chicken Thighs fit the bill perfectly with minimal prep and maximum flavor. This dish is a great way to end your day on a flavorful note without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs well with almost any side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Sweet and Sour Pork

If you’re in the mood for something different, why not try an at-home twist on a Chinese food classic? Sweet and Sour Pork offers a wonderful mix of flavors and is quicker to make than you might think. It’s perfect for adding some variety to your weeknight meal rotation. A little sweet, a little sour, and totally fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Birria Ramen

Combine the rich, savory flavors of traditional Mexican birria with the comforting simplicity of ramen to create Birria Ramen. This unique fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds and is surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy night. It’s a revolutionary way to enjoy classic flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Pasta Carbonara

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most rewarding, and Pasta Carbonara proves just that. With a few ingredients and not much time, you can have a creamy, comforting pasta dish ready to serve. It’s elegance and ease in one plate, making it perfect for those nights when you want a little luxury with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Egg Bites

Kickstart your morning or add a protein boost to your evening with Egg Bites. These customizable, easy-to-make delights are perfect for on-the-go or as a simple, light dinner. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftovers too, making them a smart addition to your meal planning routine.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Nothing says comfort like a creamy pasta dish, and Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is no exception. It’s quick to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Ideal for those nights when you want something a little special without too much effort, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Hashbrown Casserole

Transform the humble potato into something extraordinary with Hashbrown Casserole. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both quiet family dinners and potluck gatherings. It’s effortlessly delicious and pairs well with a variety of mains, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most memorable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Put a spicy twist on a classic with Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. This dish combines hearty baked potatoes with the bold flavor of buffalo chicken, creating a fulfilling meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s the perfect answer to the question of what to make when you’re out of dinner ideas.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

For a lighter take on comfort food, Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole delivers. It’s a vegetable-packed, cheesy delight that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, it makes for a wonderful side or a main dish for those trying to keep dinner light yet fulfilling. A clever way to get more veggies into your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Corn Chowder

Enjoy a bowl of warmth with Corn Chowder. This creamy, comforting soup is quick to make and filled with flavor, making it a great weeknight option. It’s a perfect pick-me-up on chilly evenings or whenever you’re in the mood for something soothing and fulfilling. Dig into a bowl of this chowder, and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Neapolitan Pizza

Bring a slice of Italy into your home with Neapolitan Pizza. This simple yet flavorful dish captures the essence of traditional Italian pizza with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just looking for a quick dinner solution, whipping up this pizza promises a wonderful meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Upgrade your mac and cheese game with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. This version adds a sweet twist to the classic dish, making it not only more nutritious but incredibly tasty. It’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Comfort food with a healthy twist!
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Need a fun and easy dinner idea? Pinwheel Sandwiches are the answer. They’re versatile, simple to prepare, and a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner option or something different for your meal prep, these sandwiches offer a fun twist on the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Pizza Rolls

Gone are the days of store-bought snacks when you have Pizza Rolls in your repertoire. These homemade bites are perfect for a quick dinner or a fulfilling snack. Easy to make and even easier to customize, they bring the joy of pizza in a bite-sized, fun-to-eat form. A guaranteed hit for any night.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Copycat Smash Burger

Craving a burger but not the takeaway calories? Copycat Smash Burger lets you recreate your fast-food favorite right at home. Quick to make and incredibly delicious, it’s a great way to satisfy those burger cravings without leaving the house. Plus, you get to customize it just the way you like.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger