Easy Entrees For The Win: 13 Chef-Approved Dishes That’ll Make Weeknights A Breeze

Looking to spruce up your weeknight dinners without spending too much time in the kitchen? Consider trying this list of 13 chef-approved dishes made specifically for busy weeknights. These recipes are straightforward and quick to prepare, using ingredients you likely already have on hand, making your dinner routine both delicious and hassle-free.

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

With this recipe, you’re not just making pasta. You’re bringing a slice of Italian dining into your home. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka has the magic of creamy tomato sauce and al dente pasta without needing a degree. It is dialed down to be approachable any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This version takes a fresh turn by incorporating ingredients you might not expect. California Eggs Benedict will make mornings or any time you crave them a moment to look forward to. They aim for a balance between indulgence and nutrition. They’re as enjoyable to eat as it is simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Inspired by the comfort food classic from Cracker Barrel, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings the cozy flavors of the countryside to your kitchen. It is simplified to fit your busy schedule without losing any of that signature taste. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you want proof of how simple ingredients can create fantastic flavors, try Cucumber Salad with Feta. The crispness of cucumber combined with the creamy tang of feta cheese offers a refreshing break from your typical meals. It’s a no-cook solution to your dinner dilemmas.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These pieces are a nod to HelloFresh’s knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes has a balance of crispy texture and savory pork. It is amped up by the subtle sweetness of shallots, promises a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Turn the humble toast into a base of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries bridges the gap between snack time and a nutritional meal. It is an easy-to-prepare dish that suits any time of day. It’s a quick, healthy option that doesn’t cut corners on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Recreating the popular flavors of this Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken at home means you’re in for a treat. It is both comforting and exciting to put together! This recipe is about capturing that restaurant-quality heartiness without requiring a lengthy list of ingredients or procedures.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Unite the beloved taste of pizza with the refreshing qualities of a pasta salad. Pizza Pasta Salad is a meal that’s sure to be a hit at any table. It’s a creative twist that respects the traditional mix-ins of pizza, turning them into a less-expected, equally enjoyable form that’s great for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the rich, aromatic world of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers into your kitchen. This offers a shortcut to restaurant quality without complicating your evening. The focus is on quality ingredients coming together in a no-nonsense manner, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Don’t know what to do with leftovers? Leftover Steak Quesadilla is an idea. It’s a mouthwatering quesadilla; a genius way to enjoy a hihg-end meal without the effort of starting from scratch. It ensures a satisfyingly crispy, cheesy experience without stress and waste.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

A spin on the classic, this Chinese Chicken Salad blends crunchy veggies, chicken, and a tangy dressing. It follows a chef-approved route to ensure every bite is as memorable as it is nourishing. The recipe is made to bring a vibrant mix of textures and flavors to your dinner table without any of the typical fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Grab all the cozy feels of a diner meal and turn it into this Diner Style Salisbury Steak. The idea here is comfort food made simple, using common kitchen staples to produce a dish that’s as rich and savory as what you’d find in your favorite diner. It’s a nod to classic American cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Get a dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the lightness of fish. Salmon Pasta Salad is rounded out by fresh veggies and a dressing, making it a perfect candidate for quick assembly on busy nights. This dish’s motto is “Work smarter, not harder”.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

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