Your Weeknights Can’t Handle 19 Ridiculously Easy Dinners

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen on weeknights? These 19 ridiculously easy dinners are here to save the day! They offer a variety of flavors and styles, all designed to be prepared quickly and with ease. Say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to delicious, hassle-free dinners that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a lunch that packs a punch, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts might just be your new go-to. It combines the sweetness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, creating a balanced meal in minutes. Ideal for busy workdays, it’s easy to assemble. This salad ensures a refreshing break in your day without demanding much time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Transform your weeknight dinners with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter, a recipe that promises to impress. The smoky flavor of the steak paired with the rich, herby cowboy butter makes every bite a celebration. It’s simple enough for a quick meal but special enough to feel like an event. Wind down your day with this flavorful and quick-to-prepare dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu brings a classic dish into the realm of weeknight possibility. Thanks to the air fryer, what used to be a weekend treat can now be enjoyed without extensive prep. With its crispy exterior and juicy, ham and cheese-stuffed interior, it’s a surefire hit. It’s a testament to how gourmet meals can come together swiftly on any given night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Busy nights call for Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, offering the freshest flavors in the shortest time. The burst of cherry tomatoes mixed with garlic and olive oil creates a sauce that’s both light and deeply flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful. This dish is a weeknight savior, promising dinner on the table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spicy, smoky, and incredibly versatile, Chicken Tinga is a must-try for those who love to explore flavors. This dish combines shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce for a truly flavorful experience. Serve it on tacos, tostadas, or rice for a meal that’s both hearty and filling. It’s a brilliant way to bring the taste of Mexico to your dining table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your salad game with Steak & Pasta Salad, a hearty yet easy option for any night. This dish marries the richness of steak with the lightness of pasta, all dressed in a zingy vinaigrette. It’s ideal for those evenings when you crave something substantial yet quick to prepare. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture that make dinner interesting again.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something incredibly comforting about Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This one-pan wonder combines pillowy gnocchi with spicy sausage and the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that comes together on the stovetop for a cozy evening. For a meal solution that is as satisfying as it is simple, look no further.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pizza Pasta Salad takes all the beloved flavors of pizza and transforms them into a refreshing salad. This dish is proof that you don’t have to choose between salad and pizza on busy nights. With a mix of pasta, pepperoni, cheese, and veggies, it’s both filling and flavorful. This recipe is your ticket to shaking up dinner routines with a fun twist.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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 Six.

Start your morning or refresh your afternoon with Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. This simple treat combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the sweetness of blueberries atop crusty bread. It’s a nutritious option that comes together in no time, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick snack. Discover the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving takeout but not the wait? Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. This dish features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce, topped with candied walnuts for the perfect crunch. It’s a whirlwind of flavors that can be achieved in the comfort of your home, making any evening a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those days when time is scarce, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are a godsend. As they simmer away in the slow cooker, the flavors deepen and meld together, creating a comforting meal. It’s a hands-off recipe that promises a delicious dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. Let this recipe prove that slow cooking can be your best ally on hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a bit of spice to your dinner with Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. This dish is a lively mix of chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, coated in a fiery sauce. It’s quick to prep and packs enough heat to liven up any weeknight. If you’re in the mood for something bold, this recipe will not disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn last night’s dinner into today’s treat with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This recipe is the perfect answer to the question of what to do with leftover steak. With the addition of fresh toppings and a quick sear, your leftovers are transformed into a delicious, new meal. It’s a creative way to ensure nothing goes to waste while enjoying a flavorful feast.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This pasta dish combines a creamy tomato vodka sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni for a luxurious dining experience. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, turning any evening into a special occasion. Experience the joy of making a gourmet meal in your kitchen with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots is your ticket to recreating a favorite snack right at home. Each tot is loaded with cheese and bacon, promising a bite that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Perfect for game nights or as a treat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together without fuss. Enjoy the beloved flavors of a takeout favorite without stepping out the door.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Refresh your meal routine with Wild Rice Salad, a dish that brings together diverse textures and flavors. The nuttiness of wild rice pairs beautifully with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying option that’s as fitting for a side dish as it is for a main. This salad is a testament to the power of simple, natural ingredients in creating fulfilling meals.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche is a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your meals. The combination of tender asparagus and smooth ricotta in a flaky crust makes for a luxurious breakfast or brunch option. It’s surprisingly easy to make, offering a sophisticated dish without the need for complicated steps. This quiche brings a bit of elegance to any mealtime, effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Chicken Stir Fry

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

An ever-reliable dish for a quick and fulfilling dinner is Chicken Stir Fry. With its vibrant mix of vegetables and tender chicken strips, it’s not only healthy but also packed with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and speed; it’s ready in a flash, making it a weekday hero. This dish is a wonderful reminder of how fast and fresh food can be synonymous.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When time and ingredients are limited, Ground Beef Fried Rice steps up as a flavorful solution. This recipe turns simple ground beef and leftover rice into a flavorful meal with just a handful of additional ingredients. It’s a practical, delicious way to feed the family without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re after a no-fuss dinner that still delivers in taste, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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