16 Effortless Meals for Busy Weeknights

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16 Effortless Meals for Busy Weeknights

Who has time to chop tons of ingredients or follow complicated recipes on busy weeknights? You’ll love these quick and easy dishes made with everyday ingredients. From cheesy pasta to juicy kebabs, these meals will be on the table in no time, and your family will be begging for seconds.

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Taco Tuesday with a fiery twist! This recipe adds a touch of habanero pepper for a surprising kick. Easy to make, it’s a fun twist on your usual taco night with a touch of heat that will tantalize your taste buds. Get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Chicken Tenders

Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.
Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ditch the frozen box and create restaurant-worthy chicken tenders at home. The cornflake coating makes them way tastier, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful inside. Dip them in your favorite sauce for a fun and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Weeknight dinners can be delicious too!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but craving enchiladas? This recipe uses rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, but it still delivers amazing cheesy comfort food. Layer shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce for a warm and satisfying meal in 30 minutes. Weeknights don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor!
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a protein-packed vegetarian meal with Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa in just 30 minutes! Packed with protein from quinoa and the savory richness of parmesan cheese, it’s a delightful option for any night of the week, even when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take your taste buds on a sunshine-y adventure with this bright and flavorful poached salmon. The orange adds a touch of sweetness to the delicate fish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Give your sushi night a spicy kick with this budget-friendly twist on the classic spicy tuna roll! This recipe uses canned tuna for a delicious and affordable way to enjoy sushi at home. The touch of heat will wake up your taste buds, all in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Image shows a close up of an Asparagus and Goat Cheese Pizza on a pizza peel sitting on a black counter.
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Challenge your pizza night routine with this unique pizza. Made with asparagus and goat cheese, it uses no sauce and minimal cheese, but it still tastes amazing. This recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, unlike your typical frozen pizza.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Asian Glazed Salmon

Image shows a fork holding a bite of an Asian glazed salmon with the remaining serving in the background.
Asian Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salmon gets a flavor upgrade with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze for a delicious and easy meal. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete Asian-inspired dinner in just 30 minutes. Weeknights just got a whole lot more exciting!
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the burger rut and fire up the grill for these smoky and flavorful kebabs. Made with ground meat, they’re a breeze to prepare, cook fast, and explode with savory goodness. Pile them high on warm pita bread for a fun and filling meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh peas add a pop of color and sweetness to this creamy pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner with added protein from cheese, ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Get your Asian food fix without the fuss. This recipe packs all the yummy flavors of an egg roll in a bowl, and only one pan means easy cleanup! Enjoy a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This sweet and sticky glazed chicken is your weeknight dinner hero! Paired with fluffy rice and colorful veggies, it’s a complete and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Ditch the takeout menus and create restaurant-worthy flavor right at home.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

One-pot wonder alert! This skillet dish is packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans. Salsa and corn add a Mexican flavor explosion, and cleaning up is a breeze afterwards.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving cheese and pasta? This recipe is your 15-minute answer to that craving! Cook noodles, make a creamy cheese sauce, and dive into a luxurious and comforting bowl of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect quick fix for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This melty cheese sandwich may seem fancy, but it comes together in minutes for a surprisingly quick bite. Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil nestled between toasted bread make a perfect light lunch or afternoon pick-me-up. No time to spare? This recipe is your answer!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto adds a vibrant green twist and nutty richness to protein-packed salmon, making this a healthy and delicious 30-minute meal. Forget takeout and dive into this flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

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