19 Meal Ideas That Won’t Give You the Busy Weeknight Blues

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19 Meal Ideas That Won’t Give You the Busy Weeknight Blues

Between work, activities, and everything else going on, cooking a delicious meal seems impossible. It’s easy to get into a rut making the same boring dinners over and over again. We’ve got 19 easy recipes that are family-pleasers and take no time to make.

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tired of the same old dinner routine? These cheesy lasagna roll-ups come to the rescue! Packed with flavor and melty cheese, they’re a guaranteed hit the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Kefta Kebabs

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

Ditch the boring burgers! Kefta kebabs are your new weeknight hero. These juicy kebabs are bursting with flavor and sure to be a winner. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and impressive meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Honey Glazed Chicken

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

Sweet, sticky, and ready in no time, this honey glazed chicken is a delicious weeknight meal. The chicken is coated in a flavorful glaze that’s sure to be a hit, with minimal preparation required. Skip the long marinades – this recipe is all about quick and easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

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.

Takeout craving got you down? This recipe is your weeknight savior. Chicken, veggies, and savory seasonings are cooked together in one pan for a flavorful and fuss-free meal that satisfies your cravings in a flash. No need to order takeout – this delicious dish is ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken tortellini soup is the answer to your dinnetime dilemmas. Leftover rotisserie chicken gives this comforting soup a flavor boost. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth combine for a satisfying and heartwarming meal that’s perfect for chilly weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells is comforting dish is bursting with savory goodness, and comes together in no time. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen – perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich and savory sauce. The crunch of cashews adds another layer of delightful texture, making each bite a party in your mouth. Easy to prepare and bursting with taste, Cashew Chicken is sure to become a weeknight favorite for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty meatball soup is packed with flavor. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich broth create a satisfying and soul-warming meal. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick pick-me-up, this Italian favorite is sure to leave you feeling happy and content.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but big on flavor? Shortcut chicken salad is your answer. Made without any cooking, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Enjoy it on a bed of crisp greens or piled high on a whole-wheat roll for a light and satisfying meal. No need to wait around for chicken to cook – this recipe is ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

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

Mexican food craving hitting on a busy night? No sweat! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to cheesy goodness. Whip them up in just a few steps and enjoy delicious enchiladas without spending hours in the kitchen – perfect for those weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Introducing a one-pot wonder – Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. This recipe is a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal prep time. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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.

Bright citrus meets melt-in-your-mouth salmon in this easy recipe. Poached orange salmon is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Yet, it’s fancy enough to impress last-minute guests. Elevate a simple protein with minimal effort and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

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.

This one-pot Mexican Skillet Quinoa is a protein and flavor fiesta! Packed with quinoa, beans, salsa, corn, and more, it’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love.
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.

This Roman classic combines just a few ingredients – pasta, cheese, and pepper – for a surprisingly decadent meal. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s the perfect way to impress someone special without slaving over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Image shows A bowl of lentil soup with a spoon in it.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This protein-packed dish is bursting with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for busy schedules. No need to spend hours simmering on the stove – this hearty soup cooks up in a fraction of the time in your Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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.

Craving a taste of Italy without the wait? This Caprese panini is your answer. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in minutes for a quick and flavorful lunch or light dinner. Skip the fancy ingredients and long prep time – this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

Craving comfort food in a hurry? Creamy pea pasta is your weeknight lifesaver. This flavorful dish is packed with protein and veggies, leaving you wanting more. It’s a great way to sneak in extra greens without sacrificing taste or time – perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fun lunchboxes or after-school snacks don’t have to be boring! These bagel dogs are a surefire crowd-pleaser. They’re a delicious twist on the classic hot dog, perfect for a quick and easy meal. Skip the boring lunches – these fun and flavorful bagel dogs are ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Pesto Salmon

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

Pesto lovers, rejoice! This vibrant dish takes minutes to prepare and is bursting with flavor. The herbal notes of pesto perfectly complement the richness of the salmon, creating a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

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