These 17 simple dinner ideas are meant for those busy nights when time is tight. We’ve all been there, trying to balance a hectic schedule, and spending hours cooking just isn’t possible. These recipes are quick to put together and perfect for those evenings. They’re about making your life easier while still enjoying a good meal at the end of a long day.
Spinach Chicken Bake
Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in just one pan, this dish combines juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, and then baked into a golden, savory dinner. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for those evenings when you want a warm, filling dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan recipe is all about ease and flavor. Cabbage and sausages are paired together for an easy but filling dinner. Just saute everything together and have a meal ready in less than 30 minutes. Simple, quick, and delicious, this dish is perfect for a no-stress weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Quick, easy, and filling, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something on the table fast. This recipe combines ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a hearty and delicious dinner. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one skillet for convenience, it’s great for those evenings when you don’t have the time to spend all night in the kitchen. Leftovers also store perfectly so you can still enjoy it the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time, this creamy Creamy Garlic Chicken can be served in just 30 minutes. Everything comes together in just one pan for convenience, combining tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Pair it with rice or a side of your choice for a meal that’s both simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
This one-pot recipe brings together tender chicken, corn, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate leftover chicken or vegetables into a wholesome dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This one-pot recipe simmers mushrooms with a rich, creamy base, creating a hearty and delicious dish. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this warm soup can be served in 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Serve this mushroom soup with bread or a salad for a filling meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This soup combines the creamy texture of cooked sweet potatoes with the bright taste of red peppers for a comforting meal that comes together in under an hour. Just one pot and a few easy steps are all it takes to make this delicious soup. It’s a fantastic choice for any home chef looking for a warm, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a warm and hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, try this easy sheet pan dinner. Toss the sausages and vegetables onto a sheet pan, and let the oven handle the rest. The high heat of the oven not only cooks everything evenly but also enhances the natural flavors, resulting in a dish with crispy, caramelized edges and tender, juicy insides. Plus, with everything cooked on one sheet pan, cleanup is so much easier, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This is your sign to make a hearty casserole in just 30 minutes. This loaded veggie dish is a delicious combination of steamed broccoli and cauliflower mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon, all baked to a golden finish. It’s a great way to get that much-needed dose of veggies in a meal that the whole family will love. Plus, with everything prepared in one dish, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Enjoy these bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, all in one skillet. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for those new to cooking or anyone needing a fast but flavorful dinner. Serve them with rice and veggies for a hearty dinner or over a salad for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Dinner can be both hearty and easy in this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach recipe. This casserole combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the lightness of cauliflower rice and spinach, all under a blanket of melted cheddar, in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish is a great way a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These patties are great with salads, as a burger, or even on their own. Ready in just 20 minutes, make these for those busy weeknights when you need an easy and filling meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In this recipe, cabbage is paired with crispy bacon, cooked in one skillet, and can be served in just 25 minutes. This meal is perfect when you want something hearty but don’t have the energy to spend hours cooking. This recipe is both easy to prepare and enjoyable, making it a great option for a wholesome dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This creamy soup combines tomatoes, Italian sausage, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices for a comforting bowl that’s table-ready in just 30 minutes. It’s very easy to make and comes together in just one pot, making it a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Think seasoned chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and then baked for an easy but delicious meal. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights for a filling and flavor-packed dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Crock Pot Taco Soup
If you know you’re going to have a busy night, prep this soup earlier in the day to have a delicious meal ready tonight. Just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest, making this an incredibly time-efficient option. It’s filling and flavorful, perfect for days when you’re multitasking and need dinner to pretty much make itself.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These chicken bacon ranch poppers are cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a light meal for busy weeknights, these are very easy to make and perfect for those days when cooking is the last thing you want to do. Simply mix chicken, bacon, egg, and cheese, shape them into meatballs, and bake to perfection. These poppers are also freezer-friendly, making them a great grab-and-go meal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers