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21 Weeknight Dinners That Are A Breeze To Make

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By Michelle Price

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21 Weeknight Dinners That Are A Breeze To Make

After a long day, the last thing you need is a complicated dinner. These 21 weeknight dinners are quick and easy to make, so you can have a tasty meal ready in no time. Each recipe helps you get dinner on the table with minimal effort, letting you enjoy a satisfying meal without hours of cooking.

A wooden spoon is being lifted out of a casserole dish.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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.

Cacio e pepe transforms a few simple ingredients into a rich, creamy pasta dish in just 15 minutes. This classic meal brings together the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and comforting texture. Relish a quick and satisfying dinner that’s as elegant as it is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto tuna salad with sun-dried tomatoes revives a classic dish with bold, vibrant flavors that truly stand out. The pesto’s fresh herbs and the tomatoes’ sweetness create a delightful combination that makes every bite memorable. This salad is a quick and tasty option that elevates any lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tamale pot pies blend the comforting heartiness of pot pies with the distinct, savory flavors of tamales. This inventive dish combines familiar tastes in a new and exciting way, perfect for a cozy meal. Serve these pot pies to impress with a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Honey Glazed Chicken

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

Honey glazed chicken is bathed in a sweet, sticky glaze that adds a layer of irresistible flavor with minimal preparation. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, making each bite both tender and flavorful. Enjoy a speedy and mouthwatering dinner that brings a touch of sweetness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

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.

Cheesy beef and rice casserole melds seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a hearty, satisfying meal. The one-pot preparation simplifies your cooking process while delivering a rich, comforting dinner. Dig into this dish for a fulfilling meal that makes weeknight dinners effortless.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade chicken empanadas offer a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around savory chicken filling. These empanadas come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for a fast and tasty meal or snack. Enjoy these easy-to-make treats that deliver on both flavor and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

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.

Mexican skillet quinoa combines black beans, corn, and spices in a single pan for a flavorful and nutritious meal. This dish is not only quick to cook but also requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights. Serve up this wholesome quinoa for a dinner that simplifies your evening routine.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded BBQ chicken, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, is bursting with smoky, tangy flavor. Ideal for topping sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes, this dish turns everyday ingredients into a delicious meal. Experience the taste of BBQ with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Image shows A bowl of carrot chicken soup on a wooden table.
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Weeknight carrot chicken soup features tender chicken, carrots, and a hint of ginger simmered in a savory broth. This easy-to-make soup is loaded with nutrients and provides a warm, comforting meal for busy evenings. Enjoy a satisfying bowl of soup that comes together effortlessly and warms you through.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato lime chicken is a versatile dish brimming with zesty, tangy flavors that enhance any meal. Whether used in tacos, salads, or rice bowls, this chicken adds a delightful twist to your dishes. Transform your dinner with a flavorful and easy-to-make option that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow-cooked carnitas are tender, juicy, and perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, or enjoying on their own. This recipe requires little effort and delivers rich, satisfying flavor that’s ideal for busy nights. Relish a meal that combines ease of preparation with fantastic taste.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

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.

Crescent roll bagel dogs give a playful twist to traditional hot dogs by wrapping them in flaky, golden dough. Each hot dog bakes to perfection with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Serve these bagel dogs for a fun and delicious treat that makes a simple meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

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.

Poached orange salmon offers a light, citrus-infused flavor that enhances the delicate fish. The poaching method ensures the salmon stays tender and juicy, making it an elegant choice for a quick meal. Serve this refined dish to impress with its fresh, sophisticated taste.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

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 are a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. Each shell is filled with rich cheese and baked to perfection, creating a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Enjoy a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato basil bisque combines fresh tomatoes and basil to create a creamy, flavorful soup that’s ready in about 30 minutes. This dish offers a warm, comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to make. Savor a bowl of this bisque for a satisfying and cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lime marinated grilled chicken infuses the meat with a zesty, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for summer grilling. The marinade keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, making it a standout choice for quick, delicious meals. Enjoy a fresh and vibrant dinner that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

Creamy pea pasta brings together fresh peas and dill in a smooth, rich sauce that’s both comforting and quick to prepare. This dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying with minimal effort. Enjoy a creamy, flavorful pasta that offers a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Southwest tortilla pie layers rotisserie chicken with black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful casserole. The melted cheese on top adds a deliciously satisfying finish to this easy-to-make dish. Enjoy a hearty and vibrant meal that brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow cooker garlic roast pork offers a succulent, flavorful meal with minimal prep work. Simply season the pork and let the slow cooker do the rest, resulting in tender, juicy meat by dinnertime. Experience a fuss-free, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Pesto Salmon

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

Pesto salmon pairs rich, tender salmon with a vibrant green pesto for an elegant yet easy meal. The fresh, herby pesto complements the salmon perfectly, making it a standout dinner option. Enjoy a simple and impressive dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Shortcut Chicken Salad

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

Shortcut chicken salad, made with canned chicken, provides a quick and easy meal option. The zesty dressing adds a burst of flavor, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner. Enjoy a satisfying and convenient dish that makes busy days a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

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