22+ Quick and Simple Easiest Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen.

That’s why having a collection of the easiest dinner recipes on hand is a game-changer.

These 22+ easiest dinner recipes are designed to save you time and effort while still delivering delicious, satisfying meals.

From one-pan wonders and quick stir-fries to simple pastas and no-fuss salads, these recipes use minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these dinners prove that easy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

22+ Quick and Simple Easiest Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

With these 22+ easiest dinner recipes, you can make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable every night of the week.

The simplicity of these dishes means you spend less time cooking and more time savoring your meal and relaxing.

Whether you prefer hearty, comforting dishes or light and fresh options, this collection has something for everyone.

Keep these recipes in your arsenal for busy days, last-minute dinners, or whenever you need a quick, tasty solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

One-Pan Garlic Chicken

This one-pan garlic chicken recipe is the perfect quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights.

It requires minimal prep and cleanup while delivering juicy chicken breasts infused with the rich flavor of garlic and herbs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking, it’s a go-to meal when time is tight but you still want something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden.
3. Add minced garlic and seasoning, spoon over chicken.
4. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until chicken is cooked through.
5. Optional: add lemon slices on top for fresh flavor before baking.

This simple recipe lets the garlic and herbs shine while cooking chicken to juicy perfection.

The one-pan method makes dinner effortless, and the flavors are satisfying without any fuss.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Sheet pan sausage and veggies is an easy dinner that requires almost no hands-on time.

Toss flavorful sausages with chopped vegetables on a baking sheet, roast in the oven, and enjoy a colorful, hearty meal that’s both nutritious and convenient.

Ingredients:

• Sausages (your choice)
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Zucchini, chopped
• Red onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange sausages and veggies on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat.
4. Roast in the oven until sausages are cooked and vegetables are tender.

This recipe is great for anyone who wants a balanced meal with minimal effort.

The roasting brings out natural sweetness in the veggies while the sausages add savory richness, making it a perfect hassle-free dinner.

Quick Stir-Fry

Quick stir-fry is a versatile dinner option that comes together in minutes and can be customized with whatever protein and vegetables you have on hand.

The fast cooking preserves the crunch and color of the veggies, while a simple soy-based sauce adds delicious umami flavor.

Ingredients:

• Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables until just tender-crisp.
4. Return protein to the pan, add soy sauce, and toss everything together.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

This quick stir-fry recipe is a great way to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

It’s a flexible, one-pan meal that feels fresh and satisfying every time.

Easy Baked Salmon

Easy baked salmon is a foolproof dinner recipe that delivers tender, flaky fish with minimal prep and clean-up.

Seasoned simply with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, it’s a healthy and elegant meal you can have on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

This recipe highlights the natural flavor of salmon with simple, fresh ingredients.

It’s a great option for a nutritious, effortless dinner that feels special without requiring a lot of time or skill.

One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta is a lifesaver for busy nights, combining pasta, sauce, and often protein and vegetables all cooked together in a single pot.

This method saves time and reduces dishes, while producing a creamy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (any short kind)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and enough water to cover the pasta.
2. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and water is mostly absorbed.
3. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.

This easy one-pot pasta is comforting and fresh, perfect for a quick dinner when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Veggie Omelette

A veggie omelette is a quick, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect when you want something light yet filling.

Packed with fresh vegetables and melted cheese, it’s a simple recipe that can be customized to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Spinach
• Onion, diced
• Cheese (cheddar, feta, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté vegetables in a skillet until tender.
3. Pour eggs over the veggies and cook until mostly set.
4. Sprinkle cheese on one half, fold the omelette, and cook until cheese melts.

This veggie omelette is a fast, nutritious dinner that’s perfect any night of the week.

It’s a delicious way to use up leftover vegetables and enjoy a warm, homemade meal in minutes.

Taco Salad

Taco salad is a quick and easy dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

It’s perfect when you want a light but filling dinner with minimal cooking.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Shredded cheese
• Black beans (optional)
• Tortilla chips
• Salsa and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a skillet, then stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and black beans if using.
3. Add cooked beef and toss lightly.
4. Top with crushed tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream before serving.

This taco salad is a fresh and fun way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without the fuss of tortillas.

It’s easy to prepare and great for a casual dinner that everyone will love.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas simplify dinner by cooking all the ingredients on one pan.

The juicy chicken strips roast alongside bell peppers and onions, making a colorful, flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• Fajita seasoning
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chicken, peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

This sheet pan recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.

It’s fast, healthy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor without any complicated steps.

Caprese Pasta

Caprese pasta is a simple, fresh dinner inspired by the classic Italian salad.

With ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta tossed in olive oil and balsamic glaze, it’s a light but satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne or fusilli)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. Toss pasta with olive oil, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.

This Caprese pasta recipe is perfect when you want something fresh and flavorful in minutes.

It’s a colorful and easy dinner that brings the taste of summer to your plate any time of year.

Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Quick beef stir-fry is a fast and flavorful dinner that combines tender strips of beef with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce.

It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced beef
• Broccoli florets
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté briefly until fragrant.
3. Stir-fry beef until browned and cooked through, then remove from pan.
4. Add vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Return beef to the pan, pour in soy sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This quick beef stir-fry delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it a great choice for a balanced weeknight dinner that feels both fresh and satisfying.

Easy Veggie Quesadilla

An easy veggie quesadilla is a simple, tasty dinner that’s ready in minutes.

It’s packed with melted cheese and colorful vegetables, making it both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Bell peppers, diced
• Onions, diced
• Corn kernels
• Olive oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Sauté bell peppers, onions, and corn in a skillet until softened.
2. Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat, sprinkle cheese on half, then add cooked veggies.
3. Fold the tortilla over and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and crispy.
4. Flip carefully and cook the other side.
5. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

This veggie quesadilla is a quick, customizable meal that works great for busy evenings or when you want a delicious meat-free dinner.

Simple Tomato Soup

Simple tomato soup is a comforting and easy dinner option that pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese or a fresh salad.

Made from canned tomatoes and basic pantry ingredients, it’s warm, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Basil leaves
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then blend until smooth.
4. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This tomato soup is a classic that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.

It’s perfect when you want a warm, homemade meal with minimal effort.

Chicken and Rice Skillet

Chicken and rice skillet is a one-pan dinner that’s both easy and comforting.

Tender chicken simmers with rice and simple seasonings, absorbing all the flavors for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Long grain rice
• Chicken broth
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add rice and stir to coat, then pour in chicken broth.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.

This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option because it’s hearty, flavorful, and requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Easy shrimp scampi is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon.

It’s perfect for those nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parsley, chopped
• Pasta or crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
3. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

This shrimp scampi recipe is both elegant and simple, making it a great choice for an impressive yet quick dinner.

Veggie Fried Rice

Veggie fried rice is a fast, flavorful way to use leftover rice and fresh vegetables.

It’s a satisfying vegetarian dinner packed with color, texture, and umami from soy sauce and garlic.

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Eggs (optional)
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame oil or vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push veggies to one side, scramble eggs on the other side if using.
4. Add rice and soy sauce, stirring everything together until heated through.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

This veggie fried rice is a quick, delicious dinner that’s perfect for using up leftovers while delivering fresh, vibrant flavors.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy tomato pasta is an easy, comforting dinner that combines the tangy flavor of tomatoes with a rich, creamy sauce.

It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly using pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream or cream cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Stir in cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

This creamy tomato pasta is satisfying and flavorful, perfect when you want a simple yet indulgent dinner without a lot of fuss.

Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

Baked lemon herb chicken is a juicy, flavorful dinner that requires minimal prep.

The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with bright and aromatic notes, making it a healthy and delicious choice.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Lemon juice and zest
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.

This recipe is great for a light, flavorful dinner that feels fresh and homemade with very little effort.

Black Bean Tacos

Black bean tacos are a quick and nutritious vegetarian dinner that’s full of flavor and texture.

The seasoned black beans paired with fresh toppings make for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• Taco seasoning
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Avocado, sliced
• Salsa
• Lettuce or cabbage
• Cheese or vegan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat black beans in a skillet and stir in taco seasoning. Cook until heated through.
2. Warm tortillas and fill with seasoned beans.
3. Top with avocado slices, salsa, lettuce, and cheese if desired.

These black bean tacos are a flavorful and quick dinner option that works well for busy nights or meatless meals. They’re easy to customize and always satisfying.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in minutes.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic and butter sauce, making for a satisfying and elegant meal that pairs perfectly with rice or pasta.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

This dish is perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal that’s fast and simple.

The garlic butter sauce enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness for a delicious dinner.

Veggie Pasta Primavera

Veggie pasta primavera is a vibrant and healthy dinner option packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce.

It’s an easy way to enjoy a colorful, flavorful meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic and mixed vegetables in olive oil until tender-crisp.
3. Toss cooked pasta with the veggies and olive oil mixture.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

This pasta primavera recipe is perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner that highlights the flavors of fresh veggies and simple seasoning.

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Chicken Caesar wrap is a fast and tasty dinner that combines grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla.

It’s portable, easy to make, and perfect for a no-fuss meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken breast, sliced
• Romaine lettuce
• Caesar dressing
• Parmesan cheese
• Flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced chicken with Caesar dressing.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and layer with romaine lettuce, chicken mixture, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
3. Roll up tightly and slice in half.

This wrap is an easy dinner solution that’s both fresh and filling, great for busy nights or when you want a lighter meal with classic flavors.

Conclusion

The beauty of these 22+ easiest dinner recipes lies in their simplicity and versatility. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to whip up a homemade meal without complicated steps or a long ingredient list. By focusing on fresh ingredients and straightforward methods, these recipes make it easy to eat well even on your busiest days. So next time you’re wondering what to cook, turn to these effortless dinner ideas and enjoy delicious meals that come together quickly and easily.