Fast And Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Are you spending way too much time and mental energy thinking about “what should I cook for dinner tonight?” I feel you. It can be such a time and energy drain! But I’ve got some simple solutions for you. I’ve compiled this list of 19 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners, so you can crush your goals, eat better, save money, feel like a super hero, and still have a little time to put your feet up at the end of the day. 😊

19 Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals on a Budget

The criteria for making this list includes: Short ingredient list

Fast (about 30 minutes)

Easy recipes suitable for beginners

Comprised of mostly pantry staples, so you can whip them up on the fly

And by “pantry staples” I mean items that are shelf stable so you can keep them on hand without worrying they’ll spoil. This can be dry goods (actual pantry), refrigerator items that have a long shelf life, or items that can be stashed in the freezer for a rainy day. Check out my list of Pantry Staples so you can get a good idea of what to stock up on for fast weeknight dinners.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with your browser’s bookmark feature, you’re going to want to keep these quick and easy weeknight dinners handy!!

Quick Dinner Recipes

Weeknight Black Bean Chili This easy and comforting black bean chili is rich, full of warm chili spices, and fast enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. Go to the recipe >>>

Monterey Chicken Skillet Smoky BBQ sauce, salty bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese come together in this quick, one-dish Monterey Chicken Skillet. Go to the recipe >>>

Tuscan White Bean Pasta This Tuscan White Bean Pasta is a fast and flavorful dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. Caramelized garlic, basil, and Parmesan add BIG flavor! Go to the recipe >>>

Curried Chickpeas with Spinach These super fast Curried Chickpeas with spinach are packed with flavor and nutrients, vegan, gluten-free, and filling! Plus they freeze great! Go to the recipe >>>

Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep The Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep that you can put together in about 30 minutes with minimal cooking, chopping, and nothing to pack on the side. Lunch can be easy and tasty! Go to the recipe >>>

Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles Sweet, salty, rich, and crunchy, these Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles hit all the bases. It’s fast, easy comfort food for busy nights! Go to the recipe >>>

One Pot Roasted Red Pepper Pasta This smoky, sweet, and creamy One Pot Roasted Red Pepper Pasta cooks in one single pot and can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Go to the recipe >>>

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry This fast and easy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a filling low carb dinner with big flavor and endless possibilities for customization.

Go to the recipe >>>

Southwest Chicken Skillet If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Southwest Chicken Skillet is it! Precooked chicken makes this dinner possible in about 30 minutes. Go to the recipe >>>

Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that only requires a few ingredients.

Go to the recipe >>>

One Pot Chili Pasta This super hearty One Pot Chili Pasta is bursting with southwest chili flavor, protein, and fiber. It's a meal in a bowl that the whole family will love. Go to the recipe >>>

Pizzadillas All the cheesy toppings of a pizza stuffed into a fast, easy, and crispy quesadilla. Perfect for dipping in pizza sauce! Go to the recipe >>>

One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta This One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta cooks quickly and in one skillet so that no flavor is lost! Make dinner fast, easy, and delicious. Go to the recipe >>>

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas Black beans, corn, cilantro, cheese, and plenty of spices make these vegetarian black bean quesadillas big on flavor and surprisingly filling. Go to the recipe >>>

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Easier than a box meal, this creamy tomato and spinach pasta is also more flavorful and delicious. 100% real ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights! Go to the recipe >>>

Green Chile Turkey Burgers These Green Chile Turkey Burgers can't be beat for a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner. Healthy, ready in about 30 minutes, and full of southwest flavor. Go to the recipe >>>

One Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese This One Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese is fast, easy, and absolutely fool proof. This sauce stays smooth and creamy! Go to the recipe >>>

Bowties and Broccoli This insanely simple dinner "cheat" is ready in minutes and will keep you full for hours. Bowties and Broccoli is my go-to lazy weeknight dinner. Go to the recipe >>>

Green Chile Migas Green Chile Migas is a fast and inexpensive egg dish that is flavorful and filling any time of day, not just for breakfast!

Go to the recipe >>>

And those are my top 19 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners! Feel free to share your go-to weeknight dinner recipes for other readers to enjoy in the comments below. :) The more the merrier!