Let’s talk about DINNER!
I don’t know about you, but when we’re in the middle of a hectic week (which, okay, is EVERY WEEK) the very last thing I want to do is worry about dinner.
I just want something quick and simple on the table. Preferably healthy (ish), and preferably using ingredients I’ve already got lying around.
But it can be hard to come up with new ideas for busy weeknights – especially when work is crazy and time is short.
So I’ve curated this collection of some of my FAVORITE quick and easy dinner ideas. These are some of the most popular, best-reviewed recipes on the blog, and they also happen to be some my personal favorites. The best of the best. The quickest of the quick.
These recipes are simple, use fresh, healthy ingredients, and are all ready in less time than it would take you to watch last night’s episode of [insert some popular TV show here because I realized I have no idea what’s on tv anymore].
Scroll through the list below for some weeknight dinner inspiration!
1. 30 Minute Cavatappi with Pesto, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes (Noodles & Co. Copycat)
Who would I even BE if I didn’t start this list with pasta, right? This easy Pesto Cavatappi copycat is ready in less than 30 minutes. Pair it with a quick caesar salad or add chicken or shrimp to make it a little heartier.
2. Easy Peach Whiskey Chili
I’m pretty sure this will be my favorite chili recipe until the day I die. The only real work here is to chop the veggies and peaches – and even with a bit of chopping, it’s ready in under an hour.
3. Four Ingredient Mustard Roasted Salmon
This salmon is the bomb. THE BOMB, I TELL YOU! Also – BONUS – it takes four ingredients, one bowl, and just 20 minutes in the oven.
4. Creamy White Wine Shrimp Alfredo
This is the perfect quick and easy dinner (and there’s wine in it! FANCY). The shrimp cook up in just a few minutes and they go perfectly with this easy parmesan sauce.
5. Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls with Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
I’m convinced that slow cooker chicken is the greatest invention of all time. I make a batch of slow cooker chicken almost every week, and we throw it into everything from pasta to pizza to salads to these burrito bowls. All you have to do is pull some veggies out of the fridge, cook up some rice, and let everyone put together their own dinnertime creations.
6. Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Strawberry Salsa
This sweet and salty salmon is glazed with a quick-as-lightning balsamic dressing and topped with easy homemade strawberry salsa. Ready in just 25 minutes!
7. Corn and Tomato Pizza with Bacon and Gruyere
Don’t let the homemade pizza dough fool you – this easy, packed-with-flavor pizza is ready in just 35 minutes (with a special homemade 15-minute pizza dough!) Customize the toppings with whatever you have on hand for a quick and delicious dinner.
8. Pesto Crusted Mahi Mahi with Blistered Tomatoes and Lemon Sauce
I probably make this pesto crusted mahi mahi more than any other seafood recipe on my entire website. It’s THAT good (and THAT easy!) Just mix pesto and breadcrumbs together, layer it on the fish and bake it up. Quick tomatoes and a lemon sauce come together while the fish cooks for a dinner that’s ready in well under an hour.
9. Easy Maple Dijon Chicken
This is one of my FAVORITE chicken recipes – and it makes an appearance at our house at least once a month. A super-simple sauce lends a ton of flavor without much work. Pair it with a quick salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli for a quick and simple weeknight meal.
10. Portobello Mushroom Pizzas
This easy, vegetarian meal option is ready in less than 30 minutes and is a healthy alternative to traditional pizza! It’s one of our favorite healthy meals – and one of the most popular recipes EVER on Life As A Strawberry.
11. Orange Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls
Easy? Check. Healthy? Check. Full of flavor? Checkity Check. These easy Salmon Rice Bowls come together in no time and are sure to be a hit!
12. One Pot Spicy Tomato Pasta
This might just be my favorite pasta. All you need is one pot, some spicy Italian Sausage, tomato sauce, and a bunch of fresh arugula for this fast and flavorful comfort food. (PS – this sauce is also great with Zucchini Noodles!)
13. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Throw some chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite buffalo sauce, and when you’re ready to eat all you have to do is assemble! These sandwiches are simple but satisfying and full of flavor – perfect for busy weeknights or game day snacking.
14. Lemon Chipotle Mussels
Mussels are simple to cook at home, and they’re ready in no time! Cook these up in just 15 minutes and pair the rich, spicy broth with plenty of fresh bread.
15. One Pot Udon and Zucchini Noodle Curry Bowls
This easy, vegetarian pasta dish has a mix of fresh udon noodles and spiralized zucchini for a healthy kick. Made in one pot with an easy coconut curry sauce!
What are some of YOUR favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes? Leave a comment and let me know!
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