Weeknight dinners don't have to be boring or basic. If you're looking for meals that feel fancy but are actually super easy to throw together, you're in the right place. These recipes are great for when you want something that looks impressive but doesn't eat up your whole evening. Perfect for when you're short on time but still want to keep things fresh.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli pesto pasta with lemon and cherry tomatoes is light and fresh. Whipped ricotta makes it feel like something you'd get at a great restaurant, but it's easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Vegan mushroom Wellington wraps a rich, hearty filling in flaky pastry. It’s surprisingly simple to pull off, making it perfect for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Leek and Mushroom Pasta
Leek and mushroom pasta with ricotta and parmesan is creamy and rich. It comes together in just 40 minutes, so you can make something impressive without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa brings sweet and savory flavors to the table. It’s easy to prep but looks great when you're trying to keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala features tender mushrooms in a creamy tomato-coconut sauce. It’s packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala
Trenette al Pesto
Trenette al Pesto combines basil, potatoes, and green beans for a simple pasta dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is light and creamy with bright citrus flavor. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something fresh without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Spicy Alfredo Pasta
Red pepper Alfredo sauce adds richness to a 30-minute pasta dish. It's quick, creamy, and makes dinner feel a little more special with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta
Vegan Bolognese
Lentil and mushroom bolognese creates a thick, hearty sauce in under an hour. Great when you want pasta night to feel more special without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli brings together peas and Pecorino cheese in a simple Italian dish. It’s a quick, comforting option that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Mumbai Pav Bhaji
A spiced vegetable mash with a buttered roll brings classic Indian street food vibes to your table. Fast, filling, and perfect for a laid-back dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey roast is made with chickpeas and seitan. It’s budget-friendly and simple to prep, great for when you're feeding a crowd without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted mushrooms is fresh and light. The best part? It’s done in 30 minutes with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is ready in under 20 minutes with just a few fresh ingredients. A simple, budget-friendly way to make pasta night feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles bring nutty noodles, crisp veggies, and a bold sauce together. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles
Sesame Tofu
Crispy sesame tofu with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce hits all the right notes. It’s quick and easy but feels like something you'd get at your favorite spot.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu
Ratatouille
Slow cooker ratatouille turns fresh veggies into a rich, hearty dish. Set it and forget it for a French-inspired dinner with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff is creamy and comforting. It’s ready in 30 minutes and works great over noodles or rice for a low-effort, cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta with ricotta and garlic is a one-pot meal with big flavor. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Spicy Vodka Pasta
Spicy vodka pasta brings bold, rich flavors to the table. It’s quick to make and great when you're craving something with a little more kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe uses just three ingredients to create a rich, creamy dish. Simple enough for weeknights, but feels like something you'd order out.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Baingan Bharta
Roasted eggplant and spices make Baingan Bharta a flavorful, hearty dish. Pair it with rice or flatbread for a low-effort dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells combine beef, peppers, and provolone in baked pasta. It’s filling and easy to throw together when you want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza comes together in 20 minutes with just a few fresh ingredients. A stress-free way to get that great pizza night feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
Chicken and queso rice bake is cheesy and hearty. It’s simple to make and perfect when you’re craving something comforting after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Mediterranean roasted lamb is a sheet pan meal that’s ready in 20 minutes. Great for busy fall nights when you want big flavor without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Easy Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is creamy and rich with deep mushroom flavor. It’s easier than you'd think and perfect for when you want something that feels fancy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Risotto
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