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Home » Recipe Collections

These 23 Weeknight Wins Will Save Your Sanity

Published: Jun 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

These weeknight wins will save your sanity when everything else feels like chaos. You’re tired, hungry, and not in the mood for a big project in the kitchen—and that’s exactly when these recipes come through. They’re fast, they work, and they don’t require you to think too hard. You need something solid you can count on when time’s tight and patience is thinner. That’s what this list is all about.

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kung Pao Tofu

An image of kung pao tofu served in a bowl over rice.
Kung Pao Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Kung Pao tofu comes together in 30 minutes with crisp veggies, peanuts, and bold flavor. It’s a great pick when you need a quick dinner that still hits hard.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot cabbage soup is packed with nutrients and easy to make in big batches. It’s a smart move for weeknights when you want to cook once and be set.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Korean Tofu Soup

An overhead image of Korean tofu soup in a pot.
Korean Tofu Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spicy Korean tofu soup is rich and bold thanks to soft tofu and a quick mushroom-based broth. It’s fast and warming—perfect for nights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta alla Norma is a classic tomato and eggplant pasta that’s ready in 30 minutes. This one’s a go-to for weeknights when you want something solid and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

An overhead image of gochujang tofu rice bowl with chopsticks on the side.
Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang tofu brings the heat with crispy tofu and a sweet-spicy sauce. It’s ready fast and packs enough protein to make weeknight cooking feel like less work.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This three-ingredient cacio e pepe is based on a classic Roman version and comes together fast. It's a great weeknight win when you want something real with no stress.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e piselli is a simple dish with peas and Pecorino that comes together in one pot. It’s perfect when your energy’s low but you still want a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Sesame Tofu

An overhead image of sesame tofu with rice on the side.
Sesame Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy sesame tofu gets paired with caramelized veggies and a bold, nutty sauce. This quick dinner keeps things easy and stress-free on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Salt and Pepper Tofu

An overhead image of salt and pepper tofu in a bowl with rice.
Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Salt and pepper tofu is ready in 20 minutes with crisp edges and bold flavor. It’s a go-to when you want something fast, crunchy, and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice comes together in 15 minutes with bold flavor and colorful veggies. It’s a great way to get dinner on the table without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a classic tomato pasta that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This one saves your sanity by being fast, simple, and solid every time.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom stroganoff is creamy, savory, and done in 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel way less chaotic.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole needs just three ingredients and 30 minutes. It’s a great fix when you need something fast and filling without thinking too hard.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian cabbage stew uses pantry basics and warm spices to make a bold one-pot dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes and keeps weeknights calm and simple.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

An overhead image of slow cooker tikka masala in a bowl with rice, with a slow cooker on the background.
Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker tikka masala is bold, creamy, and doesn’t need much hands-on time. It’s an easy win when you want a hands-off dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese comes together in 20 minutes and hits all the comfort notes. It’s great for nights when you just need something easy and solid.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Margherita pizza bakes in 20 minutes with fresh ingredients and minimal prep. It’s a quick, homemade dinner that saves time and stress.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet chicken with bacon and green beans is a full meal made in one pan in 20 minutes. It’s a great weeknight fix when you don’t want a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips-Quick and Easy

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips on a white plate with white sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips-Quick and Easy. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer chicken strips are juicy, crispy, and ready in 20 minutes. They’re perfect when you want a no-fuss protein that still feels like a meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips-Quick and Easy

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy veggie bake uses frozen vegetables, soup, and breadcrumbs to make a quick side. It’s great for weeknights when you need something fast and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A pan of beef and broccoli stir fry with a brown sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Steak and broccoli stir-fry is bold, fresh, and comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy win when you want a hearty dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Al pastor chicken quesadillas are cheesy, bold, and fast. They’re perfect when you want a quick dinner that doesn’t cut corners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole takes familiar flavors and puts them into a simple bake. It's a solid choice for nights when you want less effort and more payoff.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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