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Home » Dinner

You’ll Look Forward to Weeknights With These 25

Published: Jun 12, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Weeknights get a whole lot better when you’ve got recipes that are actually fun to cook and great to eat. These are the kind of meals that don’t take forever, taste amazing, and make you feel like you’ve got it together—even if it’s been a long day. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients you’ll use once and forget about. Just solid, go-to dinners that hit the spot and make you actually look forward to dinnertime.

Plates of Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken with a fork.
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sun-dried tomato pasta is cooked in one pot with garlic, ricotta, and parmesan, ready in half an hour. It fits weeknight dinners thanks to minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rasta pasta is made with common ingredients and mild spices, finished in 30 minutes without much effort. It’s a good option for weeknights when you want a simple, filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

An overhead image of cottage cheese alfredo in a bowl.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese cooks in 15 minutes, giving pasta a smooth texture without heaviness. It’s a practical choice for weeknights when you want a creamy, simple meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This soup combines cheese-filled pasta and fresh vegetables, coming together in just 30 minutes. It works well for weeknights because it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles mix chewy noodles with fresh vegetables and a bold sauce, all ready quickly. This dish suits weeknights due to its fast cooking time and easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom masala features tender mushrooms in a tomato-coconut sauce, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a good weeknight meal when you want something hearty but not time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cooked in the air fryer, this recipe combines bacon, chicken, and spinach in a creamy sauce with very few steps. A quick and rich option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl.
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gomen Wat, an Ethiopian collard green dish, is vegan and gluten-free as prepared here. It adds flavor and nutrition to weeknight meals without demanding much time.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Full of bold flavor and done in just 25 minutes, this recipe hits the mark when you want something filling. A dependable dinner for weeknights with limited time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

Korean Tofu Soup

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

Spicy Korean tofu soup combines soft tofu and mushroom broth with chili flakes for a flavorful meal. Its short cooking time and pantry-friendly ingredients make it fitting for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy and flavorful, this meal is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a convenient solution for weeknights when you want something quick without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

An overview of five tofu lettuce wraps on a white plate.
Tofu Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tofu lettuce wraps come together quickly with protein-rich tofu and crisp vegetables wrapped in fresh leaves. They are practical for weeknights when you need something light yet filling with little prep.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
Potato And Sausage Chowder. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This one-pot meal requires little effort and still turns out flavorful. It’s a practical option for weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl.
Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon butter pasta is ready in under 30 minutes with a bright, buttery flavor. It’s a dependable option for weeknights when you want a quick meal that feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Even without wine, this seafood pasta holds deep flavor and comes together quickly. It’s a smart pick for weeknights when you want something easy but still special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

A plate of squash and zucchini casserole.
Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Squash and zucchini casserole uses basic ingredients and cooks in 30 minutes, with melted cheese and tender vegetables. It’s a reliable choice for weeknights when you want a dish that feeds several people or yields leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Coated in a sweet and spicy garlic sauce, this dish cooks fast and delivers bold flavor. It works well for weeknights when prep time needs to stay short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Sesame Tofu

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

Crispy sesame tofu with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce comes together fast. It’s well-suited for weeknights or casual gatherings because of its speed and ease.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Quick to make and filling, this dish makes weeknight dinners easier. It’s great for when you want something hot and ready without much planning.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings.
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan white bean chili cooks in 30 minutes and combines pantry staples into a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s a solid choice for weeknights due to its quick preparation.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

All the familiar flavors of stuffed peppers brought together in one pot. A no-fuss meal that fits well into a weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

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 features crispy tofu coated in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it fits weeknight meals as a quick, plant-based protein source.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish keeps things simple without cutting corners on comfort. It’s a good go-to for weeknights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spicy vodka pasta can be prepared without alcohol and adjusted for vegan or vegetarian diets. It’s useful for weeknights because it’s fast to make and adaptable to available ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Loaded with beef, peppers, and melted provolone, this dish comes together with minimal effort. It’s a reliable choice for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

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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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