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    Home » Weeknight Dinners

    50 Insanely Good Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    Published: Jan 29, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Looking for quick and delicious meal ideas for busy weeknights? This collection of 50 easy recipes has got you covered! From simple ground beef dinners and dump-and-bake favorites to flavorful 30-minute meals and meal prep options, you'll find plenty of inspiration to make dinner time a breeze. All of it easy, a lot of it cheap! Want something you can make in your slow cooker instead? Check out this collection of easy stress-free crockpot recipes or these easy dump-and-go slow cooker dinners.

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Karen Kelly.

    This easy 5-ingredient Caprese Chicken is everything you want in a one-pan meal. It's wholesome, hearty, and a total comfort food. Your whole family will love this and it will be your instant favorite for when you want an easy yet delicious dinner. The best part is that it only needs five ingredients so prep time is a breeze!

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole will be your new favorite way to have all your taco flavors! Served up in a simple one-dish meal, loaded with ground beef, salsa and lots and lots of cheese. Make for a potluck or easy weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry + spaghetti = a dish so delicious you'll be wanting it every week.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 25-minute (prep included!) potato stir-fry loaded with halloumi & veggies is sure to become your new weeknight favorite! Healthy, quick and easy to make it's a delicious dinner dish that's packed full of flavor and all done in one pan - with just a touch of lemon to take it from great to amazing.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create an effortless meal that blends the best of seafood and pasta into a delicious dish the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook thin chicken breasts in your air fryer for a quick, easy, flavorful dinner. All done with 6 minutes of cooking and heavily seasoned with garlic and basil.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red wine, chicken, mushrooms & thyme combine to create a delicously flavor-packed pasta.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick stir-fry loaded with veggies has a light & citrusy flavor profile you'll love - and is just as good served on its own as with a side of rice.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    You're going to love this Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with all the chili flavor and loads of veggies: zucchini, eggplant & green bell pepper. All done in just 40 minutes it's loaded with flavor & multiple textures - and made with just a few simple steps.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your week.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    20-minutes (chopping included!) is all you need to make this delicious, vegetarian halloumi pasta loaded with veggies. A light and summery dish without cream, this is a great summer dinner that lets the veggies shine.

    Get the recipe

    Stir-Fried Red Rice with Thai flavors

    Stir-Fried Red Rice with Thai flavors
    Photo Credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    This easy fried rice recipe combines red rice, Thai flavors, and crunchy vegetables to create a delicious, healthy version of fried rice. The unique Thai red rice recipe provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect red fried rice and season it with lemongrass and lime flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a quick chicken stew with the help of rotisserie chicken - packed full with lemon & rosemary flavors!

    Get the recipe

    Paella with Chicken & Shrimp

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    My version of paella is an easy dish that's a sure crowd-pleaser. It's filled with deliciously fragrant saffron & dry white wine and stuffed full of shrimp, chicken, green peas and bell peppers. Make it even faster by using rotisserie chicken!

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Save time in the kitchen with this Instant Pot bolognese! A rich and hearty pasta sauce, this instant pot recipe brings all the flavors of the classic dish simmered for hours into a quick meal with basic pantry ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.

    This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, it's super creamy, subtly sweet, and not so spicy.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just 20 minutes - and don't be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (or your hand in marriage!). It's a super creamy sauce with a delicious flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano. All achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Style Marinated Chicken

    Air fryer chicken legs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This zesty Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe is a quick, flavor-packed addition to your dinner. Bursting with vibrant spices and tangy citrus, it will transform ordinary chicken into a super tender fiesta of flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.

    Creamy, cheesy, seafood pasta all in a simple casserole package.

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    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Load you standard salmon filets with garlic butter & wrap in bacon for a delicious meal the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    The best chicken drumsticks are done in just 20 minutes after marinating in olive oil, lime juice and spices. They come out tender and perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior. You'll never make drumsticks any other way again!

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Easy, cheesy and totally delicious - this is comfort food at its best!

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    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    Fish and broccoli with sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Silky, savory, delicious lemon butter caper sauce pairs so well with fish & broccoli. All made in one pan!

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Quick, easy, spicy and so so delicious!

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan fried gnocchi is a well kept secret and so much better than boiled - pair with bacon & mushrooms for maximum flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    finished pasta with chicken and feta cheese
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese makes everything better - including creamy pasta sauces.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    The best salmon version ever - all done with just 3 ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This twist on a carbonara is quick and easy to make, and uses common ingredients you'll find in any supermarket.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.

    Two classic favorites combine to create these cheesy quesadillas loaded with spicy flavor. Dip in blue cheese sauce for the best experience!

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. All the creamy texture of traditional Carbonara, with the addition of perfectly cooked shrimp.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Weeknight, weekend, date night or celebratory dinner - this pork chop recipe is always a winner.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta with bacon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy, creamy tomato sauce paired with bacon - what's not to love?! Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy, tangy, crispy and utterly delicious!

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Get all your buffalo flavors in a dump-and-bake pasta package.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos

    Halloumi tacos.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Craving tacos, but don't have the time? Yes you do! Making these delicious halloumi tacos is a breeze.

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    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole is made with rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies, making prep a breeze! You can make this entire chicken casserole in under 1 hour.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

    Baked salmon with crispy topping.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    A quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner all made on a sheet pan. Everyone will love the flaky, crispy coating and zesty flavors; this is bound to become a new family favorite.

    Get the recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A healthy Thai dish you'll be making every week.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A super quick pasta dish you'll be coming back to over and over again.

    Get the recipe

    Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey mustard chicken.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Decadent and delicious, this Stovetop Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken dinner is just 30 minutes away. Filled with rich flavors and made in one pan, this simple and easy recipe is sure to be your new fave. And the creamy honey mustard cream sauce is amazing on rice, potatoes, and roasted veggies, too!

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot-dinner doesn't get much easier than this!

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    Cod Piccata

    Cod piccata.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This easy recipe for cod in a creamy piccata sauce makes a quick 30-minute dinner recipe your family will love. Creamy, a bit briny, and so so good!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer French Onion Pork Chops

    French onion pork chops.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cook your pork chops in the air fryer and make a quick stove-top sauce for this delicious dinner.

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    Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make the best Lemon Chicken Marinade in just a few minutes with simple, healthy, ingredients. It's great for grilling, pan frying and oven baking. With olive oil, lemon & basil the chicken comes out so juicy, tender and loaded with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon, soy sauce and furikake seasoning is all you need to make this flavorful salmon dish!

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Craving Chinese takeout? Make this instead!

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Loaded with flavor and just as delicious served on top of pasta, as it is for an appetizer with a side of bread.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Smoky grilled chicken skewers recipe marinated in ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce. Then finished with a sweet coconut cream glaze and served with a simple peanut sauce. Big on flavor and super easy to throw together!

    Get the recipe

    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Quick homemade ramen loaded with all the umami flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta and Parmesan cheese combine to create this super tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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