20 Easy and Quick Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Finding the time to cook a delicious yet quick dinner can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. But with these 20 easy and quick dinner recipes, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, a healthy option, or a one-pan meal, we’ve got you covered!

Each recipe is designed to be:
✅ Quick to prepare (ready in 30 minutes or less)
✅ Easy to follow (simple ingredients & steps)
✅ Nutritious and delicious

Let’s dive into these flavorful dinner ideas that will save you time and effort!

1. Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies

This one-pan garlic butter chicken is a lifesaver for busy nights. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce and served with a side of roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken and add garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan, let it soak up the flavors, and serve warm!

2. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This restaurant-quality shrimp pasta is creamy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for pasta lovers looking for a quick and luxurious meal.

Ingredients:

• 250g spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
5. Toss in cooked pasta, mix well, and serve with parsley garnish.

3. 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry packed with bold Asian flavors, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden.
2. Add broccoli and bell peppers, stirring for 3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry. Pour into the pan.
4. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve hot!

4. Cheesy Baked Ziti

This cheesy, saucy baked ziti is pure comfort food. It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 250g ziti pasta
• 1 jar (2 cups) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Serve hot!

5. Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon

A sweet and spicy salmon recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Pour honey garlic sauce over the salmon and let it caramelize for 2 minutes.
4. Serve warm with rice or veggies.

6. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This one-pot creamy tomato basil chicken is rich, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, then remove.
2. In the same pan, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook until soft.
3. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Return chicken to the pan and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or rice.

7. 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A classic takeout favorite made at home—juicy beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce!

Ingredients:

• 200g beef steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Coat beef slices in cornstarch and soy sauce. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Sauté garlic, then add beef. Cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Mix oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, then pour into the pan.
5. Toss everything together and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice.

8. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A healthy, crispy, and flavorful fish dish that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tilapia fillets
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush tilapia with olive oil and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Serve with lemon wedges.

9. 15-Minute Caprese Chicken Skillet

A fresh and cheesy Italian-inspired chicken dish with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let them soften.
3. Place mozzarella slices on top of the chicken and cover for 2 minutes to melt.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot!

10. 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta with Chicken

A super simple yet flavorful pasta with the goodness of pesto.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup basil pesto
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken cubes until golden brown.
3. Add pesto and cherry tomatoes. Stir well.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together.
5. Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.

11. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus

This light yet flavorful chicken dish pairs perfectly with tender asparagus for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add asparagus, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the lemon butter sauce.
5. Serve warm with extra lemon slices.

12. 20-Minute Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

Fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, these shrimp tacos are a perfect quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 4 small tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and lime juice.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook shrimp for 3 minutes per side until pink.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
4. Assemble tacos with cabbage, shrimp, tomatoes, and sour cream.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

13. Quick and Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A luxurious and creamy risotto made in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Stir in Arborio rice.
3. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed.
4. Once rice is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

14. 15-Minute Spicy Sausage and Bell Pepper Skillet

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 sausages (chicken or beef), sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
3. Toss in bell peppers and onion. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve warm with rice or crusty bread.

15. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Roasted Potatoes

A juicy and tender steak recipe that’s easy and quick to make.

Ingredients:

• 250g sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Roast for 20 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and steak bites. Cook for 3-4 minutes until seared.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and toss everything together.
4. Serve steak bites with roasted potatoes.

16. 10-Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This fresh and nutritious chickpea salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors and requires no cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

17. BBQ Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

These crispy, cheesy quesadillas are filled with smoky BBQ chicken and melty cheese!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, shredded
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
3. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle cheese, and add BBQ chicken.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
5. Slice and serve warm with sour cream or salsa.

18. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)

A simple yet flavorful Italian classic ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 250g spaghetti
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add red pepper flakes and toss in the cooked pasta.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix in fresh parsley.
5. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

19. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon

This sweet and tangy salmon dish is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with the glaze.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges and steamed veggies.

20. 15-Minute Veggie Fried Rice

This quick and colorful fried rice is packed with vegetables and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup corn
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 egg, scrambled
• 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan. Add garlic, carrots, peas, and corn. Sauté for 2 minutes.
2. Push veggies to one side and scramble the egg on the other side.
3. Add cooked rice and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
4. Toss everything together and cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.