When it comes to busy weeknights, nothing beats having a few easy dinner recipes ready to go. Whether you’re craving pasta, chicken, beef, or vegetarian meals, these simple recipes are perfect for getting dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. I’ve put together more than 10 recipes that you can whip up with minimal effort.

1. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. In a large pot, brown the beef with onion and garlic.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in uncooked spaghetti.
4. Cover and simmer until pasta is cooked (about 15 minutes).
5. Serve hot with grated Parmesan.

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2. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Toss in shrimp, season, and cook until pink (about 3 minutes).
4. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
5. Serve with rice or pasta.

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3. Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peppers)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Steps

1. Heat oil in a wok or pan.
2. Cook chicken until browned.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch slurry.
5. Cook until sauce thickens.

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4. Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 taco seasoning packet
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa and sour cream

Steps

1. Cook beef in a skillet until browned.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and water as directed.
3. Fill taco shells with beef, lettuce, and cheese.
4. Top with salsa and sour cream.

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5. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Steps

1. Sear chicken in olive oil until golden. Remove from pan.
2. In the same pan, cook garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.
3. Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
4. Return chicken and coat in sauce.

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6. Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon and veggies on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 20 minutes.

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7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. In a skillet, cook chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt butter, sauté garlic, stir in cream and Parmesan.
4. Add chicken and pasta, toss until coated.

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8. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Steps

1. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
2. Heat tortilla in a skillet, sprinkle cheese, then add chicken.
3. Fold tortilla and cook until golden on both sides.
4. Slice into wedges.

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9. Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Steps

1. Marinate beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok, cook beef until browned.
3. Add broccoli and oyster sauce.
4. Stir-fry until tender.

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10. Veggie Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Steps

1. Heat oil in a pan, scramble eggs. Remove and set aside.
2. Add vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Add eggs back and mix well.

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11. Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Steps

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Brown beef, stir in marinara sauce.
3. Layer pasta, beef sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

These easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can make a satisfying meal for the whole family in no time. Save this list and try a new one each night this week!