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<\/p>\nAre you spending way<\/em> too much time and mental energy thinking about \u201cwhat should I cook for dinner tonight?\u201d I feel you. It can be such a time and energy drain! But I\u2019ve got some simple solutions for you. I\u2019ve compiled this list of Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner ideas, so you can crush your goals, eat better, save money, feel like a superhero, and still have a little time to put your feet up at the end of the day. \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n
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Pin this recipe for later!<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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<\/p>\nAll recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas<\/h2>\n The criteria for making this list include:<\/p>\n
\nShort ingredient list<\/li>\n Fast (about 30 minutes give or take)<\/li>\n Easy recipes suitable for beginners<\/li>\n Comprised of\u00a0mostly<\/em>\u00a0pantry staples, so you can whip them up on the fly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAnd by \u201cpantry staples\u201d I mean items that are shelf-stable so you can keep them on hand without worrying they\u2019ll spoil. This can be dry goods (actual pantry), refrigerator items that have a long shelf life, or items that can be stashed in the freezer for a rainy day. Check out my list of pantry staples so you can get a good idea of what to stock up on for fast weeknight dinners.<\/p>\n
Make sure to familiarize yourself with your browser\u2019s bookmark feature, you\u2019re going to want to keep these quick and easy weeknight dinners handy!!<\/p>\n
Speedy Pasta Dinners<\/h3>\n Pasta is always one of my first choices when I need dinner on the table fast. It cooks quickly, works with all kinds of pantry staples, is easy to pack out with veggies, and always delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort!<\/p>\n
1. Spaghetti Carbonara<\/h4>\n\n
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Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
Spaghetti Carbonara is fast and easy dinner with just a few ingredients and a luxuriously creamy sauce. The perfect easy pantry meal!<\/span> <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$4.48 recipe \/ $0.74 serving<\/span>A handful of ingredients, the easiest steps, and 25 minutes? That\u2019s music to my ears when I have no time to make dinner. This spaghetti carbonara is one of my longest-running, most-affordable dinner ideas, and it\u2019s never failed me! Total Time: 25 min<\/strong><\/p>\n2. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta<\/h4>\n\n
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Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
Easier than a box meal, this creamy tomato and spinach pasta is also more flavorful and delicious. 100% real ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights!<\/span> <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$4.80 recipe \/ $1.20 serving<\/span>Super simple and satisfying, this creamy tomato and spinach pasta hits all the marks for a weeknight dinner. If you want to punch it up a bit, you can always add some rotisserie chicken or Italian sausage! Total Time: 25 min<\/strong><\/p>\n3. Tuscan Orzo<\/h4>\n\n
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Tuscan Orzo<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
Tuscan orzo is a one-pot meal made in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s creamy, cozy comfort food at its best.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$7.46 recipe \/ $1.86 serving<\/span>Our Tuscan orzo is the kind of creamy, cozy dinner that\u2019s easy to keep on repeat. Everything cooks in one pot with roasted tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, and cream, and I love that it gives you a lot of flavor without leaving a sink full of dishes. Total Time: 30 min<\/strong><\/p>\n4. Dan Dan Noodles<\/h4>\n\n
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Dan Dan Noodles<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
An easy, at-home take on Dan Dan Noodles made with spaghetti, ground pork, peanut butter, and chili crisp for big flavor with simple ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$8.86 Recipe \/ $2.22 Serving <\/span>These Dan Dan noodles are loaded with bold, nutty, spicy flavor and come together with a smart mix of pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. I love this one for nights when plain pasta sounds too boring. This recipe is also one of my favorite noodle recipes on the site! Total Time: 30 min<\/strong><\/p>\n5. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta<\/h4>\n\n
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One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
Cheeseburger Pasta is a fast and easy homemade version of hamburger helper that cooks all in one pot for easy cleanup!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$5.03 recipe \/ $1.26 serving<\/span>My super easy skillet cheeseburger pasta will bring all the comfort food vibes back from your childhood. It\u2019s like a homemade version of Hamburger Helper, made totally from scratch, but somehow just as easy as the boxed version. WIN. Total Time: 30 min<\/strong><\/p>\nQuick and Easy Chicken Recipes<\/h3>\n I always have chicken on my grocery list because it\u2019s such a dependable dinner starter. It cooks pretty quickly, especially if you filet it or cut it into smaller pieces, and it works with just about any sauce or seasoning you have on hand.<\/p>\n
6. Southwest Chicken Skillet<\/h4>\n\n
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Southwest Chicken Skillet<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Southwest Chicken Skillet is it! Precooked chicken makes this dinner possible in about 30 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:svg>$6.76 recipe \/ $1.69 serving<\/span>This Southwest chicken skillet is a great \u201crotisserie chicken helper\u201d type meal. It comes together quickly, is full of flavor, uses just a handful of ingredients, and is as satisfying as that burrito bowl you were going to order from Chipot\u2026 er\u2026 that restaurant.\u00a0Total Time: 25 min<\/strong><\/p>\n7. Chicken Pasta Primavera<\/h4>\n\n
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Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe<\/span><\/h3>\n\n
This Chicken Pasta Primavera recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a delicious cream sauce.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs><\/default:lineargradient><\/default:defs>
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