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Home / Best Recipes

Quick and Easy Recipes to Save Your Busy Weeknights

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

05/02/2025

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Busy schedules don’t mean you have to settle for takeout! With these quick and easy recipes, you can make flavorful meals at home in no time. From savory Salisbury steak and comforting chicken tortellini soup to restaurant-quality shrimp scampi and fettuccine Alfredo, this list is packed with quick, satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, these recipes are your ticket to deliciously easy dinners. Grab your timer, because dinner is about to be served in a flash!

Salisbury Steak

Close-up of a savory Salisbury Steak  covered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served in a cast-iron skillet. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, and the sauce glistens, highlighting the tender meat's juicy texture.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce

A close-up reveals seared scallops with a rich sauce atop rice, complemented by roasted Brussels sprouts. This delectable dish, from our "20 Easy Recipes" collection, is garnished with a lemon wedge for that perfect zest.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Got a craving you just can’t shake? Indulge in our melt-in-your-mouth pan-seared scallops, golden-crisp on the outside and irresistibly tender inside. They’re bathed in a luxurious brown butter sauce, infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and a bright pop of zesty lemon. Pure perfection on a plate!
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce

Ground Beef Tacos

A hand holds a taco filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, sliced jalapeño, tomato, sour cream, and cilantro in a yellow tortilla.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up the ultimate Ground Beef Tacos with bold, smoky homemade taco seasoning! Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos

Pasta With Zucchini

Pasta With Zucchini on a fork.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Creamy zucchini sauce transforms ordinary pasta into a delightful and satisfying dish. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t tried it sooner!

Get The Recipe: Pasta With Zucchini

Panko Chicken

an overhead image of Panko Chicken on a plate with a fork and lemon wedges
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to boring chicken! These golden-brown cutlets feature a delightful crunch thanks to the panko parmesan crust, unveiling succulent, tender chicken inside. The perfect blend of flavor and texture will have you craving seconds in no time.

Get The Recipe: Panko Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup, with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup to warm your heart and soul. This simple recipe features tender chicken and pillowy tortellini swimming in a flavorful broth, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare any day of the week.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A plate full of shrimp scampi and spaghetti sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple Shrimp Scampi is made with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine; it’s a timeless Italian favorite made wonderfully simple.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Cavatelli and Broccoli

a serving spoon in a big pan of Cavatelli and Broccoli
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Elevate your weeknight routine with this incredibly easy Cavatelli and Broccoli recipe. Despite its simplicity, the dish packs a flavor punch that will leave you surprised. It’s a perfect example of how effortless preparation can lead to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Cavatelli and Broccoli

Easy Crab Cakes

Three Crab Cakes on a plate with lemon wedges and a fork next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe lets you whip up incredible crab cakes with fresh, flavorful ingredients at home. It’s surprisingly easy – just mix it up, pan-fry it, and enjoy a customizable, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll leave you happy and satisfied.

Get The Recipe: Crab Cakes

Miso Chicken

a slice of miso chicken on a fork with more slices in the background
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple miso chicken recipe will be a delightful addition to your dinner lineup. Miso paste forms a flavorful marinade, imparting a savory-sweet essence to the chicken, while high heat guarantees crispy skin and juicy perfection.

Get The Recipe: Miso Chicken

Chicken and Yellow Rice

a pan full of Chicken and yellow rice in a black skillet.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Transform your leftover chicken into something spectacular with our delectable Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe. This simple, one-pot dish gives new life to your ingredients, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Easy Baked Chicken Legs

an overhead image of a platter of baked chicken legs.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe makes succulent chicken legs coated with a zesty garlic mustard marinade and a tantalizing spice blend. This crispy, flavor-packed dinner will delight everyone gathered around the table.

Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken Legs

Shrimp Risotto

A dish piled high with yellow rice, asparagus and plump shrimp.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy the bright flavors of spring in this simple risotto, crafted with care using stock, saffron, asparagus, and parsley. It’s a hassle-free, no-stir risotto ideal for effortless weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Hamburger and Rice

Skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot, simple Paella recipe uses Shrimp, Chorizo, and savory saffron rice. It’s a wonderful, easy meal that is full of flavor. 

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Sausage and Egg Frittata

A golden brown Sausage and Egg Frittata with peppers and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This delicious edd dish combines creamy Parmesan and tangy feta cheese with savory Italian sausage, all nestled in eggs, roasted onions, and colorful peppers.

Get The Recipe: Sausage and Egg Frittata

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto on a white dish with a fork next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to tedious stirring with our simple Salmon and Pea Risotto! Toss everything together and let it simmer until creamy and delicious—no fuss required.

Get The Recipe: Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Chicken Lo Mein

Chopsticks holding a chicken lo mein with noodles, vegetables, and chicken, set against a white background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the takeout menus! This recipe unlocks the secrets of restaurant-worthy chicken lo mein, all from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to follow, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table raving.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a plate with some rice.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

It doesn’t get simpler (or more delicious) than this! Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs require only three ingredients and come out perfectly baked in your oven. Ideal for a hectic weeknight, this recipe packs a punch of flavor with minimal fuss.

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Browse More Easy Recipes

A plate with a pork chop crowned with sliced mushrooms and gravy, garnished with herbs. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli, this family favorite is sure to be one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. A fork and knife are placed beside the steak.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover a variety of easy weeknight dinner ideas, from casseroles and stir-fries to pastas and slow-cooker meals. Save time in the kitchen while serving up dishes your family will love!

Browse More Easy Recipes

A woman with long dark hair and a dark blue shirt is smiling while leaning on a kitchen counter. In front of her are a plate of pasta and a cutting board with chopped herbs. A potted plant, a cooking pot, and a marble backsplash are in the background.

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I’m Erren, I have a passion for cooking and baking from scratch to create simple, nourishing, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives you find in prepackaged foods.

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