If weeknight dinners have become a race against the clock, this list has you covered. These 13 easy dinners take the stress out of meal planning and give you the time to unwind. You won’t need to worry about complicated steps or endless prep—just straightforward meals that keep things simple. The best part? You’ll actually have time to kick back after dinner.
1. Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. The flavorful mix of chicken, bell peppers, and Middle Eastern spices brings warmth and comfort, aligning perfectly with the idea of relaxing after a long day. It’s a quick way to enjoy international flavors with minimal effort. This recipe will leave you with plenty of time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: 1. Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
2. Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
A light and quick dinner, this pan-fried sockeye salmon is ready in just 20 minutes. The crispy exterior and tender inside create a perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet without demanding much time, fitting effortlessly into a relaxing evening. Enjoy a restaurant-worthy plate without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: 2. Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
3. Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza
In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this garlic scape pesto pizza for an easy, flavorful dinner. The crispy crust and bold pesto flavor make it a great choice when you want something fast but satisfying. This recipe is the kind of quick dinner that allows you to enjoy your meal and still have time to relax. End your hectic day with a slice of comfort.
Get the Recipe: 3. Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza
4. Savory Galette with Caramelized Onions and Pumpkin
This savory galette takes about 45 minutes but requires minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy nights. The caramelized onions and roasted pumpkin offer a sweet yet earthy flavor, perfect for a cozy meal that doesn’t demand much from you. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but lets you kick back while it bakes. A comforting meal with plenty of downtime afterward.
Get the Recipe: 4. Savory Galette with Caramelized Onions and Pumpkin
5. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
This 50-minute dish of roasted eggplant, lentils, and creamy béchamel sauce brings rich flavors without weighing you down. For meatless dinners that require little effort but provide plenty of satisfaction, this is an easy choice. It aligns perfectly with evenings where you want a hearty meal and still have time to put your feet up. The kind of dish that turns plant-based dinners into a relaxing experience.
Get the Recipe: 5. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
6. Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan
Ready in just 35 minutes, this sheet pan meal combines chicken sausage with colorful veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. With everything baking in one pan, it saves time on both cooking and cleanup, letting you focus on relaxing. It’s the ultimate example of how a busy weeknight can still result in a flavorful, stress-free meal. Dinner with no hassle and extra time for yourself.
Get the Recipe: 6. Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan
7. Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
This 35-minute one-pan meal of salmon and roasted veggies seasoned with Moroccan spices offers a quick and flavorful dinner. With minimal prep and cleanup, this is perfect for those evenings when you want a nutritious meal and time to relax. Enjoy bold flavors without spending all night in the kitchen. Dinner this easy feels almost too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: 7. Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
8. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
A hearty 40-minute meal, this dish roasts paprika-seasoned chicken alongside veggies for a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. The one-pan method ensures easy preparation and cleanup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want something comforting. This recipe proves that simple meals can be full of flavor, leaving you plenty of time to relax.
Get the Recipe: 8. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
9. Baked Oat-Crusted Cod Fillets
In just 30 minutes, these baked oat-crusted cod fillets are ready to serve, with a light and crispy texture that’s both quick and flavorful. This simple yet satisfying dish pairs well with many sides, making it versatile and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for when you want a healthy, restaurant-quality dinner without the time commitment. Finish the meal and still have time to enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: 9. Baked Oat-Crusted Cod Fillets
10. Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Ready in 30 minutes, these turkey kofta pita sandwiches bring the flavors of a Mediterranean café to your dinner table. The spices and fresh vegetables make this meal both simple and delicious, with no need for complex preparation. For a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this pita sandwich is a great choice for a relaxing night. Dinner in half an hour, and the rest of the night is yours.
Get the Recipe: 10. Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
11. Baked Creamy Salmon
This baked salmon in a creamy sauce takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it an easy yet rich meal. The creamy texture and tender salmon make for a satisfying bite every time, while the ease of preparation gives you extra time to unwind. It’s a comforting dish that lets you enjoy a fancy-feeling meal without the effort. A quick dinner with plenty of time to relax.
Get the Recipe: 11. Baked Creamy Salmon
12. Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks, marinated with citrus and spices, are ready in under an hour. The bold, zesty flavors add excitement to your weeknight dinners while still being easy to prepare. Perfect for a night when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this taste of Colombia while still leaving time to relax.
Get the Recipe: 12. Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
13. Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
These Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian kofta kebabs are ready in under 40 minutes, delivering bold flavors with minimal prep. Whether grilled or baked, they provide a quick, flavorful option for meatless nights. This recipe is perfect for when you want to keep dinner simple but full of flavor, and still have time to relax. Elevate your weeknight with ease and enjoy the extra downtime.
Get the Recipe: 13. Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
Tell Me What You Think!