Figuring out what to have for dinner each night can feel exhausting. All you probably want to do at the end of a long, busy day is slip into your coziest pants, fluffiest sweater, cuddle up on the couch to watch your favorite TV show, and order take-out from your go-to delivery restaurant. But that could lead to a hefty bill and a heavier meal than you want before bed. Instead, consider whipping up any one of these easy, quick dinner ideas. Each one is almost effortless to make, taking 30 minutes or less, and is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for comfort food after a grueling day.
And just because these weeknight dinner recipes are quick and easy doesn't mean they skimp on flavor or quality. Every one of them has been developed and tested by the Woman's Day Test Kitchen, ensuring they're all jam-packed with flavors and nutrients, without taking a ton of time to prep or cook. The ingredients are pretty basic (read: you probably have them in your kitchen right now), and the step-by-step instructions aren't super complicated either. From various types of pizza, to pork chops, to pastas, and tacos, these easy, quick dinner ideas are bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With over 80 dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less, you could have a new meal every night of the week for months before you get even close to finishing the whole list. So, get cooking!
Steve Giralt
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Seared Lamb with Mustard Potatoes and Green Beans
This delicious comfort food meal is so easy to make.
You can't go wrong with a slice of pepperoni or plain cheese pizza, but for those who want to bring a little heat and change it up, this hot pepper and onion pizza is the perfect dinner dish.
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Scallions
Pasta is a great go-to when you are rushing to get a meal on the table, but that doesn't mean it can't be packed with some protein. Add grilled veggies and scallions to give classic spaghetti more flavor and nutrients.
The perfect meal when you need a break from cooking up chicken or beef at dinner. This crispy pork cutlet pairs perfectly with a ginger-lime cabbage salad.
Pasta is always a great go-to when you're looking for a quick meal, but this dish with tasty chicken and a delicious creamy pesto makes it taste super decadent.
Pasta is always a go-to for a quick dinner, and this shrimp scampi recipe proves that you don't need much time to produce a high-quality pasta dish. The spiralized zucchini lightens up the dish, making it a lower-carb option.
Crab cakes may seem complicated, but this straightforward recipe will have you whipping them up in no time. Throw these tangy cakes on top of some fresh greens, and you've got yourself a mighty fine dinner.
It can be hard to get the kids to eat veggies, but they'll happily gobble them down once you incorporate them into this pizza. This roasted cauliflower and red chile pizza is a real crowd-pleaser come dinner time.
Nothing says southern comfort quite like some smoky chicken and roasted corn. The flavor combination of these two components will leave your taste buds singing.
If you've never tried poaching your salmon in coconut milk, now's the time to try it. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors in this dish will satisfy any curry-lover.
Annie O'SullivanAs a member of the Special Projects Team, Annie works with the GH Tested program writing up product reviews and roundups and helps plan and run annual expos and events like the GH Parenting Summit, Xmas in July Expo, Cleaning Summit, Winter Essentials Expo, and more.
Christy PiñaDigital FellowChristy Piña is the digital fellow at WomansDay.com, where she covers women’s issues, lifestyle, and entertainment.
