17 Weeknight Recipes So Good, You’ll Want Leftovers

These 17 weeknight recipes are perfect for busy evenings, offering easy-to-make meals that hit the spot. From comforting casseroles to quick one-pot dishes, each recipe is simple to prepare and even better the next day. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, these meals will have you excited for leftovers.

Rich Tomato Sauce with Only 3 Ingredients

A plate of pasta with rich tomato sauce. — Image Credit: The Honour System

With just three ingredients, this rich tomato sauce tastes straight out of a fine Italian restaurant. All you need is an onion, a can of tomatoes, and butter—dinner’s on in under an hour. Get the Recipe: Rich Tomato Sauce with Only 3 Ingredients

Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

This cauliflower chicken casserole recipe combines tender chicken pieces with steamed veggies smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. A delicious and comforting weeknight dinner bake. Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Roasted Apricot Chicken

A dish of one pan apricot chicken. — Image Credit: xoxoBella

Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor, this Roasted Apricot Chicken is a must-try. Crispy chicken thighs meet warm spices, juicy apricots, and a glossy apricot glaze—all finished in the oven for an easy, impressive yet easy meal. Get the Recipe: Roasted Apricot Chicken

Salmon Stir-Fry

This salmon stir-fry is quick, fresh, and satisfying. Tender salmon and crisp veggies cook together in one pan for an easy meal ready in no time. Perfect for hectic weeknights. Get the Recipe: Salmon Stir-Fry

30-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

A dish of chicken enchiladas. — Image Credit: Modern Honey

These easy chicken enchiladas are filled with tender, seasoned chicken and cheese, then smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. A family favorite dinner that’s ready in thirty minutes. Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients being stirred in a pan. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is simple, comforting, and easy to make. The rich sauce and fresh spinach come together for a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

A bowl of instant pot corn chowder. — Image Credit: The Dinner Bell

Super creamy, fast and easy Instant Pot chicken corn chowder is a hearty soup that comes together in under an hour and delivers major fresh corn flavours. Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

Baked Parmesan Tenders

A plate of baked parmesan chicken tenders with a dish of dipping sauce. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baked parmesan chicken tenders are perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal. Grab your favorite dips! Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Tenders

Quick Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

A plate of beef stir fry. — Image Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

This quick Mongolian beef stir-fry is loaded with tender strips of beef and crisp veggies tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time. Get the Recipe: Quick Beef Stir Fry

Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken

Skip the takeout and try this homemade sweet-and-sour chicken recipe instead. This easy homemade version is fresher and ready in under an hour. Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

A plate of chicken sloppy Joe's. — Image Credit: The Dinner Bell

These ground chicken sloppy joes are a lighter twist on the classic, featuring a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. Serve on toasted buns for a crowd-pleasing meal. Get the Recipe: Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

A bowl of teriyaki chicken broccoli. — Image Credit: A Paige of Positivity

This mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli offers a delicious balance of savory and fresh elements, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

One-Pan Butternut Squash Penne

A dish of one-pan squash penne. — Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This one-pan butternut squash penne lets the butternut shine in a dish that’s light, healthy, and seriously satisfying. Simple, cozy, and all made in one pan. Get the Recipe: One-Pan Butternut Squash Penne

Vegetarian Mushroom Ramen Bowl

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This vegetarian mushroom ramen bowl is a comforting mix of rich broth, tender noodles, and colorful veggies, topped with a soft-boiled egg. A quick and satisfying meatless meal. Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ramen Bowl

Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)

A pan of thai chicken and rice. — Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This Thai chicken and rice gives the classic a flavorful upgrade with minimal effort. It’s healthy, packed with flavor, and comes together in one pan—ideal for meal prep. Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)

Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake

A casserole dish of BBQ Chicken Pasta. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This smoky BBQ chicken pasta bake is hearty, cozy, and easy to throw together. Featuring chicken, pasta, and a creamy, smoky, homemade BBQ sauce. Great for weeknights or casual get-togethers. Get the Recipe: Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake

Easy French Onion Pasta (One Pot)

A pan of french onion pasta. — Image Credit: Sunglow Kitchen

This French onion pasta brings together caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and melty Gruyere in one pot of creamy perfection. It tastes fancy—like restaurant-level fancy—but it’s easy enough for a weeknight. Get the Recipe: Easy French Onion Pasta (One Pot)