14 Weekday Cooking recipes

Looking for quick and easy meal ideas to get through busy weekdays? Check out our roundup of 14 simple recipes perfect for weeknight cooking. From one-pot meals to 30-minute dinners, these dishes are designed to save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Lemon Rub

Grilled salmon fillets seasoned with herbs and garnished with chopped parsley on a plate, accompanied by a lemon slice. A fork is flaking one fillet. — Image Credit: Family Dinners.

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Air fryer salmon and asparagus is an incredibly delicious and simple weeknight dinner. When cooked together in the air fryer, you get a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. To learn more: Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Lemon Rub.

Baked Cod With Panko

Plate with two breaded fish fillets on a bed of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, garnished with lemon wedges. — Image Credit: Busy Cooks.

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Baked Cod With Panko recipe! The cod is coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to perfection for a light, flavorful meal. It’s easy to make, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. To learn more: Baked Cod With Panko.

Baked Falafel Couscous Bowls

A white bowl with green falafel, roasted vegetables, rice, and purple cabbage on a textured surface. A small bowl of extra falafel is beside it. — Image Credit: The Melrose Family.

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy meal idea? These Baked Falafel Couscous Bowls are packed with protein, veggies, and a zesty tahini dressing, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. With crispy baked falafel and fluffy couscous, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious. To learn more: Baked Falafel Couscous Bowls.

Baked Salmon Cakes

Two crab cakes garnished with dill sit on a white plate next to two lemon wedges. — Image Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner idea? These baked salmon cakes are packed with flavor, high in protein, and super easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, they pair beautifully with a side salad or roasted veggies. To learn more: Baked Salmon Cakes.

Bloody Mary Shrimp

A white plate with shrimp in tomato sauce, garnished with parsley, next to a lemon slice. A piece of torn bread and a pot are nearby on a tiled surface. — Image Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your next meal with Bloody Mary Shrimp! This dish combines the classic flavors of a Bloody Mary cocktail with perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp. It’s a bold and zesty appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. To learn more: Bloody Mary Shrimp.

Chilean Sea Bass

A rectangular slice of yucca pie seasoned with pepper, accompanied by a sprig of fresh green herbs, on a white plate. — Image Credit: Happy Mothering.

Chilean Sea Bass is a flavorful and tender fish, prized for its buttery texture and rich taste. Often found in upscale restaurants, this deep-sea delicacy is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Its high oil content makes it incredibly moist and ideal for a variety of recipes. To learn more: Chilean Sea Bass.

Chili Mac Recipe

Two bowls of chili mac topped with cheese and green onions. Spoons and a bowl of chopped green onions are nearby on a light surface. — Image Credit: Fantabulosity.

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal? This Chili Mac recipe combines the bold flavors of chili with cheesy macaroni for the ultimate dinner. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. To learn more: Chili Mac Recipe.

Flank Steak Taco Bowls

A bowl of rice topped with sliced beef, corn, greens, cheese, and sauce, with a fork on the side. — Image Credit: 100 Days Of Real Food.

Craving a fresh twist on taco night? Flank Steak Taco Bowls are packed with bold flavors, featuring tender, marinated steak, vibrant veggies, and zesty toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, they bring all the satisfaction of tacos in a hearty bowl. To learn more: Flank Steak Taco Bowls.

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

A pan of penne pasta in tomato sauce with spinach, surrounded by tomatoes, a green bell pepper, fresh spinach leaves, grated cheese, and a loaf of bread. — Image Credit: XOXO Bella.

Savor the rich, creamy flavor of Italian Penne Rosa Pasta, a perfect blend of tangy tomato sauce, velvety cream, and a hint of spice. Tossed with tender penne pasta and fresh vegetables, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. Whether topped with Parmesan or enjoyed as is, it’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. To learn more: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta.

Jackfruit Fajitas

Two soft tacos with shredded meat, guacamole, cilantro, and red sauce on a plate. Side dishes include sour cream, guacamole, and sauce. — Image Credit: Vegan Punks.

Spice up your dinner with jackfruit fajitas—a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Packed with smoky, savory flavors and loaded with colorful veggies, this dish is perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to try. To learn more: Jackfruit Fajitas.

Kale Mushroom Pasta

Plate of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and leafy greens. Fork on side. — Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

Creamy Kale Mushroom Pasta is the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist. Packed with sautéed mushrooms, tender kale, and a rich garlic-infused sauce, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. To learn more: Kale Mushroom Pasta.

Paleo Beef And Broccoli

A bowl of beef and broccoli with rice, garnished with sesame seeds. Chopsticks and a folded green napkin are beside the bowl. — Image Credit: Paleo Gluten-Free Guy.

Craving a quick and healthy dinner? This Paleo Beef and Broccoli recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes! Made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a delicious meal that’s both gluten-free and Whole30-friendly. Try it out tonight and enjoy a wholesome take on a classic dish! To learn more: Paleo Beef And Broccoli.

Quinoa Ground Turkey Skillet

A bowl of quinoa salad with sliced avocado, mixed vegetables, and cilantro, next to a halved avocado and a skillet of similar contents on a blue cloth. — Image Credit: Piper Cooks.

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner? This Quinoa Ground Turkey Skillet is packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 30 minutes. To learn more: Quinoa Ground Turkey Skillet.

Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

A skillet filled with cheese tortellini, spinach, and tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs on a textured gray surface. — Image Credit: Mamas on a Budget.

This Sausage and Tortellini Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. Packed with savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s simple to make and cleanup is a breeze. To learn more: Sausage and Tortellini Skillet.