SIMPLE RECIPES. A LITTLE MORE JOY AT THE TABLE.

The everyday recipe collection

15 Easy Weeknight Meals

On a busy evening, a useful recipe tells you what must already be ready. Every meal in this list has a stated prep-and-cook total of 45 minutes or less, but a few intentionally begin with cooked rice or chicken. Check those notes before starting, gather the ingredients, and use the short cooking windows to prepare a simple side if you want one.

Find Your Next Meal ↓
AI-generated serving inspiration for Classic Mac and Cheese
AI-generated serving inspiration; not a photograph of a tested recipe.

01

Classic Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni in a smooth cheddar sauce, ready without turning on the oven.

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min · Serves 6

View Recipe ↗

02

Lemon Chicken Skillet for Two

Two chicken cutlets with green beans and a bright lemon-butter pan sauce.

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

03

Salmon and Green Beans for Two

Two salmon fillets roast beside green beans with a mild maple-mustard glaze.

Prep 10 min · Cook 18 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

04

Pork Chops and Apples for Two

Pan-seared pork chops with softened apple slices and a quick mustard sauce.

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

05

Tomato Basil Pasta for Two

Cherry tomatoes soften into a light sauce for two generous bowls of spaghetti.

Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

06

Chickpea Spinach Skillet for Two

Chickpeas and spinach warm in a tomato sauce for a quick pantry supper.

Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

07

Pesto Chicken Flatbreads for Two

Two crisp flatbreads topped with pesto, cooked chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Prep 10 min · Cook 12 min · Rest 2 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

08

Black Bean Sweet Potatoes for Two

Microwave-baked sweet potatoes filled with warm black beans, salsa, and cheddar.

Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

09

Garlic Shrimp Rice for Two

Garlicky shrimp folded through hot rice and peas with a fresh lemon finish.

Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

10

Turkey Taco Bowls for Two

Seasoned ground turkey over rice with beans, lettuce, and a spoonful of salsa.

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

11

Skillet Chicken and Gravy

Chicken cutlets in a light onion gravy, made entirely on the stovetop.

Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 4

View Recipe ↗

12

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Quickly seared chicken strips, peppers, and onions tucked into warm tortillas.

Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 4

View Recipe ↗

13

Sheet-Pan Sausage and Peppers

Fully cooked sausage, peppers, onion, and small potatoes roast on one pan.

Prep 10 min · Cook 30 min · Serves 4

View Recipe ↗

14

White Bean and Kale Soup

Cannellini beans and chopped kale in a lemony vegetable broth.

Prep 10 min · Cook 27 min · Serves 4

View Recipe ↗

15

Baked Cod and Tomatoes for Two

Two mild cod fillets bake with cherry tomatoes, white beans, and lemon.

Prep 10 min · Cook 22 min · Serves 2

View Recipe ↗

Make this collection work for you

  • Read through the recipe once before turning on the heat.
  • Set out measured sauces and seasonings before starting a fast stir-fry or skillet dish.
  • Keep safely refrigerated cooked rice and chicken available only when you have planned their next use.
  • The timing is a guide; prioritize tenderness and safe internal temperatures over the clock.

Frequently asked questions

Does the time include making cooked rice from scratch?

No, when cooked rice is listed as an ingredient. Those recipes say so in the notes; choose another meal if you need to begin with dry rice.

Can I make these for a larger family?

Many scale well, but larger batches can need extra pans and time. Avoid crowding a skillet or sheet pan.

More recipe collections

A little inspiration, delivered

Something good is cooking.

Easy dinners, comforting favorites, and ideas for your next meal.

Start your recipe box

Cookie preferences

Essential functions keep your choices and contact form secure. Optional services are your choice.