29 Quick Main Dishes That Will Save You on Busy Weeknights

We all have those nights when cooking feels like the last thing we want to do, but takeout isn’t the answer every time. That’s why I love having a handful of quick and easy main dishes that come together fast without sacrificing flavor. These recipes will help you get a satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These homemade chicken nuggets come together fast and are perfect for nights when you need something quick. They cook up golden and crisp, making them great for both kids and adults. Serve them with a dip or alongside a simple side to make dinner even easier. They’re a great option when you don’t have time for a complicated meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, no-fuss main dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken skewers are a simple way to get a flavorful meal on the table fast. The air fryer speeds up cooking while keeping the chicken juicy. Pair them with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for an easy dinner. They’re a great way to get dinner done without spending too much time in the kitchen. A quick and hassle-free option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These ground pork tacos are a fast and flavorful way to switch up your usual taco night. The pork cooks quickly, making this a great choice when you need dinner on the table in no time. Load them up with your favorite toppings for an easy and customizable meal. They work well for a weeknight meal when you don’t want to spend hours cooking. A simple way to get dinner done without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This steak and mushroom dish comes together quickly with a rich balsamic sauce that adds great depth of flavor. It’s an easy way to get a hearty meal without a long cooking time. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to round it out. Perfect for nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend all evening at the stove. A great go-to when you need a quick and easy main dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice. — Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy chicken curry is a great way to get bold flavors on the table without spending hours cooking. The sauce comes together quickly, making it a solid choice for a weeknight meal. Serve it with rice or naan for a simple but complete dinner. It’s an easy way to bring a comforting dish to your table in a short amount of time. Perfect when you want something warm and flavorful without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Panko Crusted Cod

This panko-crusted cod is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it an easy way to enjoy a seafood dinner without extra steps. It bakes quickly, so you won’t be waiting long for dinner. Serve it with vegetables or a simple side for a complete meal. It’s a great choice when you need something that feels a little special but still fits into a busy schedule. A fast and easy way to get dinner on the table with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These grilled shrimp skewers cook in minutes, making them a great option for a quick dinner. The shrimp stay tender and flavorful, perfect for pairing with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. They’re easy to prep, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all evening. A great way to get a protein-packed meal with very little effort. Perfect for nights when you need something fast but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick, one-pan meal that’s ready in no time. The shrimp cook fast, and the broccoli adds a fresh touch. It’s an easy way to put together a meal without a lot of prep work. Serve it over rice or noodles for a simple dinner. A great option when you need something quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This Alfredo steak pasta is rich, creamy, and comes together quickly, making it a great choice for a busy night. The steak adds heartiness, while the pasta and sauce make it feel like a complete meal. It’s a great way to enjoy something flavorful without a long cooking time. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread to round it out. A simple way to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that’s great for busy nights. The ingredients cook together fast, so you’re not spending extra time waiting for dinner. It’s a hearty but simple option that doesn’t require a lot of prep. Perfect for nights when you want something easy but filling. A great go-to for a quick and effortless main dish.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Korean beef and broccoli dish is a quick way to get bold flavors on the table without much effort. The beef cooks fast, and the sauce brings everything together in minutes. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s easy to throw together. It’s a great option when you want something flavorful but don’t have time for a complicated recipe. Perfect for nights when you need dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These beef quesadillas are simple, cheesy, and perfect for a fast meal. The beef cooks quickly, and assembling the quesadillas takes just a few minutes. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. They’re a great choice when you need something quick but still filling. A go-to option for busy nights when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bacon-wrapped salmon bites cook quickly and make a great main dish when paired with simple sides. The combination of crispy bacon and tender salmon is flavorful without requiring much effort. They’re easy to prep and don’t take long in the oven. A great choice when you want something that feels special but still fits into a busy schedule. Perfect for nights when you need a meal that’s quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate. — Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This honey butter fried chicken is crispy, sweet, and ready in no time. The coating adds great texture, while the honey butter gives it a rich, flavorful finish. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a simple salad for an easy meal. It’s a great option when you want comfort food without spending all night cooking. A simple way to get a quick and flavorful main dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli tofu stir-fry is a fast and simple way to get dinner ready without extra effort. The tofu crisps up nicely, while the broccoli adds freshness to the dish. Everything comes together quickly in one pan, making cleanup easy. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. A great go-to when you need something quick and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

This salmon pasta Alfredo is rich, creamy, and perfect for a busy night. The salmon cooks quickly, and the Alfredo sauce comes together fast, making this a great weeknight option. Serve it with a side of vegetables or garlic bread for a full meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy a seafood dinner without extra work. Perfect for nights when you need something quick but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Mexican Steak Pizza

This Mexican steak pizza is a fast way to get a flavorful dinner on the table. The steak adds heartiness, while the toppings bring a bold kick. It’s a great option when you want something fun and easy to prepare. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple way to enjoy a quick and effortless main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This shrimp macaroni salad is light but filling, making it a great choice for a fast meal. The shrimp cook quickly, and the pasta can be prepped ahead of time to save even more effort. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for busy days. It’s an easy way to get a meal ready without spending too much time in the kitchen. A go-to option for when you need something simple and quick.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This personal pizza is a quick and customizable way to enjoy a homemade meal without a long prep time. It’s easy to add your favorite toppings and have dinner ready fast. Great for nights when you need something simple but still fresh and hot. Pair it with a salad or veggies for a complete meal. Perfect for when you need a fast and easy main dish.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crab pasta is a fast way to bring seafood to your table without much effort. The sauce comes together quickly, and the pasta makes it a filling meal. Serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy seafood without a complicated recipe. A great option for busy nights when you need a quick but flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp and tomato pasta is a light but filling dish that’s ready in no time. The shrimp cook quickly, and the tomatoes add a fresh touch. It’s an easy way to put together a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete dinner. A great choice for nights when you need something fast and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cream cheese chicken is rich, creamy, and ready in no time. The sauce coats the chicken perfectly, making it a comforting but quick meal. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for an easy dinner. It’s a great choice when you need something that feels hearty but doesn’t take long to prepare. A simple way to get dinner on the table without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ground pork stir-fry is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes. The pork cooks quickly, and the vegetables add freshness to the dish. Serve it over rice or noodles for a meal that’s filling but easy to prepare. It’s a great choice when you need something fast but still homemade. Perfect for nights when you don’t have time for a complicated dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate. — Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This copycat Chipotle chicken avocado melt brings bold flavors to your table in no time. The chicken stays juicy, and the avocado adds a creamy texture. It’s a great option when you want something fresh and filling without much prep work. Serve it with a side of chips or a simple salad for a complete meal. A quick and effortless choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp scampi is light, flavorful, and ready in no time. The shrimp cook quickly, making it a perfect option for a fast but homemade meal. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood without extra effort. Perfect for nights when you need something quick but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These breaded panko pork chops cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without a long cooking time. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It’s a great option when you want something filling but don’t have time for an elaborate recipe. Perfect for busy nights when you need a fast and easy main dish.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This baked lemon butter fish is light, fresh, and ready in no time. The lemon butter sauce keeps the fish moist while adding great flavor. It’s an easy way to enjoy seafood without extra effort. Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A great choice when you need a quick and simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer tuna melt is crispy, cheesy, and perfect for a fast meal. The air fryer makes everything golden and warm without much effort. Serve it with a side of soup or salad for an easy dinner. It’s a great way to get a comforting meal on the table quickly. A simple option when you need something fast but homemade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken tenders cook up crispy and golden in no time. They’re a great way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending extra time in the kitchen. Serve them with dipping sauces or a simple side for a complete dinner. Perfect for nights when you need a quick and hassle-free main dish. A go-to option when you need something easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is packed with flavor and comes together fast. The shrimp cook quickly, and the garlic butter sauce makes everything rich and flavorful. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy a seafood dinner without much work. A great option when you need something quick and simple.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta