Simple Dinners to Take Back Your Weeknight

Published 04/01/2026

The weeknight dinner crunch never feels good! Take back your time (and your tastebuds) with simple meals that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you need a new twist on taco night or an easy crescent recipe for a last-minute meal, this list has an easy option to fit every taste!

Tomato Basil and Chicken Bubble-Up Bake
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
There’s nothing more comforting than Tomato Basil and Chicken Bubble-Up Bake, and this one is perfectly sized for 2.
Goulash
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
American goulash—a comforting one-pot pasta dish the whole family will love!
Deep-Dish Chicken Cordon Bleu
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 158 reviews.
Cozy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this twist on a classic cordon bleu is perfect for family dinner.
Slow-Cooker Veggie Lasagna
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
Lasagna in the slow cooker? You read that right! This recipe makes your favorite Italian dish easier than ever.
Meatball Sub Bubble-Up Bake
3.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 174 reviews.
This twist on a classic meatball sub is easy to share, making it perfect for family dinner!
Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
Chicken Parmesan—or chicken parm, for short—is universally loved, so we needed to come up with a low-maintenance version that you could enjoy even on a busy weeknight.
Taco Crescent Ring
4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 486 reviews.
This genius 5-star recipe is a popular fan favorite because it’s fun and easy to make!
2-Ingredient Steak, Bean and Dumpling Soup
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
Hearty, filling, and simple: This easy soup recipe is one to save!
Sheet-Pan Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 3 reviews.
This is a surprisingly impressive, satisfying, and flavorful sheet-pan meal with barely any prep required.
Tater Tots™ Casserole
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
Midwesterners call it hotdish, while other parts of the country call it a casserole. No matter what you call it, this is a home run dinner for busy nights.
Slow-Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 238 reviews.
Our favorite hack for busy nights is letting the slow cooker handle dinner. This Slow-Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the perfect solution for when you’re running out of time, but still want something warm and delicious.
Air Fryer Pork Chops and Broccoli
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
This recipe shows you how to achieve juicy, perfectly-cooked pork chops, air fried to tender perfection in about 30 minutes.
Easy and Delicious Stromboli
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 393 reviews.
Quick, flavorful, and homemade, our Easy Stromboli is a delicious twist on traditional pizza and ready in under an hour!
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2475 reviews.
Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort dish, and this version makes it so easy! Cozy up anytime you need something familiar—this recipe has you covered.
Creamy Sausage and Kale Soup
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
This Tuscan-style soup is packed with savory sausage, hearty greens, and creamy potatoes, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Easiest-Ever Chicken and Waffles
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
Bring a little comfort and a lot of flavor to your table with our Easiest-Ever Chicken and Waffles recipe. This Southern-inspired classic comes together with just a few simple ingredients.
Spaghetti Squash
4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 13 reviews.
Spaghetti squash is one of our favorite veggie hacks. It’s a super versatile veggie and a fun twist on traditional pasta night!
Chicken Divan
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
Chicken Divan was created to be comforting and luxurious. This version takes shortcuts, but the soul and flavor of the dish remain.
Sheet-Pan Chow Mein
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
Forget about those little white boxes, hidden fees, and service charges. Our version of this endlessly adaptable dish is all about easy shortcuts.
Sloppy Joes
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 44 reviews.
Sloppy Joes are so popular that the filling has inspired casserole recipes, crescent cups, and even pizza. But if you want to keep it classic, these traditional Sloppy Joes will satisfy every time.
Mini Chicken Pot Pie
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 459 reviews.
Chicken Pot Pie usually takes a lot of time in the kitchen—a luxury most of us don’t have on busy nights! This weeknight-friendly recipe is the answer.
Sheet-Pan Fried Chicken and Biscuits with Honey Butter
4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 58 reviews.
In this easy recipe, the chicken and biscuits are baked on the same pan—and fewer dirty dishes means super easy cleanup!
Slow-Cooker Shredded Pork
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
This Slow-Cooker Shredded Pork recipe uses very simple seasonings, so it can be customized to whatever strikes your fancy!
Sheet-Pan Chicken Piccata
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
We took the flavors of a traditional chicken piccata dinner and made it into a mouthwatering sheet-pan meal.
Pizza Crescent Rolls
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 160 reviews.
All you need is 4 ingredients, and these yummy pizza bites will be on the table (and being devoured) in just 30 minutes.
Pierogi Casserole
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 163 reviews.
This pierogi casserole recipe uses frozen pierogies for easy prep. Paired with savory kielbasa and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
Slow-Cooker Deep-Dish Pizza
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 38 reviews.
There’s no need to plan a trip to Chicago for classic deep-dish pizza. This recipe can be made at home—and even better, it can be made in your slow cooker!
Teriyaki Salmon with Crispy Rice and Vegetables
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
If you're looking for a new way to use up leftover rice that isn’t rice pudding or the usual fried rice, this one-pan salmon dinner is a perfect solution.
Easy Crescent Taco Bake
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 423 reviews.
You’re just 5 ingredients away from the perfect easy taco night.
Cacio e Pepe
4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 5 reviews.
For busy parents, this dish is a lifesaver—it’s quick to pull together with ingredients you already have on hand and tastes like something much more complicated.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
3.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 138 reviews.
Craving the taste of a classic sloppy joe, but without the mess? Look no further!
One-Pot Seafood Pasta
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
This creamy One-Pot Seafood Pasta gets its magic from a can of Progresso™ clam chowder and the addition of succulent shrimp!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Soup
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
This is a rich and flavorful chicken soup recipe that's incredibly satisfying and the easiest thing you’ll make all week!
5-Ingredient Chicken and Dumplings for Two
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 77 reviews.
A comfort-food meal for two is a rare treat. This recipe makes just enough chicken and dumplings for a cozy night in without too many leftovers in your fridge.
Skillet Lemon Chicken with Orzo
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
Orzo absorbs a ton of flavor as it cooks, making it perfect for a speedy one-pot meal!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Tart
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet makes the perfect flaky crust for this easy, throw-together tart that’s downright addictive.
Hot Ham and Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 11 reviews.
Taking just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, this easy recipe for hot ham and cheese biscuit sandwiches takes your favorite deli staples and turns them into the ultimate comfort food.
Mini Shepherd's Pot Pies
4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 15 reviews.
These individual servings of Shepherd’s Pie are as adorable as they are delicious, and they’re super simple to make.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
3.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 18 reviews.
This easy slow-cooker chicken and dumplings dish is filled with all those nostalgic flavors without the fussy prep.
Chicken Chowder with Biscuit Dunkers for Two
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
Creamy chicken corn chowder gets a hearty upgrade in this recipe with melty cheese, and a pop of color (and flavor) from roasted red peppers.
Beef Stew Pot Pie
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
Beef stew meets pot pie: It’s two comfort foods in one!
Nacho Crunch Crescent Ring
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
This crunchy, cheesy, take-out-worthy recipe will have you excited to skip the drive-thru.
Baked Italian Grinder Sliders
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
Warm, cheesy biscuit sliders capture the essence of an Italian sub—made easy with Pillsbury™ Grands!™ biscuits.
One-Pan Loco Moco
3.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
This Hawaiian-inspired dish highlights the flavors of juicy hamburger, sweet onions, and rich brown gravy, crowned with a fried egg and served over a bed of steamed rice.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 31 reviews.
With nutty Swiss cheese, flaky crescents, and salty ham slices, this combination feels exciting and indulgent while remaining accessible and easy to make.
Pepperoni Pizza
3.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 19 reviews.
Simple to prep and fresh from the oven in minutes, this easy pepperoni pizza recipe is something the whole family can agree on.
Quick Chicken Pot Pies for Two
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 10 reviews.
Need a cozy meal for two? This is one of our favorites.
BBQ Chicken Crescents with Roasted Green Beans
3.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 58 reviews.
Ready in just 40 minutes, these BBQ Chicken Crescents are an easy win for entertaining or a family night at home.
Italian Meatball Hoagie Braids
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 64 reviews.
This recipe is everything you love about a cheesy meatball sub wrapped in a golden crescent braid that feels fancy but is completely no-fuss.
Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
4.1 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 134 reviews.
This easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeks when you need something reliable, filling, and flavorful for your evening meal.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Bake
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 4 reviews.
This recipe makes an easy win for dinner, works great for brunch or lunch, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks and holidays.
Buffalo Cauliflower White Pizza
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 4 reviews.
This awesome Buffalo wing-inspired twist on pizza will have you forgetting all about plain old pepperoni and cheese.
Sloppy Joe Meatloaf
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 29 reviews.
This recipe was a finalist in the 40th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest and is a cozy, crowd-pleasing twist on two family favorites.
Sesame-Crouton Asian Chicken Salad
4.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 410 reviews.
This crunchy, fresh, flavorful salad is perfect as a main dish or a side for dinner!
Double Cheeseburger Pizza Rounds
4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 41 reviews.
Making your own pizza has never been easier, more fun, or more customizable!
Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone
4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 28 reviews.
Add a new spark to weeknight sandwich-making! Crescent rolls make oven-ready preparation possible in just minutes.
Mediterranean Chicken Vegetable Galette
4.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 7 reviews.
Fill up flaky pastry with veggies, two cheeses, and chicken for a new take on an easy dinner!
Detroit-Style Pizza
3.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 1 reviews.
This pizza has a thick, focaccia-like crust with “racing stripes” of sauce and signature caramelized edges. It’s the perfect homemade pizza!
Philly Cheesesteak Biscuit Bake
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 4 reviews.
A Philly Cheesesteak made with biscuits? Yep, it’s as good as it sounds.