It’s so easy to get stuck making the same dinners every week. If you’re looking to shake things up, here are 17 weeknight dinners that you haven’t made yet but probably should! Trying these new meals can bring some excitement to your evening routine and show you new ways to cook. So, why not mix it up and see what you’ve been missing?
Turkey à la King
Creamy, comforting, and a great way to transform leftover turkey into a decadent meal, this dish hits all the right notes. With peas, pimentos, and that velvety sauce, it’s comfort in a bowl. Turkey à la King goes great over toast, rice, or biscuits, making it versatile for any leftovers you’ve got. It’s the perfect post-Thanksgiving treat that’ll make you look forward to leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Get ready for tender chicken wrapped around ham and Swiss cheese that’s got a perfectly crisp outer layer thanks to the Air Fryer. This dish is all about that crunch without the deep-fried guilt. It’s an impressive meal that’s way quicker than you’d think. If you’re looking for a way to spice up dinner, this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
You’ve got to try this one-skillet wonder that combines soft gnocchi with savory sausage and a hint of bitterness from broccoli rabe. This meal is a weeknight lifesaver, especially when you’re short on time and want something comforting. The clean-up’s a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is the hearty Italian dinner you’ve been dreaming of.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Rye bread loaded with heaps of sliced pastrami, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and slathered with Russian dressing; what’s not to love? Making this Pastrami Reuben Sandwich at home is easier than you think and ten times as satisfying. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this sandwich fits the bill. Just add a crunchy pickle to complete the ultimate deli experience right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Who doesn’t love a good chicken salad? This one’s got all the goodies: crisp walnuts, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing. Pile it high on a croissant and this Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts becomes an unbeatable lunch. It’s great for on-the-go eating and works for any picnic or quick meal situation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Baja Fish Tacos
You can’t beat the fresh flavor of fish paired with a tangy sauce and crisp toppings in these quick and easy tacos. The fresh cabbage crunch is the perfect match for the tender fish. These Baja Fish Tacos offer a little escape to the seaside, even if you’re miles from the beach. Serve them up with a squeeze of lime for that essential burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Here’s a light and fresh option that’s packed with the goodness of plump shrimp, veggies, and orzo, all tossed in a refreshing lemon dressing. Serve it up cold and you’ll have that satisfying crunch that makes a salad pop. Whether it’s for a BBQ side dish or a simple lunch, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a winner. It’s the kind of meal that brings a bit of sunlight to your plate all year round.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Chicken Piccata
If you’re in the mood for an Italian classic, look no further than the combo of tangy lemons and capers with soft and tender chicken breasts. Not only is it quick to whip up on any given weeknight, but it also has that show-stopper quality for guests. Pair it with pasta or fresh greens, and your meal is complete. Give Chicken Piccata a go when you’re craving something with a tangy kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Roast Pork with Apples
When savory meets sweet, magic happens, and that’s exactly the case with Roast Pork with Apples. This meal is simple enough for one-pan prep but comes out looking and tasting like a feast. It’s your go-to for a fuss-free, delicious Sunday dinner. Roast Pork with Apples is that classic combo that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Say goodbye to the drive-thru because these homemade chicken fries are crunchier, healthier, and way more satisfying. They’re kid-approved and dip-ready, perfect for a snack or a playful dinner. Get the most out of your Air Fryer with these Chicken Fries. You’ll be wondering why you didn’t try making them sooner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Tacos Dorados
Who can resist crispy fried tacos filled with a spicy meat mixture? They’re a fun, crunchy twist on traditional tacos that everyone will love. Load up these Tacos Dorados with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and lettuce. They are the ultimate grab-and-go meal that will vanish before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Warm up with this cozy soup packed with cheese-filled tortellini, healthy kale, and chunks of chicken that make it a complete meal in a bowl. This Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is super easy to make, and it’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t forget, it’s also a sneaky way to get some greens onto the dinner table. Get ready for ultimate comfort as you spoon into this warm and hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Brisket Fried Rice
Got some brisket leftovers? Turn them into an amazing meal by pairing them with sautéed veggies, a quick scramble of eggs, and rice for a savory treat. This Brisket Fried Rice is the kind of dish that gives leftovers a whole new lease on life. If you want a comforting dish that’s different from the usual, give this one a spin.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Upgrade your breakfast game with this high-protein toast, blending the softness of cottage cheese with the crunch of bacon, all topped off with a poached egg. This Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg is super straightforward to make, even when you’re running out the door. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures to keep you going until lunch. So, tomorrow morning, why not treat yourself?
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Steak & Pasta Salad
This dish upgrades your pasta salad game by topping it off with succulent slices of grilled steak, making it hearty enough to stand as a full meal. It’s a refreshing mix, perfect for warm weather eating, whether it’s for dinner or part of a picnic spread. Add in fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and arugula to make this Steak & Pasta Salad pop with color and flavor. This one’s seriously too good to be just a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Need a quick and tasty dinner? These quesadillas have the perfect mix of cheesy goodness and tender chicken with a hit of Al Pastor flavor. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are the ultimate easy-to-make dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Add a side of guacamole and salsa, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
This one’s a tribute to an icon, loaded with ground beef, layers of cheese, and bell peppers that can feed the masses. It’s the kind of casserole you can prep ahead, then pop in the oven when you’re ready. There’s nothing quite like a Beefy John Wayne Casserole to bring your family around the table. Trust me; they’ll be asking for it over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Take the beloved flavors of sweet corn and spicy notes from Mexican street corn and simmer them into a warm, creamy soup. This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a bowlful of comfort with a kick. Stretch your culinary skills and whip up a soup that’s got all the marks of street-side simplicity. Just sprinkle a bit of cheese on top before serving for that finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup