(If you’re looking for a deliciously simple, but impressive homemade pasta, check out my recipe here! Old dress, similar here)
Happy Thursday!
How is your week? I am about to start packing for NAPA! We leave tomorrow bright and early and the wine, delicious food, and sunshine cannot come soon enough! It’s our first time ever, and you all had SO many fantastic recommendations–thank you! (See them all on this IG post!) I will definitely be reporting back with a Napa guide.
Speaking of good food–we’re going to roll with this topic today. I know I speak on behalf of…basically all of us when I say there is a massive (!!) need for easy weeknight recipes to throw into the weekly rotation. It seems like I gravitate to the same handful of meals and I could always use some new inspiration. Do you feel the same way?
So, where did I turn to? You! Of course! Over on Instagram stories, I asked you all to submit your favorite easy weeknight meal recipes and as always, you delivered! Below I’ve rounded up 25 of the most popular GG reader-approved recipes to add to your weeknight meal repertoire.
The best news yet? By the time you’ve made a dent in this list, it’ll be spring
Let’s jump in!
Real Women Approved: 25 Favorite Easy Weeknight Recipes
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner via Mary’s Whole Life
This meal is all about easy: 10 minutes of prep and just one pan. Turn to this meal when you’re craving a sweet and savory combination of chicken sausage, apples, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and bacon. It’s also paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos via Half-Baked Harvest
A very popular submission! A perfect weeknight dinner that also happens to be vegetarian and gluten-free! With 20-minute prep time and 45 minutes of cooking, these sweet potatoes seasoned with a smoky chipotle chili spice mix stuffed into hard shell tacos, topped with cheese, and oven-baked with a creamy, cooling lime crema sauce, spicy cilantro, and avocado come together easily!
White Chicken Chili via Plain Chicken
The next time you’re in the mood for chili, try this white chicken chili that several of you suggested! Ready to eat in less than 20 minutes and makes enough for weekday lunch leftovers!
image via The Defined Dish
Sheet Pan Chicken Piccata via The Defined Dish
How good does that chicken piccata look?! So many of you suggested this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and beyond easy to make. (Alex is my absolute favorite food blogger–I make so many of her recipes, but haven’t made this one yet, so I’m excited to add it to the list!)
White Chicken Enchiladas via Dessert For Two
When you’re in the mood for something spicier, try these easy chicken enchiladas! Just 20 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time for these green chili enchiladas!
Best Lentil Soup via Cookie + Kate
Next up: a delicious lentil soup that takes just 10 minutes to prep! This simple vegan soup comes together quickly with mostly pantry ingredients and makes four large bowls. If you don’t follow Cookie & Kate, she’s my go-to for delicious meatless recipes.
Best Healthy Turkey Chili via Ambitious Kitchen
Another chili option because GG readers had a few favorites! This one is made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans and corn — and can be made on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Chicken and Dumplings via Pioneer Woman
Slightly brothy, slightly creamy incredible comfort food that takes just 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook!
image via Butter Be Ready
Short Rib Ragu via Butter Be Ready
Now for a jaw-dropping pasta dish! This recipe is dripping with flavor and texture to keep your weeknight meal exciting. Think restaurant quality at home — perfect for everyday or special occasions!
Tortellini and Chicken Tomato Soup via NYT Cooking (crockpot)
Searching for a slow cooker winner? This recipe will do the trick! Think a souped-up tomato soup with tortellini and chicken. It’s the perfect comfort meal with easy prep that cooks all day.
Feel Better Chicken Soup via Bon Appetite
If you’re looking for a light chicken soup with lots of veggies and minimal ingredients, look no further!
Everyday Meatballs via Smitten Kitchen
It’s in the name — these everyday meatballs are perfect for every day and would make great leftovers for later in the week/lunches.
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto via Damn Delicious
You don’t often hear of risotto as an “easy” recipe, but this one is an anomaly. Use your pressure cooker without any stirring or fuss for a rich, creamy, loaded with mushrooms, spinach, peas, and freshly grated Parmesan.
image via Bon Appetit
Pasta Al Limone via Bon Appetit
“Super easy but tastes fancy” — the perfect weeknight pasta featuring a light lemon sauce.
Pizza Spaghetti Pie via Paleomg
In the mood for a healthy pizza? Try this 5-ingredient pizza pie with spaghetti squash.
Tomato Orzo Soup with Grilled Cheese via The Barefoot Contessa
There’s nothing like a tomato soup + grilled cheese combo — and this recipe takes it to the next level.
One-Pan Thai Coconut Yellow Curry Chicken & Rice via Ambitious Kitchen
Another one-pan recipe to have on hand! This dish is incredibly flavorful and takes just 10 minutes to prep!
Image via Pinch of Yum
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie via Pinch of Yum
The only thing better than a great chicken pot pie is one that cooks all day in the crockpot! Low maintenance winter comfort food at its finest.
Lemony Chicken and Potato Soup via Our Savory Life
Another instant pot or crockpot option for a delicious, flavorful winter soup!
Winter Grain Bowl via Pinch of Yum
Roasted root vegetables, earthy grains, dried fruit, dark leafy greens, buttery goat cheese, and creamy balsamic dressing make the best winter grain bowl for an easy, healthy dinner.
Sausage and Tomato Tortellini Soup via Emily Bites
Another 10-minute prep soup that’s creamy, comforting, and flavorful!
Black Bean Burgers via The Pioneer Woman
Short on time? Try these black bean burgers that require just 20 minutes from start to finish! Several GG readers raved about this recipe!
Hamburger Helper via Half-Baked Harvest
Another recipe with lots of GG reader love! It’s everyone’s childhood dinner favorite homemade, healthier, and tastier! Plus it only takes 30 minutes to create!
Chicken Tortilla Soup via What’s Gaby Cooking
Where Tex-Mex and comfort food meet! This tortilla soup is ridiculously easy to make and is packed with flavor!
Creamy Chickpea Pasta with Spinach and Rosemary via the NYT Cooking
Last but not least, another deliciously light pasta that is easy to make and promises to deliver!
