Simple Dinners to Save the Midweek Scramble

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These weeknight dinner wins are proof you don’t need a special occasion—or hours in the kitchen—to serve something memorable. From cozy classics like Traditional Irish Cottage Pie and Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew to quick favorites like Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi, every recipe brings serious flavor without the stress. Try the creamy comfort of Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce, go low-carb with Keto Radish Recipes – Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs, or treat yourself with a twist like Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup. There’s even room for veggie-packed meals like Rainbow Veggie Noodles and Spaghetti Squash with Broccolini and Truffle Oil—because variety is the real dinner hero.

Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Slices of roasted pork tenderloin on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs. A jar of mustard is in the background, along with peppercorns scattered around the meat. The scene is warmly lit and appetizing.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe features a mouthwatering 24-hour marinade and reverse steak butter for a bold, tender flavor. Seasoned with garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve this irresistible pork tenderloin for a delicious and memorable meal!
Get the Recipe: Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A metal pan with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce, garnished with basil leaves, on a marble countertop.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These chicken cutlets are taken to the next level with an easy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all made in one pan! Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Garnish with thyme, parsley, or basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Easy Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Cast iron roaster filled with cheesy stuffed shells in a creamy white sauce with herbs baked on top.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Easy Four Cheese Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food! Jumbo shells are filled with a decadent blend of ricotta, mascarpone, goat cheese, and mozzarella, then smothered in a creamy white sauce with fresh herbs. It’s an easy and kid-friendly Italian-inspired recipe that’s perfect for a satisfying midweek meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

A plate with cottage pie casserole and a side of mixed greens on a white surface, accompanied by an orange-patterned cloth in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Irish Cottage Pie recipe uses ground beef instead of lamb for a hearty and comforting twist on Shepherd’s pie. Topped with a blend of russet and sweet potatoes, heavy cream, and flavorful cheeses, this dish is a family-friendly casserole perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Sautéed Chicken Breast with Shallot and Cider

close up photo of chicken cutlet reduced with cider
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This recipe for Sautéed Chicken Breast with Shallot and Cider is a fantastic one-skillet meal that’s ready in a flash. The chicken is perfectly complemented by the sweet and savory shallot and cider sauce. Served over a bed of creamy polenta, it’s a comforting and delicious dish!
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Chicken Breast with Shallot and Cider

Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

featured image 2 for Thick Beef Stew Recipe
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This hearty beef stew is a Southern classic, elevated with dry red wine and whole grain mustard for a rich, unforgettable flavor. It’s the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening, packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

No Yolk Savory Noodle Kugel

a white baking dish, with noodle kugel
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This savory noodle kugel is the ultimate comfort food featuring brown butter, caraway seeds, honey and sour cream. It’s made with ‘no yolk’ egg noodles and is the perfect side dish for any holiday or weeknight meal. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: No Yolk Savory Noodle Kugel

Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

scallops seared in a hot pan with squash prepared saltimbocca style
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This unique recipe features delicata squash prepared in the classic Italian saltimbocca style. Topped with perfectly pan-seared sea scallops, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The amontillado sherry and honey add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory prosciutto and sage.
Get the Recipe: Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup

a dessert bowl, with pumpkin pecan bread pudding and cinnamon syrup
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is the ultimate fall dessert! Starting with a can of pumpkin and challah bread, this recipe is finished with a warm cinnamon syrup. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup

Keto Radish Recipes – Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

a white platter, with crispy chicken and roasted radishes and red onions
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Looking for a simple and delicious keto-friendly meal? These Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes are the perfect answer. This recipe uses flavorful chicken thighs and healthful radishes, seasoned simply and roasted to perfection, for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Radish Recipes – Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Chicken Plov Recipe – A Comforting One-Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf

a red pot filled with rice and chicken and heads of garlic
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Chicken Plov recipe is a comforting one-pot chicken and rice pilaf that you’ll want to make over and over again. This recipe features chicken, rice, carrots, sweet onion, and golden raisins, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Plov Recipe – A Comforting One-Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Rainbow Veggie Noodles.

Rainbow Veggie Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Rainbow Veggie Pad Thai Noodle recipe is a healthy, colorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight. Made with rice noodles and plenty of fresh vegetables, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Noodles.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Cooked shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce, garnished with chopped herbs and sliced lemon.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe is an impressive and elegant dish that only takes 20 minutes to make! Using just a few everyday ingredients, it’s simple to master this restaurant classic. Serve it as an appetizer or a main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A close of up a skillet with creamy tuscan chicken
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is sure to be a winner! Chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is so good, it might just get you a proposal!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Baked Chicken Tenders

Baked Chicken Tenders
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

These baked chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! They’re made with chicken tenders, parmesan cheese, herbs, spices, and panko bread crumbs. This recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Tenders

Taco Soup

A bowl of Taco Soup with various toppings adds a burst of flavor and texture to this delicious dish.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Taco Soup recipe brings the taste of your favorite tacos in a warm, comforting bowl. With seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a rich broth, it’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for a satisfying dinner. Top it with your favorite taco fixings for a customizable and delicious experience!
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Baked Hamburgers Recipe (How to Cook Burgers in the Oven)

broiled hamburgers on buns with cheese and toppings
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Craving a juicy burger but don’t want to fire up the grill? This Baked Hamburgers recipe is the perfect solution! Learn how to cook burgers in the oven for an easy and delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Hamburgers Recipe (How to Cook Burgers in the Oven)

Italian Chopped Salad

Chopped Salad
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This Italian chopped salad is packed with fresh greens, veggies, chickpeas, and cheese, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, or a perfect side dish to complement any dinner. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls Shrimp or Chicken and Peanut Sauce

Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls with Shrimp or Chicken
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

These vibrant Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls are packed with fresh veggies, rice noodles, and your choice of shrimp or chicken. The star of the show is a creamy peanut sauce that ties all the flavors together beautifully. This healthy and customizable meal is a delicious way to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls Shrimp or Chicken and Peanut Sauce

Apple Butter Pork Chops (Pork Chops with Apples)

A cast iron skillet filled with pork chops and apples, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Apple Butter Pork Chops are the perfect one-pan recipe for fall. The skillet pork chops with apples are juicy and packed with flavor. This recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Pork Chops (Pork Chops with Apples)

Spaghetti Squash with Broccolini and Truffle Oil

Spaghetti squash with broccolini and truffle oil. This naturally gluten-free
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Enjoy the lovely autumn vegetable with this hearty spaghetti squash recipe! It’s packed with broccolini, peas, and pine nuts, then drizzled with truffle oil. This recipe makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Broccolini and Truffle Oil

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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