5 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Feel Like Comfort Food

After a busy day, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But what if you could whip up quick, comforting dinners that don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction? The following recipes are perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and delicious but need to get dinner on the table in a flash.

Here are 5 easy weeknight dinners that will feel like comfort food without the hassle:

1. One-Pan Baked Chicken and Vegetables

This one-pan dinner is as easy as it gets. Simply toss chicken thighs (or breasts) with your favorite vegetables, drizzle with olive oil, and season with herbs and spices. Pop it in the oven, and in 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions
• Olive oil
• Garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy pasta comes together in no time and feels like a comforting Italian feast. With tomato sauce, cream, and fresh basil, it’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a pan, combine tomato sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
4. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

3. Sheet Pan Fajitas

If you love Mexican food but don’t want to spend hours cooking, this easy sheet pan fajitas recipe is the way to go. Toss sliced chicken, peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning, roast it in the oven, and serve with tortillas for a deliciously simple dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Fajita seasoning (or homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)
• Flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange chicken, peppers, and onions on a sheet pan. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
4. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

For a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired meal, this beef and broccoli stir-fry is a winner. The tender beef and crispy broccoli are coated in a savory sauce that comes together in minutes. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
• Rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
2. In a hot pan, sauté the beef until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until thickened. Serve over rice.

5. Cheesy Baked Ziti

This classic baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food. Pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. You can even make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready to eat!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package directions and drain.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan