14 New Weeknight Dinners You Haven’t Tried Yet

Getting stuck in the same dinner routine happens to all of us, but breaking out of that cycle doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need some new weeknight dinners you haven’t tried yet, you’re going to love these easy meals!

From dinner recipes with creative twists to flavorful dishes ready in no time, these ideas will keep your weeknight menu fresh and exciting.

1. Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

This Mexican-inspired casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that couldn’t be easier to make. Pasta comes together with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn in a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese for pure weeknight satisfaction.

Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

2. Teriyaki Burgers

These Hawaiian-inspired burgers combine homemade teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, and sautéed mushrooms. The sweet and savory combination will make a basic burger feel like a completely new meal.

Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Burgers

3. Chicken Caesar Pizza

Caesar dressing takes the place of tomato sauce in this clever creation, topped with chicken, crispy bacon, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Every bite delivers the familiar flavors of Caesar salad in an unexpectedly delicious pizza form.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pizza

4. Honey Sriracha Meatball Bowls

These protein-packed bowls turn ordinary meatballs into something special with a sweet and spicy Greek yogurt glaze. Served alongside quick-pickled cucumbers and brown rice, they offer a balanced meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Meatball Bowls

5. Loaded Chorizo Baked Potato

Transform a baked potato into a spectacular dinner with spicy chorizo, Mexican crema, and queso fresco. A squeeze of lime and pickled onions add bright, tangy notes that elevate this from a simple side dish to a satisfying main course.

Get the Recipe: Loaded Chorizo Baked Potato

6. Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Skip the sodium-packed flavor packets and give instant ramen the makeover it deserves. Ground chicken, coleslaw mix, and bell peppers are tossed with a homemade sauce that proves convenience foods can be both tasty and wholesome with just a few smart swaps.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

7. Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

This streamlined version of the classic Creole dish delivers Louisiana-inspired flavors without the hours of simmering. Spicy andouille sausage comes together with canned red beans and the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery for a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Get the Recipe: Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

8. Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

This brilliant mashup takes the best of two beloved dishes and creates something even better. Seasoned chicken strips pair with sautéed bell peppers and onions, then get loaded with melted cheese between crispy flour tortillas, yum!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

9. Blue Cheese Crusted Steak

Elevate your weeknight steak game with this technique that starts in a skillet and finishes in the oven. A golden, crispy topping made from blue cheese crumbles, panko breadcrumbs, and red onion transforms simple New York strip steaks into something worthy of your favorite steakhouse.

Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Crusted Steak

10. Chili Garlic Beef and Shells

This flavor-packed one-pan dish comes together using pantry staples you probably already have on hand. It has the best creamy chili garlic sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat.

Get the Recipe: Chili Garlic Beef and Shells

11. Lentil Bolognese

This hearty sauce proves that plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Red lentils simmer with vegetables and herbs to create an incredibly filling sauce that is delicious over pasta.

Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese Recipe

12. Pulled Pork Bowls with Avocado Slaw

Turn leftover pulled pork into a dinner that feels completely fresh and new. Grilled corn and a Greek yogurt avocado slaw balance the rich, smoky flavors perfectly.

Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Bowls with Avocado Slaw

13. Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This simple one-skillet recipe is made with chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, and bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The rich Tuscan-inspired flavors will have your family asking for seconds and wondering how something this impressive came together so effortlessly.

Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

14. Mustard Crusted Panko Salmon

This elegant yet simple salmon dinner is so easy to make. A coating of mustard, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley bakes to crunchy golden perfection while keeping the fish moist and flaky underneath.

Get the Recipe: Mustard Crusted Panko Salmon