Nutrition & Recipes

20+ Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes That Aren’t Pasta

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On May 21, 2025
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20+ Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes That Aren’t Pasta

If you’re looking to switch things up from your routine pasta dinners, you’ll love these tasty recipes! From easy skillet dishes to savory salads, you’ll find plenty of pasta-free options to try. Plus, these dinner recipes take no more than 30 minutes to prepare, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. With flavorful options like our Creamy Pesto Beans and our Cauliflower alla Vodka, enjoying a satisfying weeknight dinner will be a breeze.

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High-Protein Enchilada Skillet

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer


This black bean and tofu enchilada skillet is a one-pan meal packed with plant-based protein. Crumbled tofu soaks up the sauce, while corn tortillas soften into it for a rich, satisfying filling. Black beans add protein and fiber, and bell peppers and onions add vitamins and prebiotics. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds melty goodness to every bite.

Creamy Pesto Beans

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong


These creamy pesto beans are pulled together in just 30 minutes. The sauce clings to tender white beans, and whatever is left is perfect for sopping up with a warm, crusty baguette.

Cauliflower alla Vodka

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen


This cauliflower alla vodka is the plant-based meal you need right now! Cauliflower soaks up the creamy vodka sauce beautifully, making it a satisfying alternative to pasta.

Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley


With tender, juicy chicken and crisp, fresh broccoli as the base, this salad delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. A creamy dressing ties everything together, while mix-ins like crispy bacon, shredded cheese and scallions add layers of flavor.

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus

Ali Redmond


Chicken cutlets are coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, roasting right alongside tender asparagus for an easy, well-balanced dinner. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Roasted Salmon & Broccoli Rice Bowls

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle


Gochujang, mayonnaise and honey combine to bring a spicy-sweet flavor to roasted salmon fillets. The honey allows the sauce to cling to the salmon while also providing a slight caramelization, and store-bought kimchi adds a nice tang.

Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Casserole with Broccoli

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco


Whip up this quick and easy teriyaki chicken casserole in just one skillet—it’s the perfect go-to recipe for hectic weeknights, sure to satisfy a crowd. It’s ideal for making use of any leftover chicken and rice you have on hand. If you’re short on leftovers, a rotisserie chicken paired with a package of microwaveable brown rice is a good substitute.

Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Butter Beans

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong


Velvety butter beans are simmered in broth with plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and flavorful stew-like dinner. Served with crusty bread for dipping, it’s the perfect cozy meal to whip up on a busy evening—hearty, warm and utterly delicious.

Marry Me Chicken Salad Sandwich

Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley


This sandwich takes the satisfying combination of creamy, savory and tangy flavors from the original dish and gives it the sandwich treatment. We add a handful of peppery arugula to give a vibrant bite to every mouthful, but you can use baby spinach in its place if you prefer.

Crispy Orange Cauliflower

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser


This crispy orange cauliflower is a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese American dish, orange chicken. It features cauliflower florets coated in a light, crispy batter, fried until crispy and then tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it over steamed brown rice with stir-fried tofu and veggies for a vibrant, wholesome meal.

Curried Butter Beans

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle


Tender butter beans combine with red curry paste and aromatic spices in this hearty, plant-based dish. Enjoy it on its own or serve it over brown rice or whole-grain noodles for a more filling meal.

Chopped Salad with Chickpeas, Olives & Feta

Greg DuPree


This quick and easy chopped salad is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, including chickpeas, cucumber and feta. A garlicky oil and vinegar dressing brings everything together.

One-Pan Spicy Okra & Shrimp

Serve spicy blackened shrimp and tender vegetables over aromatic basmati rice for an easy skillet supper. Use precooked microwave rice so you don’t have to mess up another pan. This one-pan dinner is perfect for company, but easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco


Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are coated in a garlic cream sauce, while spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this easy one-skillet recipe.

Brothy Lemon-Garlic Beans

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong


The creamy beans soak up the garlicky, lemon-infused broth, which is perfectly sopped up with a piece of toasted whole-wheat bread. For a little extra flair, finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil—or, for a creamier take, a dollop of Greek-style yogurt.

Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley


These chicken salad wraps are packed with ingredients that help reduce inflammation. Turmeric adds a bright golden hue, while chickpeas add fiber and plant-based protein. Mix up the chicken salad at the beginning of the week to enjoy in a wrap or serve it over greens if you prefer.

Lemon-Roasted Salmon with Green Herb Sauce

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower


The star of this salmon dish is the vibrant green herb sauce, made with fresh parsley and dill; it adds a burst of freshness that complements the fish beautifully.

20-Minute Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato & Basil

Jacob Fox


This saucy 20-minute chicken dish features fresh summer corn, tomatoes and basil. Serve this light and tangy quick dinner over brown rice.

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Diana Chistruga


Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.

Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

Photography: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco


This hearty grain bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We’ve loaded it up with black beans, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado, plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken & Mushroom Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle


The sauce in this creamy balsamic chicken and mushroom skillet strikes the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The shallots, garlic and thyme add aroma and flavor to the dish. Thin-cut chicken cutlets are key for getting dinner on the table quickly.

Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza with Red Peppers, Chicken & Spinach

Jason Donnelly

Whirring up roasted red peppers with olive oil and garlic makes a tangy sauce that’s a nice alternative to classic pizza sauce.

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