21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People (2024)

Put on your comfy house clothes and whip up one of these recipes.

Michelle NoPublished on January 22, 2019

When you're finally home from a long day of studying or work, the last thing you want to do is spend another hour cooking a dish you know you'll inhale in five minutes flat.

But you also don't want to open a bag of Cheetos and call it a night, or worse — waste money on delivery. That's why we put together a list of tasty recipes you can make in about 30 minutes that will save you money and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From spicy lemon pasta and broccoli mac 'n' cheese, to butternut squash chili and delicious salads, here are 21 recipes you'll want to try this month.

1. Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

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kyleecooks.com

It's as simple as cooking your choice of protein, making a creamy sauce, and rolling some enchiladas up. Of course, you can always replace the chicken with some canned beans if you want to cut time or have a meat-free meal. Get the recipe.

2. Chicken, Broccoli Shells, and Cheese

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lovegrowswild.com

A dish both parents and kids can enjoy! Feel free to leave out the chicken if you want something slightly lighter. Get the recipe.

healthiersteps.com

All you need to make Venezuelan arepas is cornmeal, warm water, salt, and some oil for fying. Once your pockets are ready, just fill 'em up with whatever protein or delicious fillings you'd like, like guacamole, plantain, and canned beans for example. Get the recipe.

whatsinthepan.com

The secret ingredient to this creamy mushroom sauce is a hearty serving of flour and half and half. Slather the whole batch over a savory pairing of chicken thighs and mushrooms, and you've got yourself a hearty winter meal. Get the recipe.

tastesbetterfromscratch.com

Serve these with a dollop of storebought salsa or guacamole and sour cream for a feast that'll come together faster than that pepperoni pizza you were thinking of ordering. Get the recipe.

6. Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People (4)

cafedelites.com

Sometimes, all a salad needs to take it from bland to tasty is a delicious dressing, like this balsamic dressing made with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and olive oil. Get the recipe.

7. Creamy Pasta With Bell Pepper and Sausage

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landeeseelandeedo.com

And for those late nights when you're short on time, you can skip the chicken and stick to just the sausage and bacon. Get the recipe.

tasty.co

Chicken, shrimp, some sliced veggies, and 14 minutes in the oven come together for a delicious, leftovers lunch-worthy dinner. Get the recipe.

9. Chicken Sisig With Egg

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panlasangpinoy.com

While traditional Filipino sisig is made with pig snouts, ears, and jowls, this quick weeknight version uses chicken and mayonnaise to get you close to the original taste with less prep work. Serve on a hot cast iron plate for maximum sizzle. Get the recipe.

10. One-Pan Mexican Rice Skillet

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lifemadesweeter.com

To make this rice dish last you and your family more than one meal, serve it in soft tortillas or hard taco shells. Get the recipe.

11. Sheet Pan Greek Chicken

21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People (8)

laughingspatula.com

If you're doing Whole30, simply prepare this dish without feta cheese. Get the recipe.

12. Lemon Garlic Salmon

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40aprons.com

Avocado oil isn't just a tasty cooking oil; it also has a high smoking point and can withstand high heat without breaking down or filling your kitchen with toxic fumes. Get the recipe.

nutritioninthekitch.com

Have you heard the good news about grocery store rotisserie chicken? It's juicy and affordable, and will let you make recipes like this chicken and potato stew in a jiff. Get the recipe.

14. Chicken Chopped Salad With Spicy Peanut Dressing

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healthyaperture.com

I can definitely get on board with a salad that lists peanut butter as an ingredient. Get the recipe.

savorytooth.com

Sweet butternut squash and savory beans combine in this slightly piquant chili you'll want to make again and again. And if you want to vary things up from meal to meal, try serving it with a crusty bread, a handful of tortilla chips, or some avocado. Get the recipe.

halfbakedharvest.com

If you're okay eschewing aesthetics for practicality (and also because heirloom tomatoes are not in season at the moment), feel free to purchase whatever tomatoes you can find at the market to make this savory tart. Get the recipe.

17. Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup With Rice

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halfbakedharvest.com

Red lentils pack this bowl of healthy vegetable soup with protein and texture. Get the recipe.

18. Wild Rice Burrito Bowl With Cilantro-Lime Avocado Dressing

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exsloth.com

You can make a macro bowl with any combination of protein, carbs, and fat, or try out this perfect marriage of crowd-favorite chickpeas, rice, and avocado. Get the recipe.

damndelicious.net

Your local grocery store should carry lo mein egg noodles, but if not, grab a pack from Amazon for $5.45. Get the recipe.

therealfoodrds.com

And if you, like me, find the prospect of cutting squash (and, as your mind would have you believe, your fingers off) terrifying, then you can use the method of roasting the squash to softness first, and THEN cutting into it. Get the recipe.

21. Spicy Lemon Pasta With Shrimp

21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People (13)

funwithoutfodmaps.com

Listen, Olive Garden isn't the only place where you can enjoy the winning combination of lemon, shrimp, and pasta. This is one of the easiest recipes on this list and fortunately for you, also one of the tastiest. Try it out tonight! Get the recipe.

Want more dinner inspiration?

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    21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People (2024)

    FAQs

    21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People? ›

    A diet with lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and seeds may help lessen the effects of feeling tired! This booklet and the study dietitian will help you learn how to make room in your diet for foods that can help fight fatigue.

    What to make for dinner when you're exhausted? ›

    • 1Creamy chicken and risoni tray bake. ...
    • 2Easy slow-cooker lasagne. ...
    • 3One-pan creamy chicken pesto pasta bake. ...
    • 4Chicken chow mein tray bake. ...
    • 5One-pot creamy chicken ravioli. ...
    • 6One-pan miso chicken drumsticks. ...
    • 7Chicken, chorizo and olive tray bake. ...
    • 8Slow-cooker beef brisket bourguignon.

    What can I cook in 5 minutes? ›

    25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
    • Pea and broad bean couscous.
    • Fast home-made baked beans.
    • Porridge.
    • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket.
    • Home-made hummus.
    • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach.
    • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.
    • Quick pitta pizzas.

    What to make when you're hungry and have no food? ›

    15 Delicious Things to Throw Together When You're Pressed for Food Options
    • Buttery, gooey grilled cheese.
    • PB&J because duh.
    • Tuna melt tostadas.
    • Pancakes! Pancakes!
    • Scrambled eggs.
    • Waffles.
    • A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal.
    • Spaghetti carbonara.
    Apr 28, 2020

    What is the most energizing meal? ›

    Energy-boosting dinner recipes
    • Chicken & lemon skewers. ...
    • Moroccan chicken with fennel & olives. ...
    • Moroccan chicken stew. ...
    • Minty griddled chicken & peach salad. ...
    • Curried chicken & baked dhal. ...
    • All-in–one chicken with wilted spinach. ...
    • Spiced lentil & butternut squash soup. ...
    • Quinoa chilli with avocado & coriander.

    What to make when you have no energy? ›

    24 Fast & Easy Dinners When You're Too Tired to Cook
    1. 02 of 24. Crispy Gnocchi Pasta with Tomatoes & Leeks. ...
    2. 05 of 24. Mussels with White Beans & Tomatoes. ...
    3. 08 of 24. 20-Minute Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet. ...
    4. 11 of 24. Chicken & Veggie Quesadilla. ...
    5. 14 of 24. Creamy Spinach Pasta. ...
    6. 17 of 24. Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta.
    Aug 8, 2020

    What is the most easiest food to cook? ›

    17 Of The Easiest Recipes Of All Time (Seriously)
    • Honey Balsamic Chicken. ...
    • Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ...
    • White Bean Soup With Vegetables. ...
    • Smoked Gouda and Mushroom Quesadillas. ...
    • Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Veggies and Sausage. ...
    • Scrambled Egg Tacos. ...
    • 15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. ...
    • One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Artichokes.
    Jan 2, 2019

    What cooks food really fast? ›

    Table of Contents
    • Air Fryer.
    • Instant Pot.
    • Toaster Oven.
    • Food Processor.
    • Slow-Cooker.
    • Stand Mixer.
    • Immersion Blender.
    • Bread Maker.
    Nov 1, 2022

    What to cook when nothing sounds good? ›

    What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
    • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
    • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
    • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
    • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
    Jan 11, 2023

    How to make 5 small meals a day? ›

    How to Eat 5 Small Meals a Day
    1. Plan ahead. Five meals a day equals breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. ...
    2. Stock up. Face it: You're going to grab whatever food is closest. ...
    3. Go for taste. Choose snack foods that will sustain you and taste good. ...
    4. Whip up a smoothie. ...
    5. Combine carbs and protein to stay full longer.
    Aug 15, 2014

    How to make dinner quickly? ›

    How to cook faster & have dinner ready in less time
    1. Manage your expectations. Yum. ...
    2. Divide and conquer. Meal prep works. ...
    3. Embrace big batches. Soup can be made in big batches. ...
    4. Repurpose leftovers. ...
    5. Keep your pantry stocked. ...
    6. Make all-in-one meals. ...
    7. Heat things up. ...
    8. Don't go whole hog (or chicken breast)
    May 26, 2020

    What foods to eat when exhausted? ›

    A diet with lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and seeds may help lessen the effects of feeling tired! This booklet and the study dietitian will help you learn how to make room in your diet for foods that can help fight fatigue.

    What foods are good for burnout? ›

    Choose healthier sources of fat: Eat veggies with hummus, a handful of walnuts, or an avocado instead of a fatty prepackaged snack. Healthy fats reduce stress hormones and depression. Choose low-glycemic dinner foods: Eat quinoa, farro, buckwheat, or amaranth instead of white rice or white potatoes.

    What should I eat for burnout? ›

    Aim for three square meals each day – and try not to skip any to support your energy levels. Eating an abundance of fruits, veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and a smaller amount of dairy, oily fish and meat, will help regain your strength.

    What food do you usually eat when you are tired and don't want to cook? ›

    If I am too tired to cook, and can't afford to eat out (which has been most of my life,) I always have peanut butter and bread, yogurt, frozen dinners, canned soups and beef stew, fruits on hand, eggs. A well stocked pantry is the key. I am just as happy with a can of bean soup and some crackers.

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