If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 6pm wondering what to have for dinner tonight, you’re in exactly the right place.
That moment – fridge open, brain slightly tired after a long day – is exactly why I started this website.
What To Have For Dinner Tonight is built around one simple idea: weeknight dinners should be easy, comforting and achievable, even when life is busy.
You shouldn’t need complicated ingredients, hours of prep or restaurant-level cooking skills just to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Over the years I’ve developed hundreds of recipes designed specifically for busy evenings. As a food writer and the creator of What To Have For Dinner Tonight, my goal is always the same: meals that are simple, satisfying and achievable on a normal weeknight.
The recipes on this site focus on:
- simple ingredients
- minimal washing up
- meals ready in 30 minutes or less
- flavourful food that actually feels worth cooking
Because dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore. I’ve developed hundreds of recipes designed specifically for real weeknights and this page is the ultimate collection of easy weeknight dinner recipes from the site.
Find the Perfect Easy Weeknight Dinner
If you’re trying to decide what to cook tonight, it often helps to narrow things down first. Are you looking for something ultra-fast? Something vegetarian? Something that only uses one pan?
Below you’ll find curated collections of recipes organised by the way people actually cook during the week.
15 Minute Dinners
Short on time? These recipes are designed to get dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less without sacrificing flavour. See all 15 Minute Dinner Recipes
Easy Pasta Dinners
Comforting, satisfying pasta dishes that are perfect for midweek cooking. Browse Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes
Chicken Dinner Recipes
Simple and flavourful chicken meals including tray bakes, stews and quick skillet dinners. Explore Chicken Dinner Recipes
Vegetarian Weeknight Dinners
Vegetarian meals that are hearty, satisfying and perfect for busy evenings. See Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
One Pot Dinners
Everything cooked in a single pot or pan for maximum flavour and minimal washing up. Browse One Pot Dinner Recipes
Soup for Dinner
Hearty soups that are filling enough to serve as a full meal. Explore Soup Dinner Recipes
Curry Recipes
Flavourful curries inspired by Indian, Thai and Malaysian cooking. See Easy Curry Recipes
Fish Dinner Recipes
Quick seafood dinners that cook fast and deliver big flavour. Browse Fish Dinner Recipes
Comfort Food & Pie Recipes
For evenings when you want something rich, cosy and satisfying. Explore Comfort Food Recipes
How to Use This Page
Instead of being one giant list of recipes, this guide is organised into easy dinner categories, so you can quickly find what suits your evening.
Maybe you want:
- something very quick
- something hearty and comforting
- something vegetarian
- something that uses one pan
You’ll find all of those options below.
Each section contains a handful of recipes to get you started, plus links to larger recipe collections if you want to explore further.
So whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, there should always be something here that helps answer the question:
What should I cook for dinner tonight?
15 Minute Dinner Recipes
Some nights you simply need dinner fast.
Whether you’ve had a long day at work, the kids are hungry or you just don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe, a 15 minute meal can be a lifesaver.
The key to ultra-fast dinners is using ingredients that cook quickly or require very little preparation. Things like:
- fresh pasta
- gnocchi
- eggs
- stir fry vegetables
- tinned beans
- quick sauces
Because these ingredients cook so quickly, you can build surprisingly flavourful meals in minutes.
Many of the recipes below are regular fixtures in my own weeknight rotation – dishes I cook when I want something satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
15 Minute Creamy Chorizo and Leek Pasta
A seriously easy pasta dish with smoky chorizo, sweet leeks and a creamy sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for busy evenings.
Check out this recipe: 15 Minute Creamy Chorizo and Leek Pasta
15 Minute Pork and Pineapple Tacos
Quick pork tacos with juicy pineapple, avocado and sour cream. Sweet, salty and satisfying.
Check out this recipe: 15 Minute Pork and Pineapple Tacos
15 Minute Mushrooms and Stilton on Toast
Creamy garlic mushrooms on toast finished with Stilton for a rich, indulgent dinner that comes together in minutes.
Check out this recipe: 15 Minute Mushrooms and Stilton on Toast
Black Bean Quesadillas with Minty Avocado Dip
Golden toasted tortillas filled with smoky black beans and melted cheese, served with a bright minty avocado dip.
Check out this recipe: Black Bean Quesadillas with Minty Avocado Dip
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi with Peas
Soft gnocchi in a creamy chorizo sauce with sweet peas and fresh herbs.
Check out this recipe: Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi With Peas
Beef Penang Curry
A fragrant Thai curry that somehow manages to deliver deep flavour in just 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe: 15 Minute Beef Penang Curry
Avocado, Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad
A bold salad packed with flavour and texture – creamy avocado, smoky bacon and punchy blue cheese.
Check out this recipe: Avocado, Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad
Looking for more ultra-fast dinners?
You can browse the full collection here: 15 Minute Dinner Recipes
One Pot and One Pan Dinners
One pot meals are some of the most satisfying recipes you can cook on a weeknight.
Everything cooks together in the same pan, which means:
- fewer dishes
- deeper flavour
- easier cooking
They’re ideal when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend the evening washing up.
These recipes include everything from hearty stews to quick pasta dishes and tray bakes.
One Pot Mexican Bean Stew
A smoky, hearty vegetarian stew packed with beans, spices and quinoa.
Check out this recipe: One Pot Mexican Bean Stew with Quinoa (Easy Vegetarian Dinner)
One Pan Smoked Sausage Fried Rice
A quick and satisfying fried rice with smoky sausage, vegetables and egg.
Check out this recipe: One Pan Smoked Sausage Fried Rice
One Pot Sausage, Pepper and Pea Pasta
A family-friendly pasta dish where everything cooks together in one pan.
Check out this recipe: One Pot Sausage, Pepper and Pea Pasta
One Pan Tomato and Mozzarella Gnocchi
Soft gnocchi cooked in a tomato sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella.
Check out this recipe: One Pan Tomato and Mozzarella Gnocchi
One Pan Chicken and Vegetable Tray Bake
Juicy roasted chicken with vegetables and potatoes cooked in one pan.
Check out this recipe: Easy One Pan Chicken and Vegetable Tray Bake
One Pot Chicken and Green Olive Tagine
A Moroccan-inspired chicken dish with preserved lemon, olives and warming spices.
Check out this recipe: One Pot Chicken and Green Olive Tagine (Easy Moroccan Chicken)
Explore the full collection here: One Pot Dinner Recipes
Pasta Dinner Recipes
Pasta is one of the most reliable weeknight dinners you can cook.
It’s quick, comforting and endlessly adaptable depending on what ingredients you have to hand.
Many of my pasta recipes rely on store cupboard ingredients such as:
- tinned tomatoes
- olives
- pesto
- frozen vegetables
- cured meats
Which means they’re perfect for evenings when the fridge looks a little bare.
Salami and Tomato Pasta
A simple, flavourful pasta with salami, tomato and cream cheese.
Check out this recipe: Salami and Tomato Pasta (Easy 20 Minute Weeknight Recipe)
Artichoke and Pancetta Pasta
A creamy pasta dish with pancetta and artichokes that feels surprisingly luxurious for a weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe: Creamy Artichoke and Pancetta Pasta
Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta
A bold pasta dish combining tangy kimchi, sweet peas and Parmesan.
Check out this recipe: Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta
Goats Cheese Stuffed Shells
Large pasta shells filled with goats cheese and baked in tomato sauce with mozzarella.
Check out this recipe: Goats Cheese Stuffed Shells
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Rich, comforting mac and cheese baked with a golden cheesy topping.
Check out this recipe: Classic Baked Mac N Cheese
Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagne
A vegetarian lasagne layered with roasted squash, ricotta and fresh sage.
Check out this recipe: Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagne
See the full pasta dinner collection here: Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes
Chicken Dinner Recipes
Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients you can cook with on a weeknight. It’s affordable, widely available and takes on flavour beautifully, which means it works across dozens of different cuisines.
On this site you’ll find everything from quick chicken tray bakes and one pot stews to flavour-packed curries and comforting pasta dishes. The goal is always the same: meals that are achievable on a normal Tuesday evening without spending hours in the kitchen.
Many of these recipes rely on chicken thighs, which I love for weeknight cooking. They’re forgiving, flavourful and stay juicy even if you get distracted halfway through cooking (which, if you’re anything like me, happens fairly regularly).
If you’re looking for reliable chicken dinners that feel comforting and satisfying without being overly complicated, these are a great place to start.
One Pot Chicken and Spring Vegetable Stew
A light but comforting chicken stew with asparagus, peas and butter beans in a creamy broth. Fresh, simple and perfect for spring evenings.
Check out this recipe: Easy One Pot Chicken and Spring Vegetable Stew
One Pan Roast Madras Chicken and Pilau Rice
A brilliant one pan meal where a whole chicken roasts over fragrant pilau rice, soaking the rice with flavour as it cooks.
Check out this recipe: One Pan Roast Chicken and Pilau Rice (Madras Spiced Whole Chicken)
Greek Pitta with Crispy Chicken and Tzatziki
Golden fried chicken served in warm pittas with cucumber, tomato and cooling tzatziki.
Check out this recipe: Greek Pitta With Crispy Chicken and Tzatziki
Chicken Thigh Kebabs
Juicy marinated chicken thighs served in flatbreads with pickled onions and garlic mayo.
Check out this recipe: Chicken Thigh Kebabs
Chicken Schnitzel with Mushroom Pasta
Crispy chicken schnitzel served alongside creamy mushroom macaroni for the ultimate comfort dinner.
Check out this recipe: Chicken Schnitzel With Mushroom Pasta
Baked Chicken Satay
An easy baked version of the classic peanut satay with lime, ginger and sesame.
Check out this recipe: Baked Chicken Satay
Chicken and Pea Risotto
A creamy risotto that’s perfect for using up leftover roast chicken.
Check out this recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto – Easy Leftover Roast Chicken Recipe
Looking for more easy chicken meals? Explore the full collection here: Chicken Dinner Recipes
Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
Vegetarian cooking has become one of the easiest ways to put dinner on the table quickly. Without the need to cook meat, meals often come together faster and rely more on simple flavour combinations and fresh ingredients.
Many of the vegetarian recipes on this site focus on ingredients that cook quickly or are easy to keep on hand, such as:
- halloumi
- chickpeas and beans
- pasta and gnocchi
- eggs
- roasted vegetables
These ingredients make it possible to create satisfying meat-free meals without complicated prep or unusual ingredients.
Whether you’re vegetarian full time, trying to eat less meat or simply looking for new dinner inspiration, these recipes prove that weeknight vegetarian cooking can be just as comforting and flavourful as any other meal.
Vegetarian Pad Thai
A quick vegetarian take on the Thai classic with noodles, vegetables and a sweet-salty sauce.
Check out this recipe: Vegetarian Pad Thai
Vegetarian Garlic Mushroom Orzo
A creamy, comforting orzo dish packed with garlic and mushrooms.
Check out this recipe: Vegetarian Garlic Mushroom Orzo
The Ultimate Halloumi Burger
Crispy fried halloumi served in a burger with mint yoghurt and pickled cucumbers.
Check out this recipe: The Ultimate Halloumi Burger (Smoky & Packed with Flavour)
Chickpea and Courgette Vegan Chilli
A hearty vegan chilli packed with vegetables and warming spices.
Check out this recipe: Chickpea and Courgette (Zucchini) Vegan Chilli
Vegetarian Nasi Goreng
Indonesian-style fried rice topped with a fried egg.
Check out this recipe: Easy Vegetarian Nasi Goreng
Easy Cheesy Vegetable Enchiladas
A smoky vegetable filling wrapped in tortillas and baked with plenty of cheese.
Check out this recipe: Easy Cheesy Vegetable Enchiladas
Butter Bean and Halloumi Stew with Pesto
A rich, flavourful stew with butter beans, halloumi and pesto.
Check out this recipe: Butter Bean and Halloumi Stew (Easy Vegetarian Dinner)
Explore more vegetarian dinner ideas here: Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
Soup for Dinner
Soup might traditionally be thought of as a starter, but it can easily become a proper dinner when made with the right ingredients.
A good soup dinner should be:
- hearty
- satisfying
- packed with flavour
- quick to prepare
Many of the soup recipes on this site include ingredients like noodles, beans, cheese or potatoes to make them more filling, transforming a simple bowl of soup into a proper weeknight meal.
And perhaps best of all, soup is often incredibly forgiving. It’s a brilliant way to use up vegetables lurking in the fridge and can usually be adapted depending on what ingredients you have available.
Quick and Easy Tom Kha Soup
A simplified version of the Thai coconut soup with prawns and noodles.
Check out this recipe: Quick and Easy Tom Kha Soup
Red Leicester and Broccoli Soup
A creamy and comforting soup with plenty of cheese.
Check out this recipe: Red Leicester and Broccoli Soup
Tomato, Red Pepper and Coriander Soup with Nachos
A vibrant tomato soup served with cheesy nachos for dipping.
Check out this recipe: Tomato, Red Pepper and Coriander Soup with Nachos
Roasted Squash Soup
Roasted squash blended with garlic and herbs for deep flavour.
Check out this recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Leek and Ricotta Soup
A smooth soup with sweet leeks and creamy ricotta.
Check out this recipe: Leek and Ricotta Soup
Watercress Soup
A fresh and peppery green soup made with just six ingredients.
Check out this recipe: Watercress Soup – 6 Ingredient Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes
Miso Soup with Noodles and Stir Fried Veg
A comforting miso broth topped with noodles and vegetables.
Check out this recipe: Miso Soup with Noodles and Stir-Fried Veg
See more soup dinner ideas: Soup Recipes for Dinner
Curry Recipes
Curry might seem like something reserved for weekends or takeaway nights, but many curries can actually be cooked quickly and easily at home.
The key is using flavour-packed ingredients like curry pastes, spice blends and coconut milk, which build depth of flavour quickly.
These recipes take inspiration from different cuisines, including:
- Indian
- Thai
- Malaysian
They’re designed to be approachable weeknight versions that still deliver plenty of flavour.
Easy Chicken Balti
A quick homemade chicken curry packed with spices.
Check out this recipe: Easy Chicken Balti (One Pot, 30 Minute Chicken Curry)
Butter Halloumi Curry
A vegetarian twist on butter chicken using golden halloumi.
Check out this recipe: The Creamiest Butter Halloumi Curry
Vegan Vegetable Korma
A creamy mild curry packed with vegetables.
Check out this recipe: Vegan Curry Recipe with Carrots and Beans (Korma)
Vegan Peanut Butter Curry
A rich and comforting curry with chickpeas and cauliflower.
Check out this recipe: Vegan Peanut Butter Curry
Chicken Panang Curry
A fragrant Thai curry with coconut milk and spices.
Check out this recipe: Easy Chicken Panang Curry (Rich Thai Coconut Curry)
Lamb and Spinach Whole Spice Curry
A deeply aromatic curry with whole spices and tender lamb.
Check out this recipe: Lamb and Spinach Curry
Slow Cooked Beef Curry
A long-simmered curry packed with flavour.
Check out this recipe: Slow Cooked Beef Curry
Browse the full curry collection: Easy Curry Recipes
Fish Dinner Recipes
Fish can be one of the quickest proteins to cook, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Many fish dishes come together in under 20 minutes, especially when cooked in a pan or under the grill.
These recipes range from light and fresh dishes to more comforting meals with rice, pasta or potatoes.
Pan Fried Tilapia with Massaman Sauce
Crispy fish served with fragrant massaman curry sauce and potatoes.
Check out this recipe: Pan Fried Tilapia with Massaman Sauce and Potatoes
Poached Sea Bass with Jasmine Rice
Delicate sea bass cooked in a ginger and lemongrass broth.
Check out this recipe: Poached Sea Bass with Jasmine Rice
Asian Style Whole Baked Tilapia
Whole fish baked with orange, ginger and coriander.
Check out this recipe: Asian Style Whole Baked Black Tilapia
Pan Fried Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Crispy salmon served with creamy lemon orzo.
Check out this recipe: Pan Fried Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Salmon and Beetroot Flatbreads
Light flatbreads topped with smoked salmon, beetroot and dill.
Check out this recipe: Salmon and Beetroot Flatbreads
Baked Cod with Creamy Chorizo Beans
Cod baked over a smoky chorizo bean stew.
Check out this recipe: Baked Cod with Creamy Chorizo Beans
Pan Fried Sea Bass with Olive Linguine
Sea bass served with salty black olive pasta.
Check out this recipe: Pan Fried Sea Bass with Olive Linguine
Explore more fish dinners: Easy Fish Dinner Recipes
Comfort Food Recipes
Sometimes dinner needs to be a proper comfort meal.
The kind of dish that feels warm, filling and reassuring after a long day.
Comfort food often means:
- rich sauces
- slow cooked flavours
- hearty ingredients
These recipes might take slightly longer than some of the ultra-fast weeknight meals on the site, but they’re perfect when you want something really satisfying.
Sausage and Lentil Stew with Cheesy Polenta
A hearty stew served with creamy polenta.
Check out this recipe: Sausage and Lentil Stew With Cheesy Polenta
Beef Stew with Parsley Dumplings
A classic slow cooked stew topped with fluffy dumplings.
Check out this recipe: Beef Stew with Parsley Dumplings
Chicken Casserole with Parsley Dumplings
A comforting chicken casserole with herb dumplings.
Check out this recipe: Chicken Casserole with Parsley Dumplings
Ultimate Beef Lasagne
A rich lasagne cooked slowly for deep flavour.
Check out this recipe: The Ultimate Beef Lasagne Recipe
Classic Cheeseburger
Juicy burgers topped with cheese and burger sauce.
Check out this recipe: Classic Cheeseburger
Creamy Pasta with Potato Sauce
An indulgent pasta dish with pancetta and potatoes.
Check out this recipe: Creamy Pasta With Potato Sauce
Toad in the Hole with Onion Gravy
A traditional British comfort dish with sausages and golden batter.
Check out this recipe: Toad-in-the-Hole With Onion Gravy
Explore more comfort food dinners: Comfort Food Recipes
Pie Recipes
Few dishes feel as comforting as a good pie.
Whether topped with pastry, filo or mashed potato, pies are perfect for evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.
Many of these recipes are also great for batch cooking, meaning you can make them ahead of time and reheat later in the week.
Chilli Pie
A beef chilli topped with mashed potato and served with sour cream and nachos.
Check out this recipe: Beef Chilli Pie
Spinach and Feta Filo Pie
A crisp filo pastry pie filled with spinach and feta.
Check out this recipe: Spinach and Feta Filo Pie
Chicken Stroganoff Pie
A creamy chicken filling baked under golden puff pastry.
Check out this recipe: Chicken Stroganoff Pie
Leftover Ham Pie
A brilliant way to use leftover ham with mushrooms and broccoli.
Check out this recipe: Leftover Ham Pie
Feta and Dill Pie
A Greek-inspired pie perfect for picnics or dinners.
Check out this recipe: Delicious Feta and Dill Pie
Creamy Chicken and Tarragon Pie
A classic creamy chicken pie with fresh herbs.
Check out this recipe: Creamy Chicken and Tarragon Pie
Sausage and Hash Brown Pie
A crowd pleasing pie topped with crispy hash browns.
Check out this recipe: Sausage and Hash Brown Pie
Still Wondering What to Cook Tonight?
If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you’ve already spotted something that looks good for dinner.
But if not, don’t worry – that’s exactly why this site exists.
Whether you need:
- a 15 minute meal
- a one pot dinner
- a comforting pasta dish
- a vegetarian meal
- or something a little more indulgent
there’s always another idea waiting. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated! Sometimes the best meals are simply the ones that are easy enough to cook on a normal weeknight.