5 Weeknight Dinner Ideas to Make Life Easier (and More Delicious)

Whether you’re racing between meetings, wrangling school drop-offs, or just trying to survive the midweek chaos, dinner can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. By the time the end of the day rolls around, decision fatigue hits hard – and it’s all too easy to reach for toast, takeaway, or the same three meals on repeat. This collection is here to make life easier.

These five dinners are low-effort but big on flavour, with simple ingredients and realistic cooking times. Think: Chicken with Homemade Gravy that feels like a warm hug, Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles for your fakeaway fix, and the most authentic (yet surprisingly easy) Fettuccine Alfredo. There’s also a creamy, One-pan Tomato Chicken Risoni and filling Black Bean Burritos that work just as well for meat-free Mondays as they do for next-day lunches.

Whether you’re feeding others or just yourself, these are the kind of weeknight recipes that actually work – no fuss, no stress, just good food that helps you get through the week!

Chicken with Homemade Gravy

Chicken with Homemade Gravy

This comforting and satisfying Chicken with Homemade Gravy is as delicious as it is easy. Caramelised chicken is cooked in a creamy, flavoursome gravy in just one pan, using simple, low-cost ingredients.

Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles

Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles

Needing only simple, low-cost ingredients, one pan and 15 minutes to prepare, these delicious Caramelised Sticky Beef Noodles are the perfect stress-free, family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.

A plate of authentic fettuccine Alfredo with a twisted forkful, topped with freshly cracked black pepper.

Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo

This Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo recipe features a rich, creamy sauce made simply with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Classic Italian flavours in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!

Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni Orzo

Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo)

Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo) is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner, all made in the one pan with maximum flavour! The chicken is coated in a flavour-packed seasoning before being topped on perfectly cooked, creamy risoni that takes on a risotto-like texture, all with minimal prep and virtually no washing up!

Black Bean Burritos

Black Bean Burritos

These fast Black Bean Burritos are packed with Tex-Mex/Mexican-inspired flavours and are made with wholesome, budget-friendly ingredients. The black bean filling is freezer-friendly, making these burritos perfect for meal prep. The tortillas are served with a creamy avocado dip for the perfect weeknight family dinner.

  1. Thank you, these recipes look delicious can wait to try. They look quite easy to make x

    • Hi Julia, I hope you enjoy them! Let me know. Nic x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Simple Dinners Every Day by Nicole Maguire

My new book, Simple Dinners Every Day, is here! Pre-order now to guarantee your copy.

Drop in your email for recipes and updates!
As seen on
Sunrise Channel 7 Logo
The Morning Show Channel 7 Logo
Channel 7 Logo
Better Homes and Gardens Logo

Some of the links throughout this website are commissionable affiliate links. Read full disclaimer here.

© Copyright 2025 Simple Home Edit Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy