12 Dinners Made for Relaxed and Carefree Weekends

Weekends are for relaxing, and the last thing you want is to stress over complicated meals. These dinner recipes are perfect for laid-back nights when you just want something easy and satisfying. You’ll find dishes that require little prep but still deliver great taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple fix or something to share with family, these meals are ideal for when you want to enjoy your weekend without the hassle. Get ready to unwind and enjoy a meal that’s as relaxing as your weekend.

Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu on a white wooden surface. Ingredients include carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, and sprinkled sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. — Pork Lo Mein. Photo Credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Pork lo mein is a quick and savory dish that mixes tender pork, flavorful noodles, and fresh vegetables. It’s an Instant Pot recipe that cuts down on time and dishes, making it a perfect option for busy nights. A satisfying meal that’s full of delicious flavors without the effort. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Broccoli cheddar soup combines fresh, nutritious broccoli with rich cheddar for a hearty meal. This bowl of comfort is perfect for any time you need a filling, warm dish. It’s a go-to choice for a cozy lunch or dinner when you’re craving something creamy. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Mac and Cheese Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping sits on a wooden table. A baking dish with more macaroni and cheese and a white cloth can be seen in the background. — Mac and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This mac and cheese casserole is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect combination of creamy cheese and comforting pasta. It’s an easy, go-to option when you’re looking for something filling and satisfying. Ideal for dinner gatherings or those nights when you just want something hearty. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Pasta Carbonara

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and bacon bits, set on a white marble surface. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

With rich sauce and crispy pancetta, pasta carbonara is a simple yet satisfying meal. This dish brings a restaurant-quality dinner to your table in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed evening, this meal delivers on both flavor and ease. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup gives you all the satisfying flavors of lasagna, but without the layering. A simple one-pot dish that’s packed with meat, pasta, and a savory broth, it’s a perfect weeknight meal. Get all the goodness of lasagna in half the time and without the mess. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef on a baking dish — Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Sheet pan beef and broccoli is a quick and easy dinner that combines marinated steak and roasted broccoli. Cooking everything on one pan makes cleanup a breeze, and the flavor is spot-on. It’s the perfect choice for a hassle-free weeknight meal. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Honey mustard chicken is a simple recipe that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The marinade coats the chicken thighs, creating a flavorful and juicy meal. It’s a quick dinner that’s always a hit at the table. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Cheesy chicken enchilada skillet is a one-pan wonder with all the bold flavors of enchiladas in a simple dish. Tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and melted cheese come together for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but easy. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted chicken pieces, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions glazed in a thick, glossy sauce. The vegetables and chicken are caramelized, creating a vibrant, appetizing dish. — Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Chicken teriyaki and vegetables is an easy-to-make dish with perfectly cooked chicken and fresh vegetables coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a well-rounded meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Ideal for a flavorful dinner that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Sticky wings are packed with flavor, thanks to a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly. These wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether it’s for a family dinner or game day, they’re a guaranteed hit. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Crusted chicken romano offers a crispy, cheesy exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside. The panko breadcrumbs and Romano cheese make for a crunchy and flavorful coating. It’s an easy dinner that feels more like a special occasion meal. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Tortilla pinwheels filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables are cut in half and served on a marble surface. A small white bowl of dipping sauce is nearby. Garnished with chopped herbs. — Ham and Cheese Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Ham and cheese wraps are a quick and easy meal with the perfect balance of savory flavors. Soft tortillas, smoky ham, and creamy cheese make for a simple yet satisfying dish. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra kick. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Wraps