12 Dinners That Make Every Weekend Feel Special

Weekends are the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a great meal with family or friends. When it comes to dinner, you want something that feels a little extra special—without spending all day in the kitchen. These dinner recipes are perfect for making your weekends feel more exciting and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these dishes bring flavor and fun to your table. Give yourself something to look forward to each weekend with meals that make every night feel like a celebration.

Lasagna Soup

If you’re craving lasagna but want something quicker and easier, this lasagna soup is the perfect option. It delivers all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but without the layers. It’s a great meal for busy nights when you want something filling and satisfying. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

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.

Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and satisfying, combining creamy sauce and crispy pancetta with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple meal that feels fancy, perfect for a family dinner or a quiet night at home. The balance of rich flavors and minimal effort makes this dish a go-to favorite. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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.

This pork lo mein is a hearty and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. Tender pork, savory noodles, and fresh vegetables make this meal an easy and satisfying choice. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. 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.

This broccoli cheddar soup offers a creamy, cheesy base paired with the freshness of broccoli, making it a perfect comfort meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and great for when you need something filling. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this soup brings a comforting blend of taste and texture. 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 the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy cheese baked into tender pasta. It’s an easy dish that’s great for family dinners or any gathering that calls for something hearty. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this casserole hits the spot. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

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

This sheet pan beef and broccoli makes dinner a breeze with minimal cleanup. Marinated steak and roasted broccoli cook together on one pan, giving you a flavorful and quick meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner without the hassle. 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 yet flavorful dish that brings a great balance of sweetness and tang. The marinade makes the chicken juicy and delicious, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal. This dish is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

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 combines a crispy coating of panko breadcrumbs with the rich, salty flavor of Romano cheese. This dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to switch up your usual chicken routine. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

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.

These sticky wings are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a caramelized finish that makes them irresistible. Whether for game day or a family dinner, this recipe delivers wings that everyone will love. They’re simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

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 with pimento cheese sauce offer a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. The combination of creamy cheese, savory ham, and soft tortilla wraps makes for a simple yet delicious dinner. Add the dipping sauce, and you’ve got a meal that feels a bit more special. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Wraps

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.

This cheesy chicken enchilada skillet is a one-pan dinner that’s both simple and packed with flavor. The combination of enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese makes for a delicious meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare. 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.

This chicken teriyaki and vegetables dish is a perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp veggies, all coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a simple and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, making it a great choice for any busy evening. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal in one easy dish. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables