12 Holiday Weeknight Dinners That Feel Special Without the Fuss

Looking for a way to make your weeknight dinners feel festive without the stress? These simple, flavorful dishes are perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to your table. From creamy chicken piccata to hearty beef stroganoff, each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare while still feeling like a special treat. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual gathering, these meals provide the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, all with minimal effort.

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Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, rich dish that brings a touch of luxury to any weeknight meal. For this dish, gather 1 lb of beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into thin strips, 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, 2 tbsp of flour, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic in a skillet with a bit of oil until fragrant, then add the beef and brown it on all sides. Once browned, sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat. Add the beef broth gradually, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Next, stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal. This dish is quick to prepare and uses minimal dishes, making cleanup easy. For even less effort, you can prepare it in a slow cooker, just let the beef cook slowly while you go about your evening, and return to a meal that feels indulgent without the hassle.

Creamy Chicken Piccata

Creamy chicken piccata combines tender chicken with a bright, tangy lemon sauce and creamy richness. For this dish, you’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of flour for dredging, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of butter, 1/2 cup of white wine, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and capers to taste. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge each breast lightly in flour. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken breasts for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and capers. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. The rich, creamy sauce combined with the brightness of the lemon and the briny capers makes this dish feel sophisticated, yet it’s quick and simple to prepare. Serve it with pasta or a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal without taking up too much time in the kitchen.

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet pan fajitas are a great way to enjoy the flavors of fajitas with minimal effort and cleanup. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 lb of chicken breast or skirt steak, sliced into strips, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 onion, all sliced, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of cumin, 1 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, and tortillas for serving. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the chicken and sliced vegetables with the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Spread the chicken and vegetables out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve the fajitas with warm tortillas, and add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if desired. This meal is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make, with very little hands-on time. The sheet pan method allows you to cook everything together, making it a one-pan wonder with minimal prep and cleanup.

Baked Salmon

Baked salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that requires very little effort for a healthy, satisfying meal. For this recipe, you’ll need 4 salmon fillets, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 lemon (sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tbsp of fresh parsley (chopped), and salt and pepper to taste. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Top each fillet with a couple of lemon slices.

Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity; the flavors of lemon and garlic enhance the natural richness of the salmon, making it feel like a special occasion without much effort. It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a meal that’s healthy, delicious, and quick to prepare.

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

One-pan roasted chicken and vegetables is an easy way to make a comforting meal with minimal cleanup. For this dish, gather 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 4 small potatoes (cubed), 1 carrot (sliced), 1 onion (quartered), 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of dried thyme, 1 tsp of rosemary, salt, and pepper. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, arrange the chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables to coat evenly.

Roast the chicken and vegetables in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with very little prep, as everything cooks together in one pan. The crispy chicken skin and tender vegetables pair perfectly, and the rosemary and thyme add a wonderful aroma to the kitchen. It’s a foolproof dinner that makes weeknight meals feel more like a celebration.

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich mushroom and wine sauce. For this recipe, you will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 1/2 cup Marsala wine, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden, about 5 minutes. Add the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then stir in the butter to finish the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated with the sauce. This dish feels elegant yet is simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight holiday menu.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the coast to your dinner table. You’ll need 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 3 tbsp of olive oil, 3 tbsp of butter, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup white wine, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of fresh parsley (chopped). Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.

Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce, then finish with fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. This dish is light but packed with flavor, and it’s perfect when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are an easy and hearty dish that can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. For this recipe, you’ll need 4 large bell peppers, 1 lb of ground beef or turkey, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz), 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers in a baking dish.

In a skillet, cook the ground meat with the onion and garlic until browned, then add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything and stuff the mixture into the hollowed-out peppers. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Stuffed bell peppers offer a satisfying meal with minimal prep, and they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick weeknight dinner.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

A slow cooker beef chili is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights. To make this, you will need 1 lb of ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 can of kidney beans (14 oz), 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. Start by browning the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When it’s ready, the chili will be rich and flavorful, and the beef will be tender. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions, if desired. This dish is perfect for a holiday weeknight as it requires minimal hands-on time, and the slow cooker does all the work. The leftovers are even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Apples

Pork tenderloin with roasted apples is a sweet and savory dish that is surprisingly simple to make. For this dish, you will need 1 lb of pork tenderloin, 2 apples (sliced), 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp rosemary, salt, and pepper. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the pork to a baking dish.

In the same skillet, add the apple slices and drizzle with maple syrup. Place the apples around the pork tenderloin in the baking dish and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The combination of tender pork and caramelized apples creates a beautiful balance of flavors, making this dish feel festive without requiring a lot of work. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that feels special but is simple to make. For this dish, you will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 lb of fettuccine pasta, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 cup chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and slice it into strips.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue simmering until the sauce becomes creamy. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the sauce and serve with the sliced chicken on top. This dish feels indulgent and is perfect for a special holiday weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy baked chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing option that’s both easy to make and delicious. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 lb of chicken tenders, 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 2 eggs, salt, and pepper. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dip them in a beaten egg mixture before coating them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Arrange the chicken tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or marinara for added flavor. These tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a fun and easy dinner option that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.