The 100 Best Easy Dinner Ideas for Right Now

The Weeknight 100 is a compilation of fast and delicious dinner ideas for busy times. Published in September, it caters to the back-to-school season transition from summer languor. The list includes recipes that are under an hour to make, with most being even faster. The recipes are designed for kids but also appeal to adults. Chicken and Pesto Rice With Peas is a worthy use of pesto, while Sheet-Pan Chicken With Black Beans and Squash is an especially good sheet-pan recipe.

Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts can be made with the freshest tomatoes, and Keema Palak (Ground Chicken and Spinach Curry) is a quick version of the classic dish. Honey Ginger Chicken and Carrots features a honey-ginger-soy marinade, while Chile Chicken and Bean Guisado is a chile-spiced stew. Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rosemary-Garlic Roasted Chicken and Gnocchi are both bountiful and flavorful.

Chicken and Kale Hatch Chile Bowl and Miso-Maple Sheet-Pan Chicken With Brussels Sprouts are simple and high-reward meals. Za'atar Turkey Meatballs With Tahini Yogurt and Greek Chicken With Cucumber-Feta Salad offer unique flavor combinations. Chicken, Eggplant and Basil Stir-Fry and Lemon-Garlic Grilled Chicken Breasts are easy and juicy.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken Tacos and Quick Harissa Apricot Chicken are fun and fast. One-Pan Kuku Paka (Chicken in Coconut Curry) and Chicken With Peas and Mint are creamy and refreshing. Spicy Paprika Chicken and Potato Stew and Blackened Chicken Breasts are hearty and flavorful. Stir-Fried Cumin Green Beans and Chicken and Chicken and White Bean Stew are quick and satisfying.

Coconut Curry Noodles With Shrimp, Stir-Fried Salt and Pepper Dumplings, and Ravioli With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce are luxuriously creamy. Quick Pasta e Fagioli and Farro With Blistered Tomatoes, Pesto and Spinach are speed-demon versions of classic dishes. Farro With Blistered Tomatoes, Pesto and Spinach brings August any time of year.

Cream Cheese Ramen is a perfect "break glass in case of noodle emergency" dinner. Smoky Chicken and Peppers Penne and Angel Hair Pasta are pasta dishes that are easy to love. Spicy Pork Noodle Soup is an easy-to-throw-together soup. Salsa Macha Pasta With Shrimp combines unique elements for a flavorful dish, while Creamy Lemon Asparagus Gnocchi Pasta al limone is a pillowy one-pan dinner.