15 Fun Friday Night Dinner Recipes Better Than Takeout

Friday nights can be super fun with yummy food. You can make delicious dinner at home with simple recipes. It’s easy to make food that’s better than takeout, and it starts with a few surprise ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

When you cook at home, you can choose your favorite foods and make them just the way you like. This makes Friday nights special and exciting, and you can even get your family and friends to help with the cooking. By using these simple recipes, you can have a great time and eat delicious food without having to order takeout.

Chicken Fajita Night

Savory chicken and bell peppers make for a delicious fajita night.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until tender.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5. Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the fajitas by placing cooked chicken and vegetables onto the tortillas and adding desired toppings.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Quick Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Quick and easy stir fry with beef and broccoli in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef strips
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli and garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and oyster sauce, and pour over the beef and broccoli.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir-fry for another minute.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Crispy baked chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a baking dish with olive oil.
3. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder.
4. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
5. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the baking dish.
6. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

One Pot Pasta Primavera

Vibrant spring vegetables and pasta cooked in one pot.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups mixed spring vegetables
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add mixed spring vegetables and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add pasta, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the pasta is al dente.
7. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Homemade Pizza Party

Delicious homemade pizza for a fun Friday night.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of warm water
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
4. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a circle or rectangle.
7. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
9. Add your desired toppings.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Spicy shrimp and vegetable skewers are a flavorful and healthy dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp and vegetables onto skewers.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the shrimp and vegetables.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken And Mushroom Creamy Pasta

Creamy pasta with chicken and mushroom is a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 250g pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Add the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Easy Chicken Tacos

Delicious and flavorful tacos made with shredded chicken and various toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno.
2. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the taco seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer the chicken mixture for 10-15 minutes.
6. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto a tortilla and topping with cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas

Roasted vegetable quesadillas are a delicious and healthy Mexican dish filled with flavorful roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 large onions
• 3 large bell peppers
• 2 large zucchinis
• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice the onions, bell peppers, and zucchinis into thin strips.
3. Place the sliced vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Slice the roasted vegetables into small pieces.
6. Place a large tortilla in a pan and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
7. Add the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese.
8. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
9. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
10. Flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
11. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
12. Serve the quesadillas hot and enjoy.

Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon

Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon is a flavorful and moist fish dish.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add the salmon to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet.
6. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Serve the salmon with the lemon sauce spooned over the top and garnish with parsley.

Hearty Beef And Vegetable Stew

Hearty Beef And Vegetable Stew is a comforting winter dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 3 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 medium-sized carrots
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the potatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Chicken And Spinach Stuffed Shells

Tender chicken and spinach filling inside large pasta shells, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
3. In a skillet, cook ground chicken until browned, breaking into small pieces.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
6. Add cooked chicken and spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture.
8. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Sprinkle with basil leaves and serve hot.

Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers

Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers are a sweet and savory summer dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and honey.
4. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the skewers.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Creamy Tomato And Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato And Basil Pasta is a classic Italian dish made with fresh basil and juicy tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the creamy tomato sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the fresh basil.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Korean Style BBQ Beef And Vegetables

Korean Style BBQ Beef And Vegetables is a sweet and spicy dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef, sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the beef from the marinade and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
7. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Conclusion

You’re the king of your Friday night kitchen, with these 15 recipes serving as your trusty scepter. Like a phoenix rising, your taste buds will be reborn with each dish, making takeout a distant memory. So, go ahead, indulge in these culinary delights and make Friday nights a gastronomic paradise, where every bite is a taste of heaven.