Home cooks shared their quick entrees, five-ingredient mains and make-ahead meals. From sliders to pasta, these time-saving dishes and shortcut staples will make your work night meals simply delicious.

Presenting the Winners from Our Weeknight Winners Recipe Contest

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Grand Prize: Beef and Provolone Sliders
My family enjoys these beef and provolone sliders for a quick meal. There are so many combinations you can use but this one is cheesy and packed with flavor. I came up with this recipe about a month ago and we all loved it. —Sheryl Little, Cabot, ArkansasCheck out our contest page to find our current contest and submit your own recipe for consideration!
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1st Place: Chicken and Artichoke Rice Salad
I like to try out different flavor combinations of Rice-A-Roni salad and this chicken and artichoke version is my favorite. Ranch seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes give it a lot of extra flavor. I originally made this recipe as a side dish, but now serve it as an entree. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, OregonAlso, check out this December meal plan for quick dinner recipes.
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2nd Place: Air-Fryer Artichoke Pesto Chicken Pizza
These super delicious air-fryer pizzas are made with a garlic and herb cream cheese spread, lemon artichoke pesto and rotisserie chicken. If you want to keep the first pizzas warm while air frying the second batch, place them in the oven at the lowest temperature available. —Sharyn LaPointe Hill, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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3rd Place: Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken Orzo
Only the chicken needs to be prepped for this succulent one-pot wonder. This lemon chicken orzo is reminiscent of what you get at a Greek restaurant. The challenge is waiting the two or three hours while it's cooking. —Laura Wilhelm, Los Angeles, California
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Runner-Up: 20-Minute Peanut Chicken Pad Thai
This is my go-to after a long day at work. I’ll pick up a hot rotisserie chicken and noodles at the grocery store and whip this up in a jiffy. It’s easy, savory, filling and healthy. A win for everyone! —Callie Gavorek, Canton, Michigan
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Runner-Up: Barbecue Shrimp Flatbread
This recipe is loosely based on an appetizer I found online and loved. The surprising combination is sweet and balanced. Make a bigger pizza to serve at a party. —Ingrida Ievans, Wheaton, Illinois
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Runner-Up: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Ravioli
This little gem of a recipe came together when I raided the freezer for something to make for dinner. It looks like a restaurant quality meal. If you don't have ravioli, this is good with any type pasta. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
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Runner-Up: Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
This crispy chicken Caesar salad is loaded with herbs and happiness! The crouton crust on the chicken really boosts the flavor. You could also add tomato, onion or any topping you'd put on a salad. —Susan Mason, Puyallup, Washington
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Runner-Up: Pesto Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches
Cheesy, crispy and fresh sandwiches transport you to your favorite bistro. These pesto chicken sandwiches are the perfect meal with an easy side. You can sub turkey or pork for the smoked chicken. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
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Runner-Up: Slow-Cooked Balsamic Lentil Soup
Balsamic vinegar and honey give this healthy soup a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Since this soup is slow-cooked, the vegetables and lentils retain their texture and don’t turn into mush. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Runner-Up: Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Soba Noodles
Hearty soba noodles, chicken and veggies make for a quick one dish dinner. I like to add mushrooms when I have them on hand. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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