5 Quick and Easy Summer Meals for Busy Weeknights
![](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/editorial/contributors/tk-brady/FN_TK-Brady-headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.suffix/1703263478014.jpeg)
![01_cover_try_00032.tif Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin
,Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2011/7/28/4/FNM-090111_Cover-001_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1382446024786.jpeg)
Charles Masters
Warmer weather is here, and that means long, busy days and summer nights spent outside. All this time engaging in outdoor activities leaves less time for cooking, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite summertime dinners that can be made in less than an hour. (Turning on your oven is definitely not required.)
Pappardelle with Corn (pictured above)
Fresh summer corn adds sweetness to this pasta dish with tart tomatoes and fresh basil.
![Cajun Shrimp and Rice_8.tif Food Styling: Jamie Kimm
Prop Styling: Marina Malchin](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2010/3/3/0/FNM_040110-W-N-Dinners-008_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1382539178019.jpeg)
Use up leftover rice from last night’s dinner or takeout to make this healthy dinner from Food Network Magazine.
![Chicken Pasta Florentine, as seen on Food Network's The Pioneer Woman.](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2013/2/5/0/WU0404H_chicken-florentine-pasta-recipe_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1384969088418.jpeg)
Ree Drummond’s light chicken pasta tastes like summer, thanks to bursts of cherry tomatoes and wilted baby spinach. Garnish it with Parmesan shavings for a pretty presentation.
![whole-wheat-spaghetti-with-lemon-basil-salmon Whole Wheat Spaghetti With Lemon, Basil and Salmon](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/1/7/0/EI1103_Salmon.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1382538626879.jpeg)
Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Giada De Laurentiis complements hearty salmon fillets with a bed of baby spinach and whole-wheat pasta in a bright lemon sauce.
![Spring Chicken Salad_006.tif Week Night meal in a white dish](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2010/1/21/1/FNM_030110-Weeknight-030_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1382539254079.jpeg)
You’ll find a myriad of textures in this salad that combines shredded chicken, cucumber, radish and potatoes. Tossed with a creamy yogurt dressing, it feels like an indulgence.