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These easy foil-packet dinners make cooking on busy weeknights a breeze

It's all the flavor without the mess.
These meals ideas are healthy, delicious and require very little cleanup.
These meals ideas are healthy, delicious and require very little cleanup.TODAY Illustration / Getty Images
/ Source: TODAY

Even among the most prolific home cooks, there are some nights that just call for a simple fix. Whether the trusty slow cooker is just taking too long to heat up or the clanking of pans and lids is already bringing on a headache, there's another solution to those weeknight cooking woes — besides caving in and just ordering Chinese food.

Enter aluminum foil.

In addition to using this trusty kitchen item as a cleaning hack, foil (or parchment paper) can be used to cook up some of TODAY Food's favorite dishes. And the best part? They're healthy, delicious and require very little cleanup.

Hawaiian Chicken in 'da Bag

Hawaiian Chicken in 'da Bag

Turn any weeknight supper into a fun, tropical feast with this flavorful Hawaiian-inspired recipe. Fresh pineapple and lime pair perfectly with the salty and sweet Teriyaki sauce coating this succulent chicken.

Foil Packet Shrimp With Angel Hair Pasta

This shrimp dish could not be easier. Serve it with a nice salad on the side or just some baby arugula dressed simply with lemon, oil and salt. It can also be doubled and made without the pasta to save time and carbs.

Roasted Root Vegetable Packets

Whether served as a side or over a salad with a hearty grain like farro or quinoa, these wintry veggies cook up beautifully in a foil packet. They can be eaten warm or saved for a chilled, vegetarian lunch later.

Greek Chicken, Pepper and Potato Foil-Packets

Using the foil-packet method really infuses the ingredients with flavor. It ensures juicy chicken and is a great way to manage portion control. You can also customize each packet according to everyone's preferences or dietary restrictions.

Surf and Turf Foil-Packets

Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon, butter and garlic infuse the steak and shrimp with maximum flavor. It's a fun way to present a meal and nothing beats that burst of flavor and aroma you get as you carefully open that packet. It's also a really fun dish for casual entertaining.

Italian Fish and Veggie Packets

Italian Fish and Veggie Packets

The Mediterranean flavors of the tart lemon, earthy olive oil and cool mint all complement the fresh fish and summery vegetables in this easy recipe. It's sure to ward off those winter blues.

Salmon en Papillote with Brown Rice and Asparagus

Don't be intimidated by this recipe's fancy-sounding name. This classic technique is a great way to ensure delicious results since cooking fish in parchment paper keeps it incredibly moist and cuts down on the amount of oil you need to use.

Foil Packet Spice Rubbed Chicken and Potatoes

This chicken dish is quick to assemble and can be varied with different spices or veggies. Serve it with some green vegetables and a few orange wedges. It's a real crowd-pleaser.