15 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

Running out of time and still need dinner? These 15 quick and tasty recipes will have you covered, offering easy-to-make meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether it’s a busy workday or just one night when cooking feels too much, these dishes are perfect for when time is tight. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, dinner can be ready in no time.

Overhead of a red bowl of egg roll in a bowl with chopsticks resting on the bowl.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached orange salmon is a quick, light meal that’s bursting with flavor. The tender fish is complemented by the refreshing citrus twist, making it a satisfying option when time is tight. It’s a great choice for a healthy, delicious dinner that doesn’t take long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey-glazed chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a quick, easy-to-make dish. The sticky glaze coats the tender chicken, giving it a satisfying flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect option for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have time to cook for hours.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken tortellini soup is a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in minutes. With tender pasta and a savory broth, it’s the ideal dish for when you need something filling but don’t have much time. This easy recipe is a great option for quick, satisfying dinners on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey habanero tacos are a quick and flavorful way to spice up dinner. The combination of sweet honey and spicy habanero makes for a unique and satisfying flavor profile that comes together quickly. It’s an excellent choice when you need a fast, bold dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Shredded BBQ chicken is packed with bold, tangy flavors and comes together in no time. The BBQ sauce adds a satisfying richness, making it a filling meal that requires minimal effort. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need a hearty dinner without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows easy to make chicken enchiladas in a blue pyrex.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas make dinner a breeze with their cheesy, hearty filling. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time, while still delivering bold, satisfying flavors. They’re perfect for nights when you want something delicious without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken egg roll in a bowl is a quick, healthy dinner that still offers a big flavor. With tender chicken and fresh veggies, it gives you all the comfort of an egg roll but without the frying. It’s the perfect meal for when you need a satisfying dish in a hurry with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned chicken salad is a fast and nutritious dinner that’s packed with fresh ingredients. The protein-packed chicken pairs perfectly with crisp veggies, creating a meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying. It’s an ideal choice when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows yummy kefta kebab for dinner.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kefta kebabs are full of savory flavor and come together quickly with Mediterranean spices. They cook fast, making them a great choice for busy nights when you want a flavorful, filling meal. These kebabs require minimal prep and are perfect for when you need a satisfying dinner in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto salmon is a healthy and flavorful dinner that’s ready in a flash. The tender fish is topped with a vibrant pesto sauce, adding fresh flavor without a lot of effort. It’s the perfect choice when you need a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e pepe is a simple, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it an easy option when you want something warm and satisfying. It’s the ideal meal for when you need comfort food without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mediterranean chicken with orzo is a light and fresh meal that comes together in minutes. The combination of simple ingredients makes this dish flavorful and satisfying without a long cook time. It’s an easy option for when you need something healthy and tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy pea pasta is a comforting dish that’s both quick and satisfying. The rich, velvety sauce pairs perfectly with fresh peas for a flavor-packed meal that takes no time to make. It’s the ideal choice when you want a hearty pasta dinner with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cashew chicken is a savory, quick-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews. The bold sauce adds a satisfying flavor that makes this dish a filling and flavorful meal. It’s a great option when you need something tasty but don’t have much time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mexican skillet quinoa is a zesty, one-pan dinner that comes together quickly. With bold flavors and minimal prep, it’s a hearty meal that’s easy to make and clean up after. It’s a great option for when you want something flavorful but don’t have the time or energy to cook a big meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

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