19 Speedy Dinner Recipes That’ll Save You From Another Night of Takeout

Some nights, cooking feels like too much work, and takeout sounds like the only option. But these easy dinners come together fast and don’t take much effort. From hearty pasta to quick skillet meals, there’s something for everyone. Skip the delivery fees and make a homemade meal that’s just as tasty.

Image shows shortcut chicken salad sandwich for lunch.

Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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.

Sweet honey and fiery habanero bring just the right balance of heat and bold flavor to these tacos. Each bite packs a kick without being overwhelming, making it hard to put down. This is a fast and delicious dinner that brings big flavor without extra effort.


Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Honey Glazed Chicken

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

Tender chicken gets coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s packed with flavor. The sauce thickens as it cooks, adding just the right balance of sweetness and depth without extra steps. This is a quick and delicious dinner that proves simple meals can still feel special.


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.

Rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and soft tortellini makes this soup hearty and satisfying. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a meal that tastes slow-cooked but comes together fast. This is an easy and delicious dinner that’s perfect when time is short but flavor still matters.


Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Pea Pasta

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

Velvety sauce wraps around tender pasta, creating a meal that feels rich without being heavy. Sweet peas add freshness, making every bite smooth, creamy, and balanced. This is a quick and delicious dinner that proves simple ingredients can still make a meal feel complete.


Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

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.

Creamy, peppery pasta comes together with just a few ingredients for a dish full of bold flavor. The sauce clings to every strand, making each bite rich and satisfying without extra effort. This is a fast and delicious dinner that proves great meals don’t have to be complicated.


Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows canned chicken salad recipe.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy dressing turns canned chicken into a flavorful and satisfying meal in minutes. The mix of tender chicken and bold seasoning makes every bite hearty without extra work. This is an easy and quick dinner recipe that takes the stress out of mealtime.


Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows chicken taco wrap recipe.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy, seasoned chicken gets wrapped in a soft tortilla with fresh toppings for a dinner packed with flavor. Warm spices and cool toppings create the perfect balance in every bite. This is a fast and delicious dinner that makes mealtime stress-free.


Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Pesto Salmon

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

Garlicky pesto melts into flaky salmon as it bakes, locking in moisture and adding a big flavor. The sauce keeps the fish tender while bringing a fresh, herby taste to every bite. This is a quick and flavorful dinner that makes cooking feel effortless.


Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

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.

One pan, bold spices, and hearty quinoa come together for a meal that’s packed with flavor. Everything cooks together, blending perfectly while keeping cleanup easy. This is a quick and satisfying dinner that proves fast meals can still be full of flavor.


Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

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.

Fresh herbs, tender chicken, and simple seasonings create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Every bite balances bright flavors with hearty orzo, making it feel fresh but still filling. This is a quick and easy dinner that brings a big taste without the extra steps.


Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

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

Cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, these enchiladas come together fast without losing that homemade taste. Rotisserie chicken keeps things simple while the creamy filling adds the perfect balance of comfort and spice. This is an effortless and delicious dinner that makes mealtime a breeze.


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.

All the flavors of an egg roll come together in one pan without the deep frying. Savory chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold sauce make it feel like takeout but with half the work. This is a quick and flavorful dinner that keeps things simple without losing taste.


Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Zesty lime and savory tomato create a bold sauce that makes tender chicken burst with flavor. The tangy and rich combination keeps the dish light but satisfying, perfect for busy nights. This is a quick and easy dinner that tastes like it took far more effort.


Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Cashew Chicken

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

Bold, savory flavors come together in no time with this homemade version of a takeout favorite. Tender chicken and crunchy cashews get tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce that ties everything together. This is a fast and delicious dinner that proves homemade is just as good as restaurant food.


Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Smoky, tender chicken gets coated in tangy BBQ sauce for a meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether stuffed into a sandwich or served over rice, it brings a slow-cooked taste without the wait. This is a fast and satisfying meal that makes dinner easy.


Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

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.

Bright citrus flavor infuses tender salmon as it gently poaches, keeping every bite moist and fresh. The light, zesty broth adds depth without overpowering the natural richness of the fish. This is a quick and healthy dinner that proves fresh flavors don’t have to take all night.


Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows delicious homemade kefta kebabs.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy, spiced ground meat gets grilled to perfection on skewers for a meal that’s packed with bold flavor. Serve them with rice, flatbread, or fresh veggies for a dish that’s simple but satisfying. This is an easy dinner recipe that proves bold flavor doesn’t have to mean extra work.


Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Bloody Mary Shrimp

plate of bloody mary shrimp on peach tiles with a baguette.
Bloody Mary Shrimp. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bold, savory flavors turn tender shrimp into a quick and exciting meal. A zesty sauce inspired by the classic cocktail adds heat and depth while keeping things simple. This is a fast and flavorful dinner that brings a big taste without extra effort.


Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, these chicken tenders deliver all the crunch without the extra oil. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping the meat tender, making it perfect for dipping or serving with sides. This is a fast and easy way to get a homemade meal on the table without extra work.


Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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