Get dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen with these 13 simple recipes. Each meal comes together quickly using ingredients you probably already have. They are full of flavor, hearty enough to satisfy everyone, and easy to make on busy nights. These recipes are perfect for nights when a fast, tasty, and stress-free dinner is the goal.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Creamy Pea Pasta
Turn frozen peas into a creamy pasta dinner that tastes rich and filling with just a few simple ingredients. The sauce comes together quickly in one pan, giving you a warm meal without extra steps or cleanup. Keep this easy dinner recipe on hand for nights when fast, satisfying comfort is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Toss ground chicken, cabbage, and sauce into one skillet for a dinner that is packed with flavor and ready fast. It tastes just like takeout but comes together in half the time, with minimal effort. Use this easy dinner recipe when you want bold flavor and a fast, no-fuss cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Caprese Panini
Press mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil between slices of bread for a warm, golden panini that cooks quickly on the stove or in a panini press. The sandwich is light but still satisfying, giving you a filling meal in minutes. Try this easy dinner recipe when you want something hot, fresh, and ready without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Poached Orange Salmon
Simmer salmon in a bright orange broth for a dinner that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor with very little prep. The citrus adds a light, fresh note while the fish cooks in just minutes. Make this fast dinner recipe when you want a meal that looks special but takes almost no time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cook quinoa, beans, and spices together in one pan for a colorful, hearty dinner that is ready in minutes. This meat-free recipe is full of flavor and filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Choose this one-pan dinner recipe when you want fast, simple, and wholesome food without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Combine lentils, vegetables, and spices in the Instant Pot for a thick, hearty soup that is ready faster than traditional methods. It fills you up and tastes satisfying without needing constant attention. Use this healthy dinner recipe when you want a warm, comforting meal that is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cashew Chicken
Stir chicken and cashews in a sweet and savory sauce for a fast, one-skillet dinner that has the taste of takeout. It cooks quickly and leaves very little cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights. Keep this quick dinner recipe ready when you want bold flavor in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Kefta Kebabs
Shape ground meat with spices and cook it in minutes for kebabs that are juicy, tender, and full of warm flavor. There is no long prep or marinating needed, yet the taste is bold and satisfying. Use this fast dinner recipe when you want something filling and different without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Mix canned chicken with a few pantry staples for a creamy salad that is ready almost instantly. It works in wraps, sandwiches, or straight from the bowl and still feels like a full meal. Keep this simple dinner recipe close when cooking seems like too much, but a quick, filling meal is still needed.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Italian Meatball Soup
Simmer meatballs, pasta, and broth together for a soup that is hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It tastes like it cooked all day without the long wait. Use this fast dinner recipe when you want a comforting meal that is done quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Pesto Salmon
Coat salmon with pesto and cook it quickly on the stove or in the oven for a dinner that is full of fresh, herby flavor. The herbs and cheese give it a rich taste while keeping the preparation simple. Add this easy dinner recipe to your weeknight rotation for fast, healthy meals that still feel satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Toss leftover chicken with buffalo sauce and greens for a salad that is filling, bold, and ready in just minutes. The spicy kick pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables for a meal that is light yet substantial. Try this fast dinner recipe when you want a quick, hearty meal with plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Honey Glazed Chicken
Coat chicken in a sticky honey glaze that mixes sweet and savory flavors for a dinner cooked entirely in one pan. The meal comes together quickly while still feeling special and full of taste. Choose this delicious dinner recipe when you want a fast, easy meal that impresses without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken