Weeknights can feel rushed, but dinner doesn’t have to add more stress. These 27 simple suppers use just a few ingredients and come together fast, with most ready in under 30 minutes. From quick skillet meals to Instant Pot recipes that cook in a flash, these dishes make it easy to get a good meal on the table without taking extra time.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup blends broth, chicken, tomato, and toppings like avocado, cheese, and crisp tortilla strips. The mix of textures makes it hearty while still easy to put together. Each spoonful carries comfort without a lot of work. This recipe proves a bowl of soup can be filling and quick for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Taco Wraps
Rotisserie chicken wraps use tortillas and toppings to create a meal that takes little effort. The best part is that each wrap can be changed to fit different tastes, making dinner flexible. The flavor stays light but is still filling enough for a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Caprese Panini
Caprese panini stacks tomato, mozzarella, and basil between bread that toasts crisp. The cheese melts softly while the tomato and basil bring balance and freshness. It looks special but takes only minutes to prepare. This easy meal can be both simple and complete without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous with vegetables and herbs comes together fast and is easy to adapt for any night of the week. The grains soak up flavor while the vegetables keep the dish hearty, fresh, and light at the same time. You can serve it as a main dish for a simple dinner or use it as a side that pairs well with chicken, fish, or beef. This recipe gives you flexibility at mealtime while still being filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Chicken Curry
Chicken simmered in coconut milk and spices creates a curry that is smooth and rich. The sauce feels creamy without using dairy, while the chicken cooks tenderly in the seasoning. It pairs easily with rice or bread for a full plate. This is one of those simple dinner recipes that brings strong flavor to the table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Instant Pot barbecue chicken turns out tender and so full of flavor as it cooks right in the sauce. The juicy meat is perfect for piling onto sandwiches, stuffing into baked potatoes, or topping a fresh salad for a quick meal. It comes together fast without extra steps or fuss, making it an easy go-to when you need dinner on the table without waiting long.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash in the Instant Pot cooks with a creamy paprika sauce that feels rich but not heavy. The chicken stays tender and the flavor tastes traditional while saving time. Served with rice or noodles, it makes a full plate fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Beef, rice, and cheese baked in one pan create a casserole that is warm and filling. The ingredients blend into a dish that feels complete while keeping cleanup simple. It works well on its own or with bread or vegetables on the side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixed with creamy dressing and seasoning makes a meal ready in minutes. It works in wraps, sandwiches, or even over greens, keeping things flexible. No cooking is needed, which makes it a practical choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken mixed with greens and creamy dressing turns into a salad that is bold and filling. The heat balances with the cool crunch of vegetables, making it a meal rather than just a side. It is easy to adjust for different tastes without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken, vegetables, and seasoning come together in one skillet for chicken egg roll in a bowl. The flavor is strong, the texture is light, and cleanup stays simple. It cooks fast and makes dinner practical while still full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon brushed with a sweet and savory glaze cooks tender and bold in flavor. The glossy sauce brings balance, so the fish tastes rich without being heavy. Served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it makes a full plate without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup blends cheesy pasta, savory broth, and tender chicken into a warm and hearty bowl. The tortellini adds richness while keeping the meal light enough for weeknights. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and still keeps flavor strong.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Lemon Butter Pasta
Pasta coated in lemon butter sauce cooks fast while balancing richness with brightness. The noodles soak up smooth flavor that feels complete without being heavy. With just a few ingredients, it pairs well with vegetables or protein.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Kefta Kebabs
Spiced ground meat shaped into kefta kebabs cooks quickly while staying juicy and full of flavor. The skewers pair easily with rice or salad and bring a meal that feels special without extra work. The short cooking time keeps them practical for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken coated in a sticky, sweet glaze cooks up tender, juicy, and full of flavor in little time. The sauce has the right balance of sweet and savory, giving the dish a bold taste that feels rich without being too heavy. It pairs well with simple sides like rice, a crisp salad, or roasted potatoes, making it an easy way to put together a full meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon seared in a skillet with sun-dried tomato sauce, garlic, and Parmesan turns creamy and bold. The sauce coats the fish, keeping it tender and layered with flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it works well on nights when you want a meal that feels full but doesn’t take long.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Avocado Tomato Salad
Avocado tomato salad with romaine and a quick blender dressing makes a crisp and colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes. It is fresh, light, and more filling than a plain side dish, making it a smart choice for lunch or dinner. Each bite brings a mix of crunch and creaminess that feels satisfying, and the simple dressing ties everything together in minutes. The easy prep and bold flavor make it a recipe worth keeping on repeat for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala in the Instant Pot cooks in a spiced tomato cream sauce that tastes rich, warm, and full of flavor. The chicken turns tender as it simmers under pressure, while the Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time. This dish feels like something special but comes together with simple steps that anyone can follow. Served with rice or warm bread, it makes a filling dinner that is easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Pesto Salmon
Salmon brushed with pesto blends herbal notes with the natural richness of the fish, making a plate that feels balanced and satisfying. The flavors come together smoothly while keeping the prep simple. It looks and tastes like more effort went into it than it really requires.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken brings bright, tangy flavor while staying tender and versatile. It works in tacos, rice bowls, or salads, giving you more than one way to serve it. The balance of savory and fresh keeps the dish practical while still bold in taste.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Bacon Egg Salad
Bacon stirred into egg salad adds smoky flavor that makes the creamy mix more hearty and rich. Spread on soft bread, it feels both familiar and new at the same time, giving a classic sandwich a simple upgrade. The filling comes together quickly, stays balanced in taste, and makes a meal that feels easy yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Bigoli pasta with grape tomatoes and ricotta creates a dish that is creamy, smooth, and fresh at once. The tomatoes add brightness while the ricotta melts into the warm noodles. Ready in about half an hour, it only takes a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Tortillas baked into quick pizzas turn crisp, light, and ready in minutes. The cheese melts smoothly while the crust holds any toppings you want, keeping dinner flexible. It is fun without needing much effort, and cleanup stays easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon baked with an orange glaze delivers a mix of citrus and savory flavors that feel bright and fresh. The glaze turns sticky in the oven while keeping the fish moist, tender, and full of taste. This dish is simple to make and pairs well with rice, vegetables, or fresh greens for a balanced plate that works for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken turned into cheesy enchiladas creates a dinner that is both hearty and simple. Tortillas wrap the seasoned filling while melted cheese bakes warm over the top. The dish stays comforting without taking much work or time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Honey bourbon chicken made in the Instant Pot cooks tender in a sauce that is sweet and savory. The glaze keeps the meat flavorful without making it heavy. It pairs well with rice or vegetables and comes together quickly. This is one of those simple suppers that feels bold while still being easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken