Long days can make dinner feel like another chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right recipes, you can put together meals that taste great without spending hours in the kitchen. From crockpot dishes that simmer while you work to dump-and-go Instant Pot dinners that cook on their own, these recipes save time and energy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Bold flavors of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce make these burgers juicy and full of taste without a lot of work. They cook quickly on the stovetop, so dinner is ready before the night gets too busy. This is one of those effortless dinner ideas that makes weeknights easier and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet honey and savory garlic come together in a sticky glaze that cooks fast and coats every bite of chicken. It only takes a few minutes of prep, and the pan does the rest while flavors build. Try this delicious dinner recipe for busy people when time is short, but you want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Thai Chicken Chili
With just a few ingredients and little prep, the Instant Pot turns chicken and spices into a bold, hearty chili. The flavors develop while it cooks, leaving you free to handle everything else. This is a simple and tasty dinner idea that fits right into a packed schedule.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Cacio e Pepe
A simple mix of pasta, cheese, and black pepper creates a creamy, comforting dish in minutes. The sauce comes together quickly, clinging to every strand of pasta without any fuss. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy people who still want a meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Chicken Paprikash
The Instant Pot makes this paprika chicken rich and tender while you spend little time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce develops as it cooks, giving you bold flavor without extra work. This effortless recipe proves that even busy nights can end with a special and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork and chili spices simmer slowly in the crockpot, creating a hearty meal with almost no effort. Prep is fast, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest while you move through your day. This easy weeknight recipe is the kind of dinner that feels big without taking much from you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Shortcut Chicken Salad
With canned chicken, celery, and a creamy dressing, this salad comes together in just minutes. It’s light yet filling and makes a great no-fuss dinner after a busy day. Keep this quick dinner recipe in mind when you want something simple and tasty without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Rotisserie chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich broth come together for a soup that feels like it simmered all day but is ready in no time. It’s hearty, cozy, and simple to prepare with very little hands-on work needed. Busy nights feel easier when you have an effortless dinner recipe like this one that brings comfort fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tomato Soup
The Instant Pot makes fresh tomatoes into a creamy, smooth soup that cooks in no time. It’s satisfying on its own but pairs easily with bread or sandwiches for a fuller meal. This is a fast and easy dinner recipe that keeps weeknights simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Creamy pesto and tangy sundried tomatoes mix with tuna for a quick dinner that needs almost no prep. It works on bread, over greens, or straight from the bowl when time is tight. Keep this delicious dinner recipe handy for busy nights when you want food fast without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of chicken, beans, and cheese stack together in one pan for a hearty meal with bold flavor. It takes little prep and comes out of the oven ready to serve without extra steps. This is an easy dinner recipe for busy people who want something filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce cook in one pan to give you all the flavor of an egg roll with less work. Dinner comes together quickly while still being hearty and full of texture. This effortless dinner idea keeps weeknights simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Pasta and tuna mix with a rich tomato sauce for a dinner that tastes slow-cooked but comes together fast. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in minutes, making it a strong go-to meal. Try this easy dinner recipe for busy people who want flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
A creamy sauce with sweet peas coats pasta for a dish that is both light and filling. The whole meal comes together quickly with simple ingredients you may already have. This fast and easy recipe turns a rushed night into a cozy dinner with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Crockpot Chili
Meat, beans, and spices cook slowly in the crockpot to create a rich and filling dinner without much work. The slow cooker builds flavor while you handle the rest of your day. This is one of those effortless dinner ideas that makes weeknights feel less rushed.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Tomato Lime Chicken
Bright tomatoes and zesty lime blend with spices for a quick one-pot meal that is full of flavor. With dump-and-go ease, it’s simple to get on the table without much prep. Keep this easy dinner recipe handy when you need a fast and fresh meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in a savory tomato sauce for a classic dinner that’s ready in the Instant Pot. The flavors come together quickly, making it both rich and easy. This is a delicious dinner recipe for busy people who want a hearty meal without stress.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Bacon Egg Salad
Crispy bacon and creamy egg salad combine for a simple meal that takes just minutes. It works well in sandwiches, wraps, or even straight from the bowl when time is short. This easy dinner recipe makes weeknight cooking fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken gets coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze that tastes like takeout but comes together at home in less time. The recipe is quick to make and doesn’t require complicated steps, so dinner feels simple and stress-free. It’s a delicious dinner idea for anyone with a packed schedule who still wants bold flavor without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto cooks mostly in the Instant Pot, while peas and lemon add bright flavor. Prep is quick, and the pot does the work to make a dish that feels rich and filling. This effortless dinner recipe is perfect for nights when you want something satisfying without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Lemon Butter Pasta
Butter and lemon create a rich yet bright sauce that coats pasta for a meal that feels both light and satisfying. It comes together in just minutes, making it one of the easiest dinner recipes for busy people who still want something tasty. This dish turns a rushed night into a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t take much effort at all.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender chicken, noodles, and broth cook quickly in the Instant Pot for a comforting soup that tastes homemade. The pressure cooker does the hard work while flavors blend, leaving you with a filling meal that feels like it simmered for hours. This is one of those effortless and delicious dinner ideas that lets you stress less and enjoy more.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Juicy chicken soaks up tangy barbecue sauce in the Instant Pot, making it a versatile meal that works in sandwiches, baked potatoes, or salads. The recipe requires little effort, but the flavors are bold and satisfying, perfect for weeknight cooking. Keep this easy dinner recipe in rotation when busy nights demand a simple but tasty solution.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Tender salmon gets topped with a fresh pesto coating that cooks quickly and adds rich flavor. With only a few minutes of prep, this recipe delivers a dinner that feels special without taking up valuable time. It’s a delicious dinner recipe for busy people who want something light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken, herbs, and creamy feta come together with orzo in one pan for a meal that is both hearty and flavorful. It cooks fast, saving time in the kitchen while still giving a dinner that feels complete and filling. This is an effortless dinner recipe that works perfectly for nights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon simmers in a rich sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a bold and creamy dinner. The dish comes together quickly yet delivers a satisfying texture and flavor that feels like it took much longer. This easy dinner recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want something both fast and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Caprese Panini
Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella melt together in a crispy panini that cooks in minutes. The flavors are simple but comforting, and the sandwich makes a filling meal without extra work. Keep this recipe on hand for an easy dinner idea that turns a busy night into something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Potato Corn Chowder
Potatoes, corn, and smoky bacon simmer together in a creamy broth to create a dinner that is hearty and comforting. The slow cooker or stovetop handles the cooking while you get other things done. This effortless dinner idea makes it easy to serve a filling meal without adding stress to your night.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Beer Cheese Soup
Sharp cheese melts into a smooth broth for a rich and comforting soup that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. The prep is simple and the cooking is hands-off, so you get a filling meal with almost no effort. This easy dinner recipe is a great choice for anyone short on time who still wants something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Perfect Pot Roast
Beef cooks low and slow until tender while vegetables soak up the savory broth for a hearty dinner. It requires very little effort since the pot does the work, leaving you with a meal that feels like comfort on a plate. This is one of those effortless dinner recipes that turns any weeknight into something special without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken and vegetables simmer in a seasoned broth for a dinner that is light, filling, and quick to make. Topping it with tortilla strips and avocado adds flavor and texture without much extra work. This is an effortless dinner recipe for busy people who want something simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Curry
Chicken cooks in a spiced coconut milk sauce for a meal that is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The prep is quick and the pot does most of the work, making it easy to get dinner ready fast. This is a delicious dinner recipe for anyone short on time who still wants something bold without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Beef cooks all day in the slow cooker with herbs and vegetables, turning into a tender and flavorful dinner. Prep takes just a few minutes, then the pot handles the rest while flavors come together slowly. Keep this effortless dinner recipe in mind when you want a filling meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli and cheese blend into a creamy soup that is warm, hearty, and quick to prepare in the Instant Pot. It takes very little work yet delivers big comfort in every bowl. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that busy people can count on for flavor and speed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pulled Pork
Pork cooks slowly in the crockpot until it’s tender and packed with flavor for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. With very little prep, the Instant Pot takes care of dinner while you focus on your day. This easy and versatile recipe makes busy weeknights less stressful and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork