23 Dinner Recipes So Simple, You’ll (Almost) Forget You’re Cooking

Some nights call for meals that practically make themselves, and these recipes do just that. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can cook without feeling like you’re really cooking at all. The dishes come together fast, bring plenty of flavor, and make cleanup a breeze. These 23 recipes prove that dinner can be stress-free, satisfying, and ready before you know it.

Image shows A pan filled with hot, cooked bigoli with grape tomatoes and ricotta ready to be served.

Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lemon Butter Pasta

Image shows close-up of a fork holding a serving of spaghetti with black pepper, resting above a plate of more spaghetti in a light blue dish.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy lemon butter pasta is quick to make and doesn’t need more than a few ingredients. That keeps both the shopping and the prep simple, and you still get a dish that feels rich without being heavy. The sauce coats every strand of pasta with smooth flavor while staying light enough for an easy dinner. You won’t need extra pans or long directions to pull it off, which makes cleanup just as easy as the cooking.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows irresistible creamy chicken tortellini soup.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Comfort feels simple when chicken tortellini soup comes together with pasta, broth, and rotisserie chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, the prep takes almost no effort, and the pasta picks up flavor fast as it simmers. Everything cooks in one pot, so dishes stay limited and cleanup goes quickly. It’s a hearty and filling meal that still feels easy to put on the table.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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.

Salmon cooked gently with citrus and herbs turns tender and flavorful with very little hands-on work. The steps stay short, the timing is quick, and the result pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. The dish manages to feel light but still filling, so it works as a complete dinner without fuss. Cleanup stays easy since the method avoids extra pans or tools.

Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A one-pot mix of ground beef, rice, and cheese makes dinner that feels hearty without being hard to manage. With just a few ingredients, the prep is quick, and the cleanup stays easy since everything cooks in the same pan. The flavors come together into something filling and comforting without demanding much time or effort.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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.

Quinoa mixed with beans, corn, and salsa turns into a hearty meal that doesn’t ask for much effort. Since it all cooks in one pot, you won’t be stuck with a sink full of dishes or a long cleanup. The dish is packed with protein, filling enough for dinner, and made with ingredients that are easy to grab. The method is simple enough for even busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Image shows Plated pasta with tomatoes and ricotta ready to eat, with a pan filled with extra pasta behind it.
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A smooth sauce made from grape tomatoes and ricotta coats pasta with creamy flavor in minutes. The short ingredient list keeps things simple, and the dish is ready in under half an hour without extra steps. Cleanup stays light, so you don’t get stuck washing a pile of pans.

Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dinner gets done fast when rotisserie chicken and fresh vegetables are combined in one simple dish. The steps are clear and quick, and the ingredients are easy to grab without much planning. Cleanup is just as simple, and the meal feels balanced while still being filling. You get all the comfort of a home-cooked plate without dragging through a long prep list.

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.

Salmon topped with a layer of pesto turns out flavorful without adding extra effort. The fish cooks quickly, and the cleanup stays simple, so the whole dinner is ready before much time has passed. It feels hearty enough for a full meal but still light, so it doesn’t need anything fancy on the side. Both prep and cooking stay short, and the steps never get complicated.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Bacon Egg Salad

Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.
Bacon Egg Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Egg salad made with crispy bits of bacon adds smoky crunch and makes a simple dish more filling. The short list of ingredients and quick steps keep the process easy, and you can use whatever bread is already on hand. It keeps the comfort of the classic version while adding flavor without more work.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad

Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Burgers made with ground turkey get a boost of flavor from an Asian-style twist, yet the process stays simple and easy to follow. The patties mix together fast and cook perfectly on a skillet or grill without special tools or complicated steps. A quick sauce or fresh topping brings the meal together for a light but satisfying take on a classic favorite.

Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Image shows a hand holding a sandwich cut in half, filled with a buffalo chicken salad and visible bits of vegetables, against a white tiled background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A salad of crisp greens, spicy chicken, and creamy dressing makes dinner complete without dragging things out. The ingredient list is short and the steps are clear, so you won’t be juggling too many tasks or messing up the kitchen. Cleanup takes minutes, and the flavor feels bold without needing extra effort.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

A freshly baked cheese pizza on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crispy tortillas work as an easy base for pizza, giving you something cheesy and filling without the stress of heavy prep. Toppings stay simple, and the whole dish cooks quickly, making it a reliable choice for nights when time is short. Assembly takes only minutes, cleanup doesn’t drag on, and the result feels like a full meal without demanding effort.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

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.

Bold flavor comes through when chicken is cooked with tomato and lime, yet the process stays quick and low-effort. The recipe works for tacos, rice bowls, or salads, so you can use whatever you already have without making a special trip.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enchiladas made with rotisserie chicken keep things fast while still tasting hearty and full of comfort. The layers of sauce and cheese give plenty of flavor, but the prep is short since the chicken is already cooked. Everything bakes into a dish that feels satisfying without dragging on for hours. It’s a filling dinner that doesn’t ask for complicated steps or piles of dishes.

Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Protein-packed quinoa mixed with spinach and Parmesan turns into a meal that’s hearty without being hard to make. The recipe uses just a few ingredients and comes together in one bowl, keeping both prep and cleanup short. It tastes balanced and filling while skipping long cooking times or complicated directions.

Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Shortcut Chicken Salad

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

A quick mix of canned chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a meal that never needs the stove. Everything comes together in one bowl, which means prep takes minutes and cleanup is even faster. The dish works for either lunch or dinner and feels filling without a long list of ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lasagna rolls offer the same cheesy comfort as the classic version but bake faster and come in neat servings. The noodles wrap around the filling, which makes dinner easier to serve and less messy. Assembly stays simple, cleanup takes less time, and the whole dish comes together quicker than a full pan.

Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A mix of tuna, pasta, and tomatoes turns pantry basics into a filling dinner without extra steps. The recipe is ready in about 25 minutes and uses ingredients most kitchens already have. Directions are clear, the process is straightforward, and kids could even help if needed. It’s flexible enough to fit into busy days while still being hearty enough to count as dinner.

Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Adding pesto and sun-dried tomatoes to a can of tuna creates flavor without making the process harder. The mix comes together in minutes, keeps the ingredient list short, and doesn’t pile up dishes in the sink. It works as a quick lunch or light dinner, and it stays budget-friendly without giving up on taste.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

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 flavor of an egg roll can be made in one skillet with chicken, vegetables, and seasonings that are easy to find. The recipe is flexible, so you can use whatever is already at home and still get a bold taste. Cooking happens quickly, cleanup is light since it’s all in one pan, and dinner is ready before you know it.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

Image shows a fork holds a bite of glazed salmon with herbs and spices. In the background, there is a portion of salmon served next to a pile of white rice on a white plate.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salmon with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce delivers a rich flavor while staying simple to make. The recipe finishes in under 30 minutes, so it works even on busy nights without weighing you down. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or stands on its own as a lighter dinner, keeping it flexible and easy.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

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.

Tacos made with ground beef come together quickly and still deliver plenty of flavor without complicating the process. The ingredients are simple; most of them are already in the kitchen, so you don’t need an extra trip to the store. The steps stay clear, the cooking is fast, and the cleanup never drags on.

Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A baked casserole made with tortillas, beans, corn, chicken, and cheese creates a dinner that’s hearty yet simple to pull off. Everything layers into one pan, so both prep and cleanup stay short while the flavors cook together. The steps don’t ask for complicated directions, and the ingredients are easy to find at any store.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

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