Sometimes, a dinner that feels a bit fancy is just what you need, but paying for it doesn’t have to be. These 25 recipes bring the taste of a splurge without the price tag, proving you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a meal that feels special. From comforting classics to restaurant-style dishes, each one is easy on your wallet but big on flavor.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tenders
These homemade chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making for a satisfying dinner. They are much better than frozen versions and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. This easy dinner recipe will please the whole family without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Creamy Pea Pasta
Fresh peas and dill mix with a creamy sauce for a pasta dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when time is short. These delicious dinner recipes make it simple to enjoy a filling meal with minimal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Fresh asparagus and tangy goat cheese come together to make a pizza that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a quick twist on pizza night that feels a little more special. These easy dinner recipes bring a delightful and satisfying meal with little hassle.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is quick to put together, using leftover or rotisserie chicken with fresh veggies. Toss it together with a light dressing for a simple meal. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for when time is tight but a fresh dinner is still wanted.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is quick and full of flavor, thanks to fresh herbs that bring a healthy and satisfying dish to the table. It’s a great option for busy nights when a flavorful dinner is desired. This easy dinner recipe makes it simple to enjoy a meal that feels special without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Tomato Basil Bisque
Juicy tomatoes and fresh basil come together for a creamy bisque that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy comforting, fresh flavors in a short amount of time. This easy dinner recipe guarantees a satisfying meal without hours of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
This easy chicken soup is hearty and satisfying with carrots and chicken simmered together. It’s the perfect meal for when comfort is needed but time is limited. This easy dinner recipe guarantees warmth and comfort with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Cacio e Pepe
This simple Roman dish packs a punch of flavor with just a few ingredients—pasta, cheese, and black pepper. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. This easy dinner recipe shows that rich and complex flavors don’t need complicated ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Soy Ginger Salmon
This salmon recipe is quick and easy, with a simple marinade of soy sauce and ginger bringing savory flavor to the fish. It’s a great dinner choice when time is tight but a healthy, delicious meal is still desired. This easy dinner recipe makes it possible to enjoy a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Crockpot Carnitas
Let the slow cooker do all the work with this easy recipe. Tender pork simmers in a fragrant spice rub, transforming into juicy, flavorful shreds ready for tacos. Just set it before leaving for the day, and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Asian Glazed Salmon
This quick salmon recipe is glazed with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger for a savory, slightly sweet twist. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. These easy dinner recipes show that tasty meals are possible even on the busiest evenings.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken is tender and flavorful after cooking in the Instant Pot with minimal effort. It’s great for adding to salads, sandwiches, or even tacos for a quick dinner. These easy dinner recipes prove that big flavor is achievable without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
This zesty chicken can be used in tacos, salads, or rice bowls, offering a versatile dinner option. It’s quick to prepare and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. These delicious dinner recipes make it easy to mix things up without complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Leftover chicken makes this comforting soup with cheese-filled tortellini a satisfying meal. The flavorful broth ties it all together, creating a dish that’s simple to whip up. This easy dinner recipe turns everyday ingredients into a special and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Crockpot Chili
Beans, tomatoes, and spices slowly cook together in the crockpot to create a hearty and flavorful chili. The best part is coming home to the rich smell of chili ready for dinner. This easy dinner recipe ensures a satisfying, comforting meal with very little work.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll come together in this easy, one-pan dinner. It’s a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional takeout without losing any taste. These simple dinner recipes make it easy to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Kefta Kebabs
Skip the grill and make these juicy kefta kebabs, packed with savory seasonings and cooked to perfection. They’re a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal with friends. These easy dinner recipes bring excitement to mealtime with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
These chicken empanadas are made using rotisserie chicken and store-bought crust, making them feel special with little work. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight, allowing more time to relax. This easy dinner recipe makes dinner enjoyable without hours of prep.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll-ups are an easier, quicker take on the classic lasagna. Filled with cheese and sauce, these roll-ups are ready in just 30 minutes. This easy dinner recipe lets you enjoy all the familiar flavors of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Italian Meatball Soup
Hearty and comforting, this meatball soup combines classic Italian flavors for a satisfying meal. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. These easy dinner recipes turn everyday ingredients into a special meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
This slow cooker recipe lets chicken, tomatoes, and lime wedges simmer together for a flavorful meal. Just toss everything in before going about the day, and come home to a fragrant dish ready for dinner. This easy dinner recipe makes meal prep stress-free and simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Cashew Chicken
This chicken dish features crunchy cashews for a satisfying bite and a flavor-packed dinner. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy nights. These delicious dinner recipes bring joy to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This tuna and tomato pasta is a simple but delicious dinner that’s ready in about 25 minutes. The light flavors mix with satisfying ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights. This easy meal brings family-friendly flavors without complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
This slow cooker recipe features tender pork simmered in a rich Thai sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s a simple way to enjoy a takeout favorite without leaving home. These easy dinner recipes bring the tastes of Thai cuisine into the kitchen with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is made in the Instant Pot, turning it into a tender and flavorful meal in no time. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos, providing versatility and ease. This easy dinner recipe makes it possible to enjoy delicious pulled pork without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork