Some nights are just too packed to spend much time in the kitchen. Between work, errands, and everything else, dinner still needs to get done. These 23 easy, fast, and foolproof dinners help take the stress out of mealtime and keep things simple. When time is short, a solid plan and a quick recipe go a long way.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta blends a velvety sauce with tender pasta for a rich yet light meal. The sweetness of peas adds a refreshing touch, making each bite comforting and balanced. When you need a quick, satisfying dinner, this easy recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Poached Orange Salmon
This poached salmon cooks in a citrusy broth that keeps the fish moist and full of flavor without being too overpowering. The light orange essence pairs perfectly with the salmon for a simple yet delicious meal. For a quick, healthy dinner that feels a little fancy, this recipe fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Buffalo Chicken Salad
This salad packs a punch with spicy buffalo chicken, crisp lettuce, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s a hearty yet fresh meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare, perfect for when you’re short on time. Busy weeknights just got easier with this satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
This tortilla pizza cooks in just minutes, giving you a crispy, cheesy base with endless topping options. The air fryer makes it quick, with minimal mess and no waiting for an oven to preheat. For a speedy, customizable dinner, this pizza recipe is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and soft tortellini makes this soup feel both comforting and satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy nights when dinner needs to be both fast and filling. This recipe brings a cozy, hearty meal without all the time and effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish packs all the flavors of an egg roll into one easy-to-make bowl, with seasoned chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy sauce. It’s quick to prepare, doesn’t require a lot of cleanup, and still delivers bold flavor. When dinner has to come together fast, this meal checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Juicy chicken and tender orzo come together with fresh herbs to create a simple, flavorful meal that doesn’t take much time to cook. This one-pan dish helps cut down on cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. When dinner needs to be fast and satisfying, this easy recipe is the perfect solution.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Honey Glazed Chicken
This honey-glazed chicken gets a golden, sticky coating that’s sweet but not too heavy, making each bite flavorful and juicy. It’s a simple recipe that takes little prep and cooks quickly, perfect for a busy night. For a fast, delicious dinner that feels like a treat, this dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
With rotisserie chicken and canned sauce, these enchiladas come together quickly without skimping on flavor. The melted cheese and creamy sauce make them comforting and satisfying in no time. This easy, semi-homemade meal is perfect for a fast dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce makes for a meal that’s easy to serve and packed with flavor. Whether it’s piled on a sandwich, served over rice, or eaten by itself, it’s a versatile and filling option. When time is tight but you need a hearty meal, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan meal features hearty quinoa cooked with bold spices, beans, and veggies, making it both filling and flavorful. It’s easy to throw together and cooks quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. When you want a tasty, no-fuss meal, this quick recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps combine juicy chicken, warm spices, and fresh toppings all tucked into a soft tortilla for an easy, satisfying meal. They come together quickly, with no complicated steps and little cleanup. For a fast dinner that feels like a complete meal, these taco wraps are perfect.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
The creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes makes this salmon rich and bold, without being complicated. It cooks in one pan, cutting down on both prep time and cleanup. This simple yet flavorful recipe is the perfect choice for a quick and easy meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Tomato Lime Chicken
Zesty lime and savory tomato create a bold sauce that brings the chicken to life in just one pan. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that doesn’t take long to cook, making it ideal for busy nights. When you need a quick, bright dinner, this dish hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Pesto Salmon
This salmon is topped with a flavorful pesto that brings garlic and herbs to the dish, making it taste rich with minimal effort. It cooks quickly, staying juicy and tender every time. For a simple, healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor, this pesto salmon is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Cashew Chicken
This dish features tender chicken and crunchy cashews in a flavorful sauce that’s both satisfying and quick to make. It comes together in no time and is a great option when you need a fast dinner that feels indulgent. For a quick, tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights, cashew chicken is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Simple yet delicious, this pasta is made with just butter, cheese, and black pepper to create a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s quick to make, with minimal ingredients but plenty of flavor. When you need a fast dinner that still hits the spot, this classic recipe never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Canned Chicken Salad
Canned chicken gets transformed into a filling, flavorful meal with creamy dressing and just the right seasonings. It’s quick to put together, perfect for nights when cooking feels like too much. When you need a fast, satisfying dinner, this easy salad is a perfect choice.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad
Kefta Kebabs
These spiced ground meat kebabs cook up quickly, offering bold flavors that pair perfectly with rice or flatbread. They’re easy to make and full of flavor, making them a great option when time is tight. For a fast dinner that feels like a treat, these kebabs are a great pick.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Honey Habanero Tacos
These tacos balance the sweetness of honey with the heat of habanero, making each bite flavorful and exciting. They come together quickly, making them ideal when time is running short. For a fast, flavorful meal that packs a punch, these tacos are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
This stir-fry uses tender beef and crisp broccoli, cooked in a savory sauce that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. When you need a fast, hearty dinner, this stir-fry is a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo
This simple salmon recipe uses a creamy mayo glaze that keeps the fish moist and adds a nice, rich flavor. It bakes in no time, making it an easy, healthy dinner option when you’re short on time. For a quick and flavorful meal, this baked salmon is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot
This rich and hearty beef stew simmers quickly in the Instant Pot, creating a comforting meal that feels slow-cooked. It’s packed with tender beef and bold spices, and comes together in no time. When dinner needs to be filling and fast, this Instant Pot goulash is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot