Some nights call for dinner that gets the job done without wearing you out. These meals skip the long prep and still come through with bold flavor. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like trying too hard, these 15 low-effort recipes make dinner feel easy without being boring.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
A handful of ingredients turns plain pasta into something rich, cheesy, and full of bold pepper flavor. The sauce clings to every noodle and tastes creamy without using any cream at all. It’s the kind of low-effort dinner that always feels comforting and never boring.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
This crunchy salad brings heat, sweetness, and big flavor without needing much prep or cooking. Leftover chicken and a fast homemade dressing come together to make it feel fresh and filling. It’s an easy meal that’s full of texture and tastes like way more work than it is.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Chicken Egg Roll Bowl
Everything you love about an egg roll is here, just without the deep fryer or the extra steps. The mix of crisp vegetables, seasoned chicken, and bold sauce comes together in one skillet. It’s the kind of fast, flavorful dinner that’s easy to pull off anytime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll Bowl
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet honey thickens into a sticky glaze that coats each piece of chicken in bold, caramelized flavor. The chicken stays juicy and cooks quickly, making this a go-to for busy nights. It’s a low-effort recipe that brings out big flavor with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
This easy pizza starts with a tortilla that turns crisp and golden in the air fryer in just minutes. Pile on sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings are in the fridge to make it your own. It’s a fun, quick dinner that feels like a treat without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps are simple to throw together with seasoned chicken, soft tortillas, and whatever toppings are on hand. The flavor is bold, the texture is satisfying, and the prep is fast. It’s the kind of low-stress meal that still feels filling and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Spicy Tuna Rolls
These rolls come together fast with canned tuna, a spicy kick, and sticky rice that’s easy to handle. There’s no need for fancy tools or tricky steps to make something fresh and different. It’s a low-effort dinner that feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Kefta Kebabs
These juicy kebabs are packed with warm spices and only take a few minutes to cook on the stove or grill. The flavor is bold, the prep is easy, and the results taste anything but plain. It’s a big-flavor meal that’s perfect for when you want something fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Lemon Butter Pasta
This pasta mixes the richness of butter with the fresh bite of lemon in a sauce that coats every noodle. It comes together quickly and still feels like a full meal with a bright, smooth finish. It’s a simple recipe that always delivers big flavor without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it only takes a short time and a few pantry staples to get it going. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor that feels homemade. It’s a great dinner choice when you want something cozy but don’t want to wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Semi-Homemade Enchiladas
These enchiladas are packed with cheesy, saucy flavor, but skip the long prep by using rotisserie chicken and store-bought sauce. They bake up bubbly and warm without much hands-on time. It’s an easy way to make a hearty dinner that still feels like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Enchiladas
Poached Orange Salmon
This salmon turns out tender and juicy while soaking up a light, citrusy flavor from the orange. The steps are simple, the ingredients are few, and the results are surprisingly fresh. It’s a great low-effort dinner that feels a little fancy without being fussy.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
A smooth, rich sauce coats every piece of pasta while sweet peas add just the right amount of freshness and color. It tastes like comfort food but comes together with just a few steps. It’s the kind of easy dinner that feels full and satisfying every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Tomato Basil Bisque
This soup blends tomatoes and fresh basil into a creamy mix that feels both cozy and full of flavor. It cooks quickly and still tastes like something that simmered for hours. It’s the perfect simple dinner when you want something warm and easy that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Everything cooks in one pan, and the quinoa soaks up smoky spices while staying light and fluffy. The mix of beans, veggies, and seasonings turns into something hearty and satisfying. It’s a big-flavor dinner that saves time and still feels like real cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa