Don’t have time for dinner? It can be tough to find something quick and easy when you’re busy. Cooking doesn’t have to take forever. With these 17 simple meals, you can have dinner ready in no time. Whether you’re rushing home from work or just want to spend less time in the kitchen, these recipes will help you get a tasty meal on the table fast.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Craving a meal that doesn’t take forever to make? This no-cook chicken salad is ready in minutes, combining juicy chicken with crisp veggies for a refreshing taste. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner when time is tight, and you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Cashew Chicken
Looking for something different for dinner? This cashew chicken features tender chicken pieces paired with crunchy cashews and colorful veggies for a delicious blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to whip up and is a great choice for a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Caprese Panini
Want a sandwich that’s full of flavor? This Caprese panini combines fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all toasted to perfection for a delightful meal. It’s a light and quick option that cooks in just minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when taste is a priority.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Pesto Salmon
Need a quick and healthy dinner? This vibrant pesto salmon dish is bursting with flavor and requires minimal preparation, making it a breeze to cook after a long day. It’s an easy way to enjoy a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Want to enjoy a meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor? This Mexican skillet quinoa is loaded with beans, salsa, and corn, all cooked together quickly in one pan for a delicious and nutritious dinner. It’s perfect for busy evenings when relaxation is key, and it saves time on cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
In need of a hearty meal without the long wait? This lentil soup cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, packed with protein and nutrients to keep everyone satisfied. It’s a healthy option that makes dinner ready fast, ideal for busy schedules when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Got leftover chicken and a craving for something comforting? This chicken tortellini soup features tender tortellini and savory broth, creating a warm and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for hectic nights when dinner needs to be ready in no time without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Want a filling meal that’s quick to prepare? This cheesy beef and rice casserole combines ground beef, rice, and melted cheese for a comforting one-pot meal. It’s hearty and fulfilling, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when time is tight and dinner needs to be easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Looking for a quick way to enjoy lasagna? These cheesy roll-ups are packed with flavor and are ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights. They provide a delicious and satisfying dinner option without the hassle of traditional lasagna preparation.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Cacio e Pepe
Want to impress with a simple meal? This classic pasta dish transforms simple pantry staples like cheese and pepper into a rich and delightful flavor. It’s an easy option for quick weeknight dinners that still feel special without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
In the mood for a comforting meal that’s easy to make? These stuffed shells are filled with creamy cheese and flavorful sauce, making them a delicious choice for dinner. Just stuff, bake and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love, all without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Craving takeout but short on time? This chicken egg roll in a bowl brings together colorful veggies and savory seasonings in one pan for a satisfying meal. It’s a quick solution for busy weeknights that captures the delicious flavors of favorite takeout dishes without the hassle of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Want to spice up dinner with something fun? These bagel dogs offer a tasty twist on a classic meal, combining hot dogs with flaky crescent rolls for a delightful bite. They’re quick to make and perfect for a fast and enjoyable family dinner that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Kefta Kebabs
Need a quick and tasty meal that everyone will love? These juicy kefta kebabs are made from seasoned ground meat, grilled to perfection, and ready in no time. They provide a flavorful alternative to traditional burgers, making dinner exciting and satisfying for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Italian Meatball Soup
Looking for a comforting bowl of soup that cooks quickly? This Italian meatball soup features hearty meatballs simmered in a rich broth, creating a warm and inviting meal. It’s an easy option for busy evenings when a satisfying dinner is needed fast and with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Poached Orange Salmon
Want to enjoy a healthy meal without spending a lot of time? This poached orange salmon combines bright citrus flavors with tender salmon for a simple yet elegant dish. It’s a quick option that provides a delicious dinner, making it ideal for busy nights when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Need a delicious dinner in a hurry? These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas use rotisserie chicken to come together quickly, requiring just a few simple steps. They’re bursting with flavor and make for a fantastic choice when a quick and satisfying meal is needed on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas