Life gets busy, but dinner doesn’t have to suffer for it. Simple suppers are about making good food in little time. With short ingredient lists and easy steps, they take the pressure out of weeknight cooking. Most are ready before you know it, often in 30 minutes or less. Some let the Instant Pot do the work for you. These recipes keep dinner fast, simple, and worth sitting down for.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Kefta Kebabs
Kefta kebabs shape seasoned meat onto skewers that cook fast and stay juicy. The spices carry depth but stay easy to pair with simple sides like rice or salad. They deliver bold taste without hours in the kitchen. This is one of those simple suppers that proves you can get flavor and ease in the same meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Bacon Egg Salad
Bacon folded into egg salad adds smoky richness that balances the creamy mix. Spread on bread, it feels both classic and fresh at the same time. The recipe comes together in minutes, needing only a few steps. This is a dinner recipe that works when the day is full, but you still want food that feels comforting.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala made in the Instant Pot cooks into tender pieces of chicken with a spiced tomato cream sauce. The shortcut keeps the flavor deep while saving time compared to longer methods. Served with rice or bread, it becomes a full meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup layers chicken, tomato, broth, and toppings like cheese, avocado, and crisp tortilla strips. The mix of textures makes it hearty while still quick to pull together. A spoonful delivers balance without weighing the meal down. This is one of those simple suppers that proves soup can be both fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Caprese Panini
Caprese panini presses tomato, mozzarella, and basil into warm bread until the cheese melts and the crust turns crisp. The flavors stay bright and balanced while the process takes only minutes. It feels polished even though it is simple to make. This is a recipe that turns a few ingredients into a dinner that feels done.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Chicken Taco Wraps
Rotisserie chicken wrapped in tortillas with toppings makes an easy dinner that comes together in minutes. Each wrap can be made differently, so it fits what everyone wants at the table. The result is light but still filling enough for the evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Honey bourbon chicken cooked in the Instant Pot turns tender as the sauce thickens into a glaze that is both sweet and savory. The dish pairs well with rice or vegetables and stays flavorful without being heavy. It takes little time, yet feels like a finished plate.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon brushed with a glossy glaze cooks tenderly while balancing sweet and savory flavors. The sauce keeps the fish rich but not too heavy. Served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it makes a complete dinner without much work. This is one of those simple suppers that shows how quick fish recipes can still bring full flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Pesto Salmon
Salmon topped with pesto blends herbs with the natural richness of the fish, creating a plate that feels balanced and satisfying. The steps stay quick while the flavors come across as layered. It looks like more effort than it takes to make. This is a simple dinner recipe that proves healthy meals can carry strong taste without being complex.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Kung Pao chicken salad mixes crisp vegetables with bold seasoning and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. The crunch pairs with flavor that stands out, making the dish feel both light and filling at the same time. Every bite feels fresh and balanced, yet the mix of chicken and vegetables still makes the plate hearty enough for a full meal. This is a simple recipe that brings bold taste without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous mixed with vegetables and herbs makes a quick dish that adapts to whatever ingredients are on hand. The grains soak up flavor while the vegetables keep the plate balanced and filling. It can stand alone as dinner or sit beside another main, giving options at the table. This is a simple recipe that shows how a basic grain can turn into a full and satisfying meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash made in the Instant Pot simmers into a creamy paprika sauce that tastes rich without feeling too heavy. The chicken stays tender while the flavor keeps a depth that feels traditional. Paired with rice or noodles, it comes together as a full plate in less time than expected.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken cooked in a skillet with vegetables and seasoning makes an egg roll in a bowl that feels light but full of flavor. The recipe is quick to prepare and cuts down on cleanup, making it fit busy nights. The mix has texture, freshness, and enough depth to feel more than just a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken coated in a sweet sticky glaze cooks tender and flavorful with little time needed. The sauce strikes a balance, keeping the meal rich without being too heavy. It works with sides like rice, salad, or potatoes, making it a flexible choice. This is one of those easy suppers that feels complete without adding stress to the evening.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken tossed with greens and creamy dressing makes a salad that is bold yet hearty. The heat balances with the crisp vegetables, leaving a plate that is light but filling. It can be adjusted to suit different tastes, keeping it versatile. This is a delicious dinner recipe that shows how salads can work as a full meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon simmered in a skillet with sun-dried tomato sauce, garlic, and Parmesan creates a dish that feels creamy and bold. The sauce keeps the fish tender and flavorful while staying rich in taste. It is ready in less than half an hour, so it works well for nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Avocado Tomato Salad
Avocado and tomato mixed with romaine and a quick blender dressing create a salad that feels crisp and fresh. It goes beyond a side dish, staying filling enough for dinner while still feeling light. Each bite combines creaminess and crunch in a simple way.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup blends cheesy pasta, broth, and tender chicken into a meal that is both hearty and simple. The tortellini makes the soup richer than most, while rotisserie chicken keeps prep short. It is easy to put together, leaving time free without losing comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Instant Pot barbecue chicken cooks tender in sauce, turning into meat that works in sandwiches, potatoes, or salads. The flavor stays strong while the process keeps things quick and simple. It gives options for serving, making it a reliable choice when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon and garlic simmer with chicken in the Instant Pot to make a dish that feels bright and savory. The chicken cooks tenderly while the sauce stays smooth, creating balance on the plate. Served with rice, pasta, or vegetables, it becomes a full meal without long cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixed with dressing and simple seasoning makes a meal that takes only minutes to prepare. It can be used in wraps, stacked in sandwiches, or spooned over greens for variety at the table. Since no cooking is needed, it is practical when time is short and effort has to be kept low.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Chicken risotto with peas becomes creamy and smooth without the constant stirring that the classic method demands. Using rotisserie chicken and Parmesan keeps the flavor rich while cutting down on effort. The result is hearty rice that feels comforting yet simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Tortillas baked with sauce, cheese, and toppings turn into quick pizzas that stay crisp and fun to eat. The crust keeps its crunch, the cheese melts softly, and the toppings can be switched to fit whatever is on hand. Cleanup is simple while the result still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza