Some dinners take forever to make, and after a long day, that’s the last thing anyone wants. These 21 recipes keep things simple without giving up flavor. They’re easy enough for busy nights but still taste like real home cooking. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Takeout flavors come together in one pan for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The mix of seasoned chicken, cabbage, and savory sauce makes it a great choice when time is short but a craving hits. Easy to make and packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for busy nights when cooking needs to be quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Creamy Pea Pasta
A rich and creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, while peas add a fresh and slightly sweet contrast. This dish comes together fast, making it a great choice for nights when dinner needs to be easy but still comforting. Simple ingredients and minimal effort mean a filling meal is on the table without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
A warm and hearty soup with tender tortellini, shredded chicken, and a savory broth makes dinner feel comforting without the extra work. It’s perfect for nights when there’s little time but a filling meal is still a must. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this soup is an easy solution for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy, melty cheese and covered in a rich tomato sauce make for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much effort. Perfect for nights when a comforting, homemade dinner sounds good but time is short. This easy recipe delivers plenty of flavor with minimal prep, making it a great go-to for a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy add-ins come together in minutes for a meal that’s both light and satisfying. This is the perfect choice for when dinner needs to be quick but still full of flavor. Whether served on a sandwich or with crackers, this easy meal takes almost no effort but feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Cacio e Pepe
A simple mix of pasta, cheese, and black pepper creates a dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in no time. Perfect for nights when cooking needs to be quick but a satisfying meal is still a must. The short ingredient list and easy preparation make this pasta a great option for stress-free weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Italian Meatball Soup
Tender meatballs and hearty broth come together in this quick and filling soup that’s ready in no time. It’s a great option when a warm and satisfying dinner is needed but cooking time is limited. With minimal effort and plenty of flavor, this soup is a go-to for easy and delicious weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
A fun and easy way to enjoy a classic favorite, these bagel dogs wrap juicy sausages in flaky crescent rolls for a meal that’s ready fast. Great for nights when dinner needs to be simple but still filling. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A hearty mix of lentils, vegetables, and spices comes together in the Instant Pot for a meal that’s both nutritious and quick. It’s the perfect choice for when a healthy and filling dinner is needed without spending time watching the stove. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this soup makes weeknight meals simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Pesto Salmon
Fresh, flaky salmon topped with a bright and herby pesto makes for a flavorful dinner that takes almost no time to prepare. Perfect for nights when something healthy and satisfying is needed but time is short. The simple ingredients and fast cooking time make this dish a great option for easy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Kefta Kebabs
Juicy, well-seasoned kebabs cook quickly, making them a great choice for nights when dinner needs to be fast but full of flavor. The mix of bold spices and tender meat makes this meal both satisfying and easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, these kebabs are an easy way to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Cashew Chicken
Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce create a dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. This is a great meal when something filling is needed but cooking time is limited. The quick prep and easy cooking process make this recipe a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
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Honey Glazed Chicken
A sweet and sticky glaze coats juicy chicken, creating a flavorful dish that comes together fast. It’s ideal for nights when something delicious is needed but spending time in the kitchen isn’t an option. With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, this meal makes dinner effortless without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
A hearty mix of ground beef, rice, and melty cheese creates a filling meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The one-pan cooking method makes it easy to prepare while cutting down on cleanup. Quick to assemble and packed with comforting flavors, this casserole is an effortless dinner option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a flavorful sauce come together in a dish that’s simple to prepare but full of flavor. It’s a great way to get a satisfying meal on the table fast without starting from scratch. The quick prep and easy baking process make these enchiladas a stress-free option for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Poached Orange Salmon
Tender salmon infused with bright citrus flavors makes for a fresh and satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time. This is a great choice when a light but flavorful dinner is needed fast. The quick cooking process and simple ingredients make this an easy go-to for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
All the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna comes together in a fraction of the time with these roll-ups. A great option for nights when a homemade meal sounds good but spending hours in the kitchen isn’t an option. With easy assembly and fast baking time, this dish makes weeknight dinners simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Caprese Panini
Warm, melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil come together in a perfectly toasted sandwich that’s ready in minutes. This is a great option for when dinner needs to be quick but still full of fresh, satisfying flavors. Simple to make and packed with classic Italian taste, this panini is an easy go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
A one-pan meal packed with quinoa, beans, and bold spices makes for a filling dinner that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for when something flavorful is needed without spending much time in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, this dish is a great choice for quick and satisfying weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Crispy, golden pork chops come together with almost no effort, making this an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great option for nights when a homemade meal is needed but time is short. With a quick prep and a simple baking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot
Juicy chicken simmers in a creamy, flavorful sauce for a meal that’s rich, comforting, and easy to make. It’s perfect for when dinner needs to be effortless but still feel special. The slow cooker does all the work, making this dish an ideal choice for nights when cooking needs to be simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot