Some nights, you just want dinner done without a lot of work. These 21 meals are quick to cook, easy to follow, and still taste great. You don’t need fancy tools, hard-to-find ingredients, or a pile of dishes to make something good. If you want to get out of the kitchen fast but still eat well, these simple recipes have you covered.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Basil Bisque
This creamy soup uses canned tomatoes and fresh basil to make a meal that’s full of rich flavor without much work. It feels like something you’d order at a café, but it comes together fast on the stove. Try this easy dinner recipe when you want something warm that doesn’t take all night.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup makes the most out of pantry staples and gives you a bold, filling meal without hours of cooking. You can toss in toppings or leave it simple, and it still tastes great either way. Use this quick recipe when you want something hearty without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
A few ingredients and one pot are all you need to make this creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with sweet peas. It cooks fast, but still feels like something that took effort. Try this when you want a simple and quick meal that doesn’t taste plain.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Honey Habanero Tacos
Sweet honey and spicy heat come together in a way that makes each bite bold without being too much. You only need one pan and a few minutes to make these tacos work. Keep this recipe handy for a fast, fun dinner that brings big flavor without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Chicken Egg Roll Bowl
This skillet meal gives you all the flavors of an egg roll without deep frying or wrapping anything. The mix of crisp veggies, seasoned meat, and sauce is quick and satisfying. Use this easy dinner recipe when you want takeout vibes without the cost or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll Bowl
Soy Ginger Salmon
A quick glaze of soy sauce and ginger turns this salmon into something rich and flavorful in just a few steps. You don’t need to marinate or stand at the stove for it to come out right. Make this simple recipe when you want something healthy that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps are fast to make and easy to build with whatever toppings you like or already have. The chicken is seasoned and ready in minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. Use this go-to dinner recipe when you want bold flavor without spending much time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Poached Orange Salmon
Cooking salmon in orange juice makes it tender, juicy, and just a little sweet without needing much else. It’s light but still feels like a full meal that’s easy to pull together. Try this recipe when you want a fast dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Canned tuna and a little spicy sauce turn into a fun, quick roll that doesn’t need special tools or much time. It’s simple to make but doesn’t feel boring once it hits the plate. Keep this on rotation for easy dinner recipes that use what’s already in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Kefta Kebabs
These kebabs use warm spices and cook fast, whether you use a grill or a skillet. You don’t need much to make them juicy and full of flavor. Try this easy recipe when you want something a little different that still gets dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Crispy veggies and sweet-spicy chicken mix in a bowl that’s fresh, bold, and easy to put together. It doesn’t take long, but it still feels like a real meal. Use this recipe when you want a simple dinner that tastes like more than a salad.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Semi-Homemade Enchiladas
With rotisserie chicken and store-bought sauce, these enchiladas come together fast without skipping on flavor. They bake up cheesy and hot in just a few steps. Make this recipe when you want a comfort meal that’s simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Enchiladas
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
A tortilla crust turns crispy in the air fryer and makes a fast base for sauce, cheese, and anything else you’ve got. It cooks quickly and doesn’t leave a mess behind. Keep this recipe close for when you want a fun, easy dinner that still feels like pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing come together in one fast bowl that’s full of flavor. It only takes a few minutes to make and doesn’t need anything fancy. Use this recipe when you want a quick dinner that still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa, beans, and veggies cook in one pan with bold spices that make every bite pop. It’s meatless but still hearty enough to stand on its own. Make this fast and easy recipe when you want a full dinner that doesn’t take much to get right.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cacio e Pepe
With just pasta, cheese, and pepper, this dish is simple but full of flavor from the first bite. The sauce forms right in the pan and makes it feel like something special. Use this go-to meal when you want an easy dinner that always works.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Canned Chicken Salad
A few ingredients and one bowl are all it takes to turn canned chicken into something quick and satisfying. It works for sandwiches, wraps, or even on its own. Make this when you need a simple dinner that doesn’t take much energy or time.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad
Honey Glazed Chicken
A sticky honey glaze gives this chicken a sweet flavor and a golden finish with barely any work. You only need one pan and a few ingredients to get it right. Try this recipe when you want to make something good without spending your whole night on it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Pesto Salmon
A spoonful of pesto is all it takes to turn salmon into a flavorful dinner with no fuss. It bakes quickly and makes cleanup easy. Use this recipe when you want a dinner that’s simple but still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Lemon Butter Pasta
Melted butter and lemon make a bright, smooth sauce that coats each bite of pasta without needing anything else. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t ask for more than you have on hand. Make this when you want a quick meal that tastes like more than just noodles.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
The air fryer gives this salmon crisp edges and a tender inside with a sweet garlic glaze that sticks just right. It comes together fast with very little cleanup. Try this when you want an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon