Some meals just work no matter who’s sitting down to eat. They don’t take much effort, but they always get a good reaction. These 13 simple dishes are the kind people ask for again because they hit the right spot without being a big deal to make. When you need something easy that everyone will like, this list is a good place to start.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
This chicken simmers in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce that fills the kitchen with a smell that pulls everyone to the table. It cooks in one pan, comes together fast, and always tastes fresh even on the busiest nights. When dinner needs to be easy but still feels like something special, this dish always gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
This pork cooks low and slow until it’s so tender it practically falls apart when you try to serve it. The garlic and spice make every bite bold and rich, and the leftovers are even better the next day. It’s the kind of meal you set in the morning and forget until everyone’s asking what smells so good.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These roll-ups are stuffed with cheesy goodness, rolled tight, and baked until the tops are golden and bubbling. They give you all the comfort of lasagna without the long wait or mess in the kitchen. This is the kind of dinner that makes everyone smile, even after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This one-pan wonder mixes beef, rice, and cheese into something warm, filling, and hard to stop eating. The whole thing cooks in one pot, so cleanup stays simple and the flavors stay bold. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the table and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps come together fast with seasoned chicken, soft tortillas, and whatever toppings you’ve got in the fridge. Everyone builds their own, so there’s no picky eater left behind at the table. It’s a weeknight win that’s just the right mix of fun, filling, and easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
The chicken gets a smoky char on the grill, then gets dipped in a sweet and creamy peanut sauce that steals the show. It feels like something you’d order out, but it only takes a few pantry staples and a hot pan. It’s the kind of dish that always gets a quiet table because everyone’s too busy eating.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Carnitas
This pork gets crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with flavor from just a handful of spices. You can pile it in tacos, bowls, or just eat it straight from the pan and still feel like a dinner genius. It’s the kind of dish that never fails, no matter who’s around the table.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Creamy Pea Pasta
This pasta is tossed in a smooth, cheesy sauce with sweet green peas that make it look and taste fresh. It cooks up fast, but always feels like you planned ahead. It’s the kind of easy meal that works on any night, no matter what kind of day you had.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa, beans, and veggies come together in one skillet with just enough spice to keep things exciting. The colors are bright, the flavors are bold, and it won’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. It’s the kind of hearty, feel-good dinner that works for everyone, even on meatless nights.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Honey Glazed Chicken
This chicken cooks in a sticky honey glaze that turns golden and caramelized while filling the pan with sweet, savory flavor. It looks like something that took all day, but it’s done in less time than delivery. It’s one of those dishes that makes dinner feel like a win even on a regular Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and soft veggies in a warm broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. It cooks in one pot, tastes even better the next day, and makes leftovers feel like something to look forward to. It’s the kind of comfort food that always gets quiet smiles at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cashew Chicken
Chicken and crunchy cashews get tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite in the best way. It’s fast, easy, and tastes like your favorite takeout without the wait or the bill. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears before you even think about packing up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Chicken Tenders
These tenders bake up golden and crisp thanks to a cornflake crust, while the inside stays juicy and full of flavor. They’re great with sauces, easy to eat by hand, and perfect for a dinner that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone at the table to agree for once.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders