Sometimes, you need a quick and easy dinner recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen but is still more satisfying than a simple PB&J.
1. Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast
This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. Fresh asparagus and creamy Provolone cheese fill the chicken breast, making it perfect for busy evenings yet tastes like a gourmet meal.
2. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta
This hassle-free pasta recipe features tender penne simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan. It’s so good you’ll want seconds, and any leftovers make a great lunch.
3. Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon
Pan-seared salmon is elevated with a marinade of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The marinade is reduced into a sauce for extra flavor. Pair with steamed broccoli and rice for a balanced meal.
4. Fajita Parchment-Baked Chicken
Wrap a chicken breast with your favorite fajita veggies and seasonings in parchment paper for easy cooking and clean-up. This recipe is for one but can easily be scaled up.
5. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Let the slow cooker handle dinner with this flavorful pot roast, enhanced by a packet of dried onion soup mix. Serve with egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal.
6. Veggie Garlic Noodles
This quick stir-fry packs a punch with green onions, garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a sweet and savory dish that’s also loaded with veggies.
7. Chicken & Biscuit Bake
Use store-bought biscuits, frozen mixed veggies, and rotisserie chicken to create a hearty, comforting dish everyone will love.
8. Taco Soup
This easy recipe is a dump-and-go affair. Customize it with your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
9. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A 30-minute recipe that transforms pantry staples into a sophisticated seafood dish. Clean-up is a breeze since it’s all made in one pot.
10. Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry
Switch up the protein and vegetables based on what you have. The simple sauce ties everything together for a quick and tasty meal.
11. Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas
Pizza night is always fun, especially when everyone can create their own slice.
12. Easy Butter Chicken
A simplified take on the Indian classic, this dish combines chicken, tomato sauce, and aromatic spices in one pot for easy clean-up.
13. Upgraded Ramen
Fry bacon and an egg in five minutes, adding green onions if you’re feeling fancy.
14. Easy Chicken Alfredo Penne
Combining butter, garlic, flour, milk, and Parmesan creates a sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
15. Meal Prep Pesto Chicken & Veggies
Make four easy dinners at once with this meal prep recipe, perfect for future meals.
16. Black Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Packed with protein and fiber, these sweet potatoes can be topped with avocado or sour cream.
17. One-Pot Beef with Broccoli
Small pieces of beef cook quickly, while the Instant Pot does the hard work, providing a healthy dose of fresh greens.
18. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies
Line the pan with parchment or foil for easy clean-up. Serve over rice, in a pita, or on its own.
19. Vegan Chickpea Shakshuka
This vegan version swaps eggs for protein-packed chickpeas, serving four.
20. Pesto Chicken Bake
This simple recipe is a breeze to make.
21. Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
Customize these nachos based on your time and budget. Start with tortilla chips, black beans, canned tomatoes, and cheese, or add jalapeños, pickled onions, and more.
22. Lemon Garlic Salmon & Asparagus
A 10-minute recipe where the lemon and garlic sauce works with any greens in your fridge.
23. Protein-Packed Veggie Bowl
After prepping crispy chickpeas and roasted sweet potatoes, it’s just assembly.
24. Tuna & Avocado Wrap
Canned tuna gets a boost with hot sauce, Dijon, and green onions, wrapped in whole wheat tortillas.
25. BBQ Meatloaf & Veggie Dinner
Ideal for meal preppers.
26. Teriyaki Chicken & Veggie Foil Packs
Ready in 20 minutes, these packs can be made in the oven or on the grill with minimal clean-up.
27. Bowties & Broccoli
This quick, cheap, and easy dinner is perfect for weeknights.
28. Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats
Ready in about 20 minutes, these peppers can be kept whole or sliced into bites for kid-friendly food.
29. Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Tacos
This budget-friendly version uses pantry staples, all roasted on a sheet pan.
30. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This drop-and-go dinner cooks for a few hours, making itself while you relax.
31. 15-Minute Lo Mein
Healthier and tastier than takeout, with the option to use soba noodles for extra protein and fiber.
32. Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
The easy sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger is quick to make and full of flavor.
These 33 easy dinner ideas are perfect for those nights when you’re not sure what to make but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.