It’s a weeknight, you just came home, you’re tired, and you kind of deserve to relax after all of that running around you did.
I mean, it’s hard to be productive, but you were, and now I think you should probably sit down and enjoy one of these easy dinner recipes.
I mean yes, you could order delivery or grab something on the way home, but there’s something that feels so good about having a home-cooked meal. It’s better on the budget, and while some of these easy dinners are more nutritious, you don’t have to be healthy this time. It’s ok to sometimes grab a bowl of pasta and watch your favorite show. You’re not a bad person for it.
So take one of these quick and easy dinner ideas and save it for those nights when you don’t feel like standing on your feet for another 40 minutes. And then add it to your weekly rotation so you always have simple and satisfying meals ready to go.
Looking to enjoy some simple dinner recipes that are low-effort and look completely satisfying? Here are 31 easy dinner recipes for nights when you want a good meal without all the hassle.
1. Carbonara
Carbonara has always been one of my go-to easy dinner recipes for when I don’t feel like cooking.
It’s not just a simple dish; it makes you feel like you’re eating at a nice Italian restaurant, and like you’re doing more than just the bare minimum.
So if you’re craving something with parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, and you don’t wanna turn to DoorDash, then this is it.
GET THE RECIPE2. 15-Minute Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
If you’re wondering what to make for dinner, then this is probably it.
And if you’re not craving something purely creamy, but maybe a pasta dish with a bit more tomato tanginess, then this might be a good option for you. With basil and cheese, it’s the perfect dinner to serve in a bowl and enjoy on the couch while watching your favorite show.
Honestly, it sounds like the move to make if you want meals that are low effort and high satisfaction.
GET THE RECIPE3. Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto
I’m lowkey kind of a pesto fanatic and pairing it with a pasta recipe with minimal ingredients is genius. It’s an easy way to class up an easy meal and make it not feel so ordinary. Also, you can make extra pesto for future recipes!
GET THE RECIPE4. Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon
This recipe honestly looks like dinner without the hassle.
Also, brown sugar and soy sauce will always be a killer combo. And if you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that’s just a bit more healthy, then make this a part of your weekly meal plan.
It has a simple marinade to make the dinner just that much more flavorful, and only takes 15 minutes to bake.
GET THE RECIPE5. Sweet and Sour Chicken Hong Kong Style
I know it’s probably tempting to get some takeout, but how about trying a quick Chinese recipe yourself? I mean, how comforting would this be to just grab a bowl of this (along with some steamed rice) and just relax for the rest of the evening?
Probably the perfect simple dinner recipe for when you really want Asian food.
GET THE RECIPE6. Jamaican Curry Shrimp
I’ve never had Jamaican curry before, but now I really want it (especially with that flatbread). It’s one of those perfect easy dinner recipes for when you’re craving seafood and want a dish packed with a ton of flavor. So if you like spicy food, then you might want to give this a go on a random Tuesday night.
GET THE RECIPE7. Gluten-Free Ramen
If you need a quick meal that really is little to no effort, then ramen will always be one of your best bets.
Also, I’m kind of the queen of making super easy and flavorful ramen bowls. They’re so quick to pull together which kind of makes them the perfect lazy meal. Also, you can customize it and put on nearly any topping you want which makes this a fun easy weeknight meal.
GET THE RECIPE8. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
I love tacos and I love rotisserie chicken, and this looks so flavorful and good! Also, the chicken is already done, so you just have to maybe pan-fry the tortillas and prep the topping. And just like the ramen, it’s another dinner that’s easily customizable.
GET THE RECIPE9. French Onion Pork Chops
French onion pork chops sound kind of like an elite dinner. I mean with caramelized onions, cheese, herbs, and garlic, it’s kind of hard to go wrong. And if you’re just making this for yourself, then you’re going to have plenty of good leftovers for more lazy evenings at home.
GET THE RECIPE10. Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs cook super fast which makes them the perfect I-don’t-have-time-to-cook-tonight meal. Also, they retain their moisture so well and go with basically any side. Pair it with rice, potatoes, pasta, or salad and your dinner is ready.
GET THE RECIPE11. Authentic Tostadas
I’m kind of in love with tostadas. Their simplicity is great, and you have a near endless list of potential toppings. Legit, it doesn’t matter if you want to have something authentic, or just make something up on the fly, you will almost always have a tasty meal.
GET THE RECIPE12. 20-Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles
If you’re almost always craving noodles (like me), then in 20 minutes, you can have a bowl of this right in front of you. Done. Waiting for you to enjoy. No need to wait for 40 minutes to an hour to start eating. This is one of those dinner recipes you probably don’t wanna skip.
GET THE RECIPE13. Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa
Whether you’re looking for some healthy dinner ideas or not, I think this is the dinner to make if you want a lot of flavor. I mean spiced salmon with a mango salsa sounds like the perfect meal to make on a summer evening (or any evening for that matter). Maybe pair it with a refreshing drink, and you’re all set.
GET THE RECIPE14. The Best, Easy Salmon Sushi Bake
Ok, hear me out. I saw this once on TikTok and I couldn’t forget it. It looks super good and flavorful and there’s no sushi-making intimidation… you just bake it. Also, it looks like an easy dinner that you can make if you wanna impress friends who are coming over.
GET THE RECIPE15. Vegan Spicy Sausage Rice Skillet
Whether you’re vegan or not, nothing says comfort food more than easy dinner recipes made with white wine and a lot of seasonings. Also, if it looks good but you’re just not wanting vegan, you can quickly add a protein of your choice. Completely up to you!
GET THE RECIPE16. Quick & Easy Gouda Mac And Cheese
Probably one of the best easy meals you can have. Like it’s mac n cheese; it’s childhood comfort in a bowl, and it’s calling your name tonight. But make it more adult and use the gouda cheese instead of cheddar or mozzarella. It might not be your normal, but it will most likely be one of the tastiest easy dinner recipes you try this week.
GET THE RECIPE17. Make-This-Right-Now Greek Bowl
I’ve made this so many times and it never fails to disappoint. You get those nice tangy flavors from the Kalamata olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, and the savory seasoned chickpeas. It’s healthy and very satisfying!
GET THE RECIPE18. One Pan Fettuccine with Prosciutto
Alright, back to the pasta. Prosciutto will forever be one of my favorite proteins to add to pasta (or anything really). It’s a quick way to class up a dish without really trying. Also, it just tastes really good! So if you want something savory, creamy, and cheesy, then this needs to be one of the easy dinner recipes you try this week.
GET THE RECIPE19. One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Sausage and pasta; I feel like this is a great easy dinner recipe to try for a cold evening. It looks like really good comfort food and I think you need this in your meal plan very soon.
GET THE RECIPE20. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas will forever be a classic and one of the top simple recipes out there. It’s one of the ultimate lazy night dinner ideas, and it’s also very customizable. Add any beans of your choice, your favorite salsa, any kind of meat, and even any cheese combination. Get creative or keep it simple, it’s up to you.
Pro Tip: Dip the tortilla in whipped-up egg and pan fry it in oil and spices for even more flavor.
GET THE RECIPE21. Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner
If you’re working on your list of easy recipes for dinner, then this should probably be tried.
Baking sheet recipes are kind of the perfect way to ensure that you’re having legitimately good food but also aren’t standing on your feet for another half hour. You just quickly chop up the ingredients, spice things up, throw it in the oven, and wait.
GET THE RECIPE22. Vegan Fajita Bowl
I love fajitas, and if you want another flavorful sheet pan dinner (that’s also healthy), then this is the one to try this week. It has plenty of spices and if you wanna add protein, then nobody is stopping you.
It really is a good one to add to your easy dinner recipes roster.
GET THE RECIPE23. The Best Vegan Bolognese
I honestly don’t think you have to be vegan to actually enjoy this. I mean it’s meatless which means less cooking, plus it’s pasta. Also, it’s a simple way to class things up without feeling like you just quickly threw something together. Perfect for a busy night!
GET THE RECIPE24. Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce
If you’re craving Indian tonight, but you also don’t wanna order delivery, then these crispy Tikka bowls might be your answer. It sounds ridiculously satisfying with breaded chicken, and really flavorful with all the ingredients.
Also, it’s just a bit healthier than eating out at a restaurant so you’ll probably feel pretty good at the end of this meal.
GET THE RECIPE25. Sheet Pan Chicken and Sausage Bake
Growing up, I loved having easy dinner recipes with sausage; they were so satisfying and hearty. And if you want something that’s packed with protein and tasty crispy oven-baked veggies, then this is a good simple recipe to try on busy nights.
GET THE RECIPE26. Creamy Paprika Chicken
Creaminess paired with colorful paprika and chicken sounds like a great option for an easy comforting dinner. I think I’d eat this and be done in around 3 minutes. Also, it’s just a simple dinner to throw together and maybe pair with some rice.
GET THE RECIPE27. 5 Ingredient Spicy Pork
Spicy and 5 ingredients? Sounds like the perfect easy dinner to have on busy nights. Also, I’m a fan of Asian (or Asian-inspired) pork dishes, so I’d be more than happy to try this out on a busy weeknight. Pair it with steaming hot jasmine rice and you have a very satisfying no-fuss dinner.
GET THE RECIPE28. Queso Blanco Nachos
I’m sorry, but queso blanco oven-baked nachos? I don’t even care if it’s the middle of summer or not, I’m making this.
Also, I’m loving all the tasty toppings on this dish. So if you’re craving Mexican, then this is the quick dinner to make. It’s a good option if you want something quick and delicious with minimal effort.
GET THE RECIPE29. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
I love slow cooker dinners; they’re such a great way to save time and still get a super flavorful and tasty meal. And this Hawaiian chicken recipe with pineapple, bell pepper, and soy sauce looks like a great one to come home to after a long day at work.
GET THE RECIPE30. Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
I am in love with Cajun recipes; they’re filled with so much flavor and fresh tasty ingredients. And if you’re looking for a recipe with pasta that’s spiced well, creamy, buttery, and garlicky, then this is probably the dinner for you.
GET THE RECIPE31. Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
One of the best types of easy dinner recipes is comforting hearty soups. And if you need a filling cozy dinner tonight, then this veggie beef stew is probably the perfect one to make. It’s healthy, flavorful, and a good meal to relax and enjoy in the evening.
GET THE RECIPE32. Italian Penne Rosa Pasta
It’s creamy-tangy-garlicy goodness and I think it’s important that it makes it on your weekly meal plan.
It’s a great way to have a restaurant-quality looking dish on your table in under an hour, so if you’re craving pasta, then this is the easy dinner recipe for you.
GET THE RECIPE33. Nut-Free Vegan Mac & Cheese
I don’t care if you’re vegan or not, I think this easy meal should be done. I mean, I’m not, but I’d try this ultra-cheesy looking dinner in a heartbeat.
Also, if you are vegan, then you can still have your mac and cheese cravings fulfilled.
GET THE RECIPE34. Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
I love love love tortilla soup. It’s so tasty and there are SO many options for toppings. So if you’re like me and you love this comforting meal too, then I think you should give it a go.
Also, just have fun with the toppings to make it more versatile and enjoy it on a cold evening!
GET THE RECIPE35. Pesto Orzo with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
I love lemony garlicky dishes like this, and it honestly just looks like comfort on a plate. Also, the addition of pesto sounds amazing, and it’s done in 30 minutes which makes it perfect as an easy weeknight dinner!
GET THE RECIPE36. Baked Ziti with Meatballs
It’s baked pasta… with meat. Like how much easier and tastier could it get? I think this is essential and should be made, especially if you have a big family. Or if you just want to make it for yourself, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
So if you’re craving something tangy, savory, cheesy, and meaty, then this should be on your weekly dinner recipe rotation.
GET THE RECIPE37. Honey Teriyaki Chicken
I love it when there’s a thick layer of tasty sauce to coat the meat, veggies, and rice, and this one looks so good. Also, with this as one of your quick dinner ideas, there’s no need to order takeout from your favorite Japanese restaurant.
GET THE RECIPE38. Oven Baked Nachos
It’s oven baked nachos. This is one of those easy weeknight dinners you make when you want to have a weekday movie night. It’s informal, it’s tasty, it’s comforting, and I think you need it.
GET THE RECIPE39. Pesto Gnocchi
Pesto and gnocchi are two increidbly tasty ingredients, so putting them together kind of makes them an instant win. I would personally feel like I was eating at a fancy Italian restaurant but for half (or a quarter) of the cost + a shorter waiting time.
GET THE RECIPE40. 4 Ingredient Oven Baked Pork Chops
If you’re looking for dinner ideas for the family, then this is it.
With just 4 ingredients and a prep time of 5 minutes, you get wonderful, creamy comfort food for dinner. It honestly sounds like a great way to wind down a long day.
GET THE RECIPE41. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs Dinner
I love sheet pan dinners; they’re super simple and incredibly flavorful.
Also with some good spices and veggies, it’s probably a healthy dinner that’s gonna taste and feel pretty good. So if you want some family dinner ideas or solo dinner recipes, then this is a great option for your weekly meal plan.
GET THE RECIPE42. Orange Chicken With Chicken Nuggets
This is a pretty genius shortcut. Instead of breading the chicken yourself, you just use chicken nuggets with a tasty sauce. No need to run to Panda Express when you can have your own orange chicken at home and enjoy it in just 25 minutes.
GET THE RECIPE43. Cheater’s Chicken Parmesan
Another great hack for making a fancy-looking dinner fast. Just use breaded chicken tenders and you’re all set! Also, if you like Olive Garden, but you don’t want to pay a kind of expensive bill, then this is a tasty looking alternative!
GET THE RECIPE44. Crispy Refried Bean Tacos
Super simple, but crispy and delicious. Pair with your favorite salsa (I personally recommend the Herdez brand), and you have a nice meal in. Also, it only requires 5 ingredients and the total time for making this meal is 20 minutes. So if you’re craving something Mexican-inspired, then this easy dinner recipe might just be a great idea for your weeknight meal!
GET THE RECIPE45. Italian Herb Chicken
If you love herby flavorful chicken (like me), then this is the recipe for you. Pair with some quickly made rice or some oven baked potatoes, and you’re all set for the evening.
GET THE RECIPE46. One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
It’s a classic and it’s done all in one pot. This just means that you’re getting a short prep time, but also a shorter clean up time as well.
Personal Recommendation: I’d also recommend trying ground chicken instead of beef. My husband and I found that it’s a lot more juicy and flavorful.
GET THE RECIPE47. Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites
I love steak bites! And these ones made with a garlic butter sauce and done in an air fryer look incredible. Also, I think they’d go great on top of some mashed potatoes! Done in just 20 minutes, you can either have a nice solo dinner or a fancy-looking dinner idea for two.
GET THE RECIPE48. Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
An easy and cheesy option for when you’re craving pizza, but don’t really have the time to make the dough. Also, it looks like the perfect easy dinner for when you want something snacky to enjoy while binge watching a series.
GET THE RECIPE49. Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake
I love creamy chicken bakes when they’re done right, and this one looks amazing! It’s creamy, cheesy, and looks like it’d be completely satisfying to sit down to and eat.
Pro Tip: This recipe calls for chicken breast (which is healthier), but I’d also recommend trying chicken thighs. They’re so juicy, and I feel like this amazing sounding sauce would go great on them.
GET THE RECIPE50. 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp is so ridiculously easy to make, it cooks so fast! And when you have the right kind of spices, you have a leveled-up dinner that tastes and looks amazing! Top on rice or pair with some garlicky buttery potatoes, and this 9 minute dinner is ready.
GET THE RECIPE51. Easy Air Fryer Salmon with Vegetables
Another more healthy option for these quick dinners. I love salmon and veggies when they’re done right. And this recipe made with a nice sauce looks like it would hit the spot.
Also, if you’re craving something Asian-inspired, then you might just like this dinner idea!
GET THE RECIPE52. Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Drumsticks
I feel like this easy dinner sounds and looks too good not to make. With cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and orange marmalade, this is one of those meals you make when you want a lot of flavor in your life.
Also, being made in a slow cooker just makes your life so much easier!
GET THE RECIPE53. Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi
Another gnocchi recipe because it looks ridiculously good.
But I also went through the ingredient list and it was actually pretty easy! A great shortcut recipe for when you want tasty but simple!
GET THE RECIPE54. Cilantro Lime Salmon
Another sheet pan dinner because they’re so simple to make and taste oh so good! Also, cilantro and lime are such a good combination; you’re getting such fresh and delicious flavors.
With 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a quick dinner on your table in no time.
GET THE RECIPE55. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
I love a good fajita recipe and this one doesn’t look very hard to make at all!
The majority of the ingredients on the list are spices and that basically takes no time to pull out of your cupboard. Also, the steak looks so tasty. Just heat up some corn tortillas, and you’ll have a great meal for any weeknight or weekend dinner.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.