Easy dinner recipes are the answer to the 5 pm question nobody wants to hear: what’s for dinner? These are meals built for real weeknights, with short ingredient lists, one pan or one pot whenever possible, and most of them on the table in 30 minutes or less. That’s 48 easy dinner recipes in one place, so the hard part is just picking one.
There’s something here for every craving. Saucy stir fries that beat takeout, cheesy skillets the kids will actually eat, lemony salmon, creamy pastas, stuffed peppers and a few meatless dinners too. Bookmark this list, pick two or three for the week and enjoy fewer dishes in the sink.
Easy Dinner Recipes
1. Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Teriyaki chicken rice bowls are the kind of dinner that makes takeout feel unnecessary. Bite-size pieces of chicken get coated in a glossy, sticky teriyaki sauce, then pile into bowls over fluffy white rice with a side of bright green broccoli. It’s sweet, savory and quick, and everybody can build their own bowl just the way they like it. Make extra rice earlier in the week and this comes together even faster.
2. One-Pan Ground Beef Pasta
This one-pan ground beef pasta is a grown-up take on the boxed skillet dinners a lot of us grew up on. Lean ground beef, onion, carrots, garlic and Italian seasoning simmer with tomato sauce and beef broth, and the whole wheat elbows cook right in the same pan. A little cream cheese and Parmesan melt in at the end for a creamy finish. It takes about 45 minutes, there’s only one pan to wash and the leftovers reheat beautifully.
Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe Video
3. One Pot Penne Pasta with Tomato & Basil
This one pot penne is pure magic: the dry pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil and olive oil all go into the pot with water at the same time. As it boils, the water cooks down into a light, silky sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s ready in about 20 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, torn basil and plenty of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and there’s exactly one pot to wash.
Easy Chicken Recipes
Easy and Healthy Primavera Stuffed Chicken
4. 15-Minute Easy Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a 20 minute stir fry with big flavor. Cubes of chicken breast sear in a hot pan, then broccoli, red bell pepper and plenty of garlic join in. A sauce of chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce and honey thickens with a little cornstarch until it coats everything in a shiny glaze. A splash of sesame oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes finish it off. Spoon it over rice and dinner is done.
Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi feels like a restaurant meal, but this version promises to be ready in about 10 minutes. Tender shrimp and spaghetti get tossed in a bright lemon garlic sauce, then topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze. It’s the perfect dinner for those nights when there’s no time but a little something special still sounds really good.
6. 10-Minute Lemon Garlic Salmon & Asparagus
Lemon garlic salmon and asparagus cook side by side in one skillet in about 10 minutes. The fillets sear in butter and olive oil with minced garlic, while the asparagus cooks right alongside. Lemon zest and juice brighten everything at the end, with just salt and cracked pepper to season. There are only seven ingredients, and it looks impressive enough for company. Pick asparagus spears of similar thickness so they all finish cooking at the same time.
7. One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Cheesy chicken, broccoli and rice is comfort food that cooks in a single skillet. Bite-size chicken and onion brown first, then long grain white rice simmers in low-sodium chicken broth right in the pan. Broccoli florets go in near the end, and two cups of extra sharp cheddar melt over the top. It’s ready in about 35 minutes and tastes like a casserole without ever turning on the oven. Kids tend to love this one.
8. Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken Milanese and Veggies
Chicken Milanese on a sheet pan means crispy chicken and two sides with almost no cleanup. Chicken breasts are dipped in egg and lemon, coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then baked next to quartered baby potatoes and green beans tossed in garlic butter. Everything comes out golden in about 35 minutes. Lay lemon slices over the top before serving for a fresh pop of color. This is an easy chicken dinner recipe that feels a little fancy.
9. Easy One Pan Sausage Bake
This one pan sausage bake roasts Polish sausages with carrots, parsnips and broccoli for an easy, hearty dinner. The veggies get a light glaze of olive oil, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, which caramelizes as everything bakes. It’s ready in about 35 minutes with almost no hands-on time. It’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables, and the sweet roasted parsnips are a pleasant surprise for anyone who hasn’t tried them.
10. One Pan Fajita Chicken and Rice
Fajita chicken and rice brings all the flavor of fajitas into one pan. Chicken thighs get rubbed with a homemade spice blend of cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika and oregano, then sear before sliced red, orange and green bell peppers and onion join the skillet. The rice cooks right underneath it all. It takes about 55 minutes, mostly hands-off. Serve it with avocado, sliced jalapenos and pickled onions for a colorful family dinner.
11. Chicken and Broccoli Shells and Cheese
Homemade shells and cheese gets a dinner-worthy upgrade with chicken and broccoli. Medium shells boil with the broccoli tossed in for the last few minutes, while a quick stovetop cheese sauce of butter, flour, milk, chicken broth and sharp cheddar comes together. Fold in diced cooked chicken and dinner is ready. It’s all stovetop, no baking needed. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly, and a splash of milk loosens the sauce if it gets thick.
12. Creamy Pork Chops Marsala
Pork chops Marsala is an easy dinner that tastes like a night out. Thin-cut boneless pork chops are dredged in flour and browned, then a pan sauce of cremini mushrooms, shallot, dry Marsala wine, chicken stock, thyme and rosemary gets finished with heavy cream. It takes about 40 minutes. Thin chops are the key here because they cook fast and stay tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles to soak up all that sauce.
13. One Pot Chili Mac
Chili mac is the ultimate mashup of two family favorites. Ground beef, kidney beans and tomatoes simmer together with corkscrew pasta in one pot until the noodles are tender and coated in rich chili flavor. It’s cozy, filling and ready without a stack of dishes. Top bowls with shredded cheese, sour cream or green onions, and it’s a dinner that kids and grownups both go back for seconds on.
14. Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a classic that comes together in about 25 minutes. Thin strips of sirloin or bottom round sear in a hot pan, then red and green bell peppers, onion and garlic cook alongside. The sauce has a clever shortcut: a packet of brown gravy mix stirred with water, soy sauce, ground ginger and black pepper. It thickens into a rich, savory gravy. Serve it over rice and slice the steak thin across the grain so it stays tender.
15. Honey Balsamic Steak Bites
Honey balsamic steak bites are proof that steak can be a weeknight dinner. One inch cubes of top sirloin marinate in balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then sear in a hot skillet in about 4 minutes. The marinade turns into a sweet, tangy glaze. Don’t crowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of browning. Serve with rice, potatoes or a big salad.
16. Sweet Potato Gnocchi In Spinach Cream Sauce
This sweet potato gnocchi is paleo and gluten free, made from mashed sweet potato and cassava flour. The pillowy dumplings pan sear in olive oil, then go into a creamy sauce of full fat coconut milk with red onion, garlic, fresh rosemary and sage, plus a handful of spinach. It’s a cozy, dairy-free dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s a great meatless pick for anyone avoiding grains.
17. 4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake
Four ingredients, one baking dish and about 35 minutes. Boneless chicken breasts get spread with basil pesto, then topped with sliced tomato and fresh mozzarella pearls before baking until the cheese melts. That’s it. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving is optional but highly recommended. Drain the jarred pesto a bit first so the dish doesn’t get oily. It’s an easy chicken dinner recipe with caprese flavor in every bite.
18. Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef
Crispy Mongolian beef is a takeout favorite made at home in about 20 minutes. Strips of beef get coated in cornstarch and fried until crisp, then tossed in a sticky sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger and garlic. Green onions and an optional pinch of chili flakes finish it off. Fry in small batches so the beef stays crunchy, and serve it right away over hot white rice.
19. Ground Turkey Skillet with Green Beans
This ground turkey skillet is a light, healthy dinner made in one pan in about 25 minutes. Ground turkey browns with garlic, onion and yellow bell pepper, then chopped green beans and tomato sauce simmer together until tender. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds a little kick. It’s low carb as it is, or spoon it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. It also makes a great meal prep lunch.
20. Baked Cod
Baked cod is one of the easiest ways to get fish on the dinner table. Thick cod fillets are seasoned with paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper, then baked with cherry tomatoes and lemon slices. While it bakes, stir together a quick garlic butter with fresh parsley, basil, capers and lemon zest. Spoon it over the hot fish so it melts in. It’s light, flaky and full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with asparagus.
21. Quick Fish Curry
This quick fish curry is ready in about 30 minutes. Onion, garlic and fresh ginger cook in coconut oil with curry powder, turmeric and fresh curry leaves, then coconut milk and chopped tomatoes make a silky sauce. Chunks of firm white fish poach right in the curry until tender. Finish with fresh cilantro and lime juice and serve with rice. Handle the fish gently once it goes in so the pieces stay whole.
22. One Pan Chicken Enchilada Skillet
All the flavor of enchiladas without any rolling. Shredded rotisserie chicken, red enchilada sauce, salsa, cumin and oregano simmer in a skillet with tortilla strips, then shredded Mexican cheese melts on top. The cooking takes only about 10 minutes. Load it up with sour cream, green onions and guacamole. A pizza cutter makes quick work of slicing the tortillas, and rotisserie chicken makes this one of the fastest easy dinners on the list.
23. One-Pot Creamy Mac & Cheese
One-pot mac and cheese means the pasta cooks right in the pot that makes the sauce, with no draining and no extra pans. The result is rich, creamy and super cheesy, with that smooth texture that boxed mac and cheese can only dream about. It’s comfort in a bowl and an easy family dinner idea for busy nights. Serve it on its own or with a green vegetable on the side.
24. Cherry Tomato Pasta
Cherry tomato pasta turns two pints of fresh tomatoes into a sweet, jammy sauce. Shallots, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes soften in olive oil, then the cherry tomatoes cook until they burst. A splash of red wine vinegar brightens it before the pasta, fresh basil and Parmesan get tossed in. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. Penne, orecchiette or gemelli all work. Serve it with garlic bread for an easy, cozy dinner.
25. Chinese Lemon Chicken
Chinese lemon chicken is crispy, tangy and so much better than takeout. Cubes of chicken thigh marinate briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch, then get coated in flour and cornstarch and fried until golden. The sauce is simple: fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, lemon zest and a little cornstarch to thicken it. Toss the crispy chicken in the glaze right before serving so it stays crunchy, and pile it over steamed rice.
26. Crispy Chicken Sandwich
A crispy chicken sandwich at home beats the drive-through line every time. A golden, crunchy chicken cutlet gets piled on a soft bun with dill pickle chips, a creamy sauce and shredded lettuce. It’s a fun, casual dinner that feels like a treat. Serve with chips, pretzels or a simple salad, and keep the pickle jar on the table because somebody will definitely want extra.
27. One Pot Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This vegan mushroom stroganoff is creamy, savory and all made in one pot. Plenty of mushrooms give the dish its rich, earthy flavor, and the pasta cooks right in the sauce, so there’s no separate pot of boiling water. It’s comforting enough to win over meat lovers too. Finish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley. It’s a great meatless dinner idea for a busy weeknight.
28. Chili Garlic Sheet Pan Shrimp
Chili garlic shrimp and baby bok choy roast together on one sheet pan for a fast, flavorful dinner. The shrimp get coated in a sticky, spicy chili garlic sauce, while the bok choy roasts until the edges are tender and lightly charred. Sesame seeds and green onions go on at the end. Shrimp cook in just minutes, so keep an eye on the oven. Serve it over rice to catch the extra sauce.
29. Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Chili tater tot casserole is a guaranteed family favorite. A layer of hearty beef chili goes in the bottom of a baking dish, then a blanket of tater tots covers the top and bakes until golden and crispy. Every scoop gets a little of both. It’s cozy, filling and a great way to use up leftover chili. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and green onions on top.
30. Penne Alfredo with Bacon and Sundried Tomato
Penne Alfredo gets extra flavor from crispy bacon and sweet sun dried tomatoes. The bacon cooks first, then butter, garlic, heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan make a silky sauce right in the same pan. Toss in the penne and fresh basil and dinner is ready in about 25 minutes. Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it so the sauce stays smooth. It’s rich, cozy and perfect for a chilly night.
31. Easy Oven Baked Salmon
Oven baked salmon is one of the easiest healthy dinners there is. Fillets get coated in a flavorful, deep red spice rub and baked until tender and flaky, with very little hands-on time. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes it off. Pull it out as soon as it flakes easily with a fork so it stays moist. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables or a green salad for an easy weeknight dinner.
32. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is creamy, a little spicy and ready in about 25 minutes. Seared chicken and shrimp get tossed with linguine in a rich, Cajun-seasoned cream sauce that coats every strand. Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color. It’s restaurant-style comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your family’s heat level.
33. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a colorful dinner that looks fancy but is easy to make. Lean ground turkey cooks with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then gets mixed with cooked wild rice. The filling goes into halved bell peppers, then they’re topped with sharp cheddar and baked until bubbly. It takes about 50 minutes. Use a mix of red, yellow and green peppers for the prettiest skillet on the table.
34. Spicy Korean Chicken
Spicy Korean chicken is sweet, spicy and caramelized to perfection. The chicken is coated in a bold Korean-style sauce, then cooked until the edges get sticky and slightly charred. Sliced and served over a bed of white rice with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s an easy dinner that tastes like a Korean restaurant favorite. Add a side of kimchi or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
35. Dump-and-Bake Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Dump-and-bake chicken Parmesan is all the comfort of the classic without the breading and frying. Chicken, marinara and cheese go into a baking dish and the oven does the rest. The result is tender chicken covered in bubbly melted cheese and rich tomato sauce. Serve it over spaghetti or angel hair pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a lighter take on an Italian family favorite.
36. 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Quinoa
This garlic butter quinoa needs just five ingredients: quinoa, butter or vegan butter, garlic powder, sea salt and vegetable broth. Cooking the quinoa in broth instead of water gives it a rich, savory flavor. It’s ready in about 20 minutes. Serve it as a simple side with any protein, or top it with roasted veggies and a fried egg for a quick meatless dinner. Rinse the quinoa first to remove any bitterness.
37. Korean Sticky Chicken
Korean sticky chicken is sweet, spicy and ready in about 20 minutes. Chunks of chicken breast or thigh cook in a hot pan, then toss in a sauce of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), soy sauce, rice vinegar and honey. Sesame seeds and chopped scallions go on top. It’s sticky, glossy and full of flavor. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a quick, takeout-style dinner at home.
38. One Skillet Mongolian Beef Broccoli
Mongolian beef and broccoli comes together in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner. Thin strips of beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets are tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, then sprinkled with sesame seeds. It tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of the price. Serve it over steamed rice. Slicing the beef thin against the grain keeps every bite tender.
39. Easy Homemade Wonton Soup
Homemade wonton soup is a little project that pays off in a big way. The wontons are filled with ground pork, shrimp, green onion, ginger and sesame oil, then cooked in chicken broth flavored with garlic and ginger, along with sliced mushrooms, carrots and baby bok choy. It takes about an hour. Make a double batch of wontons and freeze the extras for an even faster dinner next time.
40. Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Santa Fe chicken is a one-skillet dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder and chili powder brown in the pan, then onion, Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn and smoked paprika simmer around them. Mexican cheese blend melts over the top. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. Finish with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or tortilla chips, or pile it into tortillas.
41. Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Black bean stuffed sweet potatoes are an easy, healthy and filling meatless dinner. Baked sweet potatoes are split open and loaded with seasoned black beans, then topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro and a creamy drizzle. They’re naturally sweet, hearty and full of fiber. Bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and this dinner comes together in minutes. It’s great for meal prep too.
42. Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Tacos
Roasted veggie and black bean tacos are a fresh, colorful meatless dinner. Tomatoes, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, onion and red bell pepper roast with cumin and chili powder, then toss with warm black beans, cilantro and lime juice. Pile it into warm corn tortillas and top with queso fresco, sour cream and Mexican hot sauce. Roasting brings out the sweetness of the veggies, which is the secret to these tacos.
43. Cuban Style Sliders
Cuban style sliders are a fun, easy dinner and a great crowd pleaser. Hawaiian sweet rolls are layered with thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese and crisp dill pickles, then brushed with a mix of melted butter, Dijon mustard and dried minced onion before baking. They’re ready in about 25 minutes. Keep the rolls in one slab so they bake together and pull apart easily. Perfect for game nights and busy weeknights alike.
44. Quinoa Cakes with Parmesan
Quinoa cakes are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, flavored with Parmesan cheese and flecks of fresh green herbs. They cook up golden and crunchy, which makes them a fun way to turn a humble pot of quinoa into a main dish. Serve a couple per person with a big green salad, a dollop of your favorite sauce or a fried egg on top. They make a great meatless dinner that even the skeptics will enjoy.
45. One Pot Pizza Rigatoni
Pizza rigatoni is like pizza and pasta had a delicious baby. Italian sausage browns in one pot, then marinara sauce, water and rigatoni simmer together until the pasta is tender. Pepperoni and two cups of shredded mozzarella go on top and melt into a gooey, cheesy layer. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and kids absolutely love it. Save some pepperoni for the top so it gets a little crispy.
46. Beef Burrito Skillet
Beef burrito skillet has all the flavor of a burrito in one easy pan. Ground beef, taco seasoning, kidney beans, salsa and water simmer together, then tortilla pieces get stirred in and Colby jack cheese melts on top. It’s ready in about 25 minutes. Pile on sour cream, green onions, avocado, tomatoes or olives. Use a spicy salsa if your family likes a little more heat.
47. Baked Chicken Meatballs
Baked chicken meatballs are tender, cheesy and ready in about 30 minutes. Ground chicken is mixed with mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic and Italian seasoning, then rolled into balls and baked until golden. No frying needed. Serve them with pasta and marinara, tuck them into sub rolls or eat them on their own. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. They freeze well too, so make a double batch.
48. One Pot Chicken and Rice
One pot chicken and rice is a cozy dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. Tender chicken, sliced carrots and rice simmer together in one pot until creamy and comforting. It’s simple, hearty and easy enough for any weeknight. Finish with cracked black pepper and serve with a green salad on the side. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
