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 16 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 RECIPE
2. 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.
3. 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 RECIPE
4. 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 RECIPE
5. 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 RECIPE
6. 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 .
7. 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 RECIPE
8. 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 RECIPE
9. 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 RECIPE
10. 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 RECIPE
11. 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 RECIPE
12. 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 easy dinner recipes you probably don’t wanna skip. GET THE RECIPE
13. Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa
Whether you’re craving something healthy 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.
14. 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 RECIPE
15. 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 RECIPE
16. 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 RECIPE
