Our favorite easy dinner recipes like mac and cheese and firecracker chicken can get boring when you cook them night after night, even for the best cook. Spice things up with these easy dinner recipes that satisfy. Here's major inspiration for those nights when you're drawing a blank on what to make *and* need a quick weeknight dinner.
What's The Easiest Thing To Cook For Dinner?
In our experience, meals that feature a bunch of different ingredients thrown together (think poke bowls, burrito bowls, stews, and salads) end up being the easiest option. Plus, they're a great way to clear out leftovers from the fridge.
What Can I Cook In 10 Minutes?
Easy meals like air fryer salmon, scrambled eggs and toast, and our risotto cupscan be made in ten minutes or less. You probably won't be able to make something like a chicken breast or casserole in ten minutes, but that doesn't mean your dinner still can't be delicious!
What Can I Cook In 30 Minutes?
In addition to the 10-minute meals mentioned above, there are plenty of recipes you can make in 30 minutes (some of them right on this list!). You can also check out our Instant Pot Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes for some more quick meals.
What Meals Can I Make For $5?
Meals like canned soup, frozen veggies, bagged salads, and other single-serve, pre-assembled meals usually fall under $5. Frozen pizza and spaghetti and marinara sauce are some other great options.
Easy Dinner Recipes To Make Tonight
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
We love a good Instant Pot meal and this creamy and delicious dish does not disappoint. It's great for any day of the week! (via Brit + Co)
Heart-Shaped Pizza
The only thing we can think of that could make pizza better is making heart-shaped pizza. It's the perfect way to show just how much we love this tasty meal. (via Brit + Co)
20-Minute Vegan Nachos
Nachos that have no animal byproducts *and* only take 20 minutes? You had us at hello. Also, BRB — we're adding this to our easy dinner recipes lineup. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce
This dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook. (via Brit + Co)
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley
You will always have something to eat when you bust out this recipe, which calls for all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovy, red pepper, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins; photo via Gentl and Hyers)
Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili
Easy dinner recipes are supposed to be simple. Just dump the ingredients into your pressure cooker, and you'll have food enough to feed a family in less than 30 minutes. (via Brit + Co)
10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry
Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal. (via Brit + Co)
Mango Shrimp Curry
A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness. (via Brit + Co)
Easy Dinner Recipes To Try Tonight
Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs
Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. That's why they're an easy dinner recipe staple. (via Brit + Co)
Thai Basil Stir-Fry
Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Brit + Co)
4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti
Bake pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save. (via Brit + Co)
Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
A rotisserie chicken cuts the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Brit + Co)
Tasty Easy Dinner Ideas
Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas
Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein too! (via Brit + Co)
Foil Pack Chicken and Broccoli
Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them. (via Brit + Co)
Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup
We love easy dinner recipes that are hearty and perfect for winter! Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, or Parmesan depending on your preference. That way, everyone in your house gets a bowl of soup they love. (via Brit + Co)
Easy + Quick Dinner Ideas
Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket
Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier? (via Brit + Co)
Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans
We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies
Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this melange of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Brit + Co)
Make These Fast Dinner Ideas
Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps
A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on hot dogs. (via Brit + Co)
20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad
The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salad into an scrumptious easy dinner recipe you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)
Easy Chicken Piccata
Whip up your this easy dinner recipe in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan. A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal. (via Munchkin Time)
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Sneak in veggies by sandwiching them in between cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)
Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki
Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing. (via My Modern Cookery)
Bean Stuff Casserole
Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam any night. (via Crazy for Crust)
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza
You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smokey, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
This stir-fry will please those on a paleo, low-carb, and gluten-fee diet. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)
Chicken Scallopini
Chicken Scallopini
This classic dish stars a few secret convenience ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)
Chorizo Scallop and Kale Stir Fry
Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)
Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means you've got an easy dinner recipe that has a seamless cleanup. (via Primavera Kitchen)
Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner
Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)
Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops
Using the grill adds another layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)
Easy Dinner Recipes For Spring
Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas
This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)
Kale and Shrimp Tortellini
Keep frozen tortellini on hand for when you need to whip up dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)
Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)
Margarita Chicken Quesadillas
Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)
Mexican Shrimp Skillet
This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes. (via Family Food on the Table)
Pasta With Peas and Ricotta
Creamy ricotta and Parmesan transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)
Quinoa Taco Salad
Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)
Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
This is the kind of meal you'll dream about on hot nights. Bonus: It makes great leftovers too. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)
Coconut Lime Shrimp
Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal meal any night of the week. (via Salt and Lavender)
Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp
This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick. (via The Rustic Foodie)
Spinach-and-Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Bake these rolled chickens in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)
Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup
A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)
Tuna Panzanella
Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)
Za'atar One Pot Chicken and Rice
Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)
Sesame Tofu Noodle Bowl
Vegan food doesn't have to be complicated, as proven by these 20-minute sesame tofu noodle bowls. (via La Petit Chef)
Show us your favorite quick and easy dinner recipes in the comments below or by tagging @BritandCo on IG! Join our newsletter for more ideas and inspiration and check out our new cooking and baking classes!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated from a previous post.
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Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
