When time is short but your appetite is big, having a few go-to dinner ideas can save your evening. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for two, or flying solo, these 7 easy recipes for dinner are exactly what you need. Each dish is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week.
If you’re searching for easy dinner recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated ingredients, keep reading—you’re about to discover your new favorite meals!
1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Why You’ll Love It:
This quick one-pan wonder saves time on cooking and cleanup. Tender chicken breasts are seared in a garlic butter sauce and cooked alongside colorful veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side).
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add vegetables to the same pan and sauté until tender (6–8 minutes).
- Return chicken to the pan and toss everything in the remaining garlic butter.
- Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or on its own!
Pro Tip: Want more flavor? Add a splash of lemon juice or sprinkle of parmesan on top before serving.
2. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Why You’ll Love It:
This easy pasta dinner is rich, comforting, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or fresh if available)
- Salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Lower heat and add cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve hot with grated parmesan.
Bonus: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Why You’ll Love It:
A healthy takeout classic made at home in under 30 minutes with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Toss beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Steam or microwave broccoli until tender.
- In a wok or skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add beef and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in broccoli and oyster sauce. Cook another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Quick Note: Substitute tofu for a vegetarian version!
4. Cheesy Baked Ziti
Why You’ll Love It:
Comfort food at its best. This cheesy pasta bake is perfect for feeding a crowd—or for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, cook meat until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix pasta with sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
- Pour into a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve.
5. Easy Shrimp Tacos
Why You’ll Love It:
These tacos are light, flavorful, and come together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- Toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with oil, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp and toppings of choice.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Flavor Booster: Add a drizzle of spicy chipotle mayo or a spoonful of mango salsa.
6. 15-Minute Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
The ultimate way to use leftover rice and veggies. Fast, satisfying, and fully customizable.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice (cold)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add onion and cook until translucent.
- Push to one side and scramble the eggs.
- Stir in veggies, then add rice and soy sauce.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and stir-fry everything together.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Customize It: Add diced chicken, tofu, or shrimp to boost the protein.
7. Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Veggies
Why You’ll Love It:
A healthy, hands-off dinner that’s rich in omega-3s and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, pepper, and lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss veggies in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Add salmon fillets, season with salt and pepper, and roast another 12–15 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Tip: Swap out veggies based on what’s in season—this one’s endlessly flexible!
Final Thoughts: Keep Dinner Simple and Satisfying
With these 7 easy recipes for dinner, you’ll never have to wonder what to cook tonight. From pasta to stir-fry, tacos to baked dishes, these meals are quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, they use pantry staples and don’t require fancy tools or ingredients.
Looking for more inspiration? Bookmark this page or try mixing and matching ingredients to create your own spin on these recipes.
Your next easy dinner is just a few ingredients away!