20 Easy Dinner Ideas for When You Need Something Fast

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Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. These easy dinner recipes are full of flavor, simple to make, and perfect for busy nights. From comforting pastas and baked chicken to quick curries and seafood favorites, you’ll find something here to make weeknight cooking a whole lot easier — and tastier.

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca on a plate — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Using mostly pantry staples like canned tomatoes, olives, and capers, this dish comes together quickly for a flavorful and satisfying Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

These Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs are a deliciously simple recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Chicken thighs are baked in garlic and white wine for a flavorful and easy dinner. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

Italian Sausage and Peppers

This Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Whether you grill it, bake it, or use it as a topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in a roll for a hearty sandwich or alongside pasta for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Peppers

Easy Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks

Baked Chicken Drumsticks on a serving tray — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Seasoned with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices, these drumsticks are bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks

Chicken Stroganoff

This Chicken Stroganoff recipe is a simple and quick dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful sour cream sauce that the whole family will enjoy. Serve over egg noodles or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

This Red Lentil Dahl Curry is a flavor-packed, budget-friendly, and nutritious dish that’s ready in no time. It’s simple to make in one pot and tastes even better than takeout!
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta in a bowl — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Packed with mushrooms, zucchini, red onions, and garlic, this vegetarian dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple way to enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Seared Salmon

This seared salmon recipe is easy to make, but looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish! The salmon is pan-seared to create a crisp, golden exterior and a perfectly rare center. Serve with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice for a light and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Seared Salmon

Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

Cheery tomato sauce on spaghetti being twirled on a fork. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a quick and easy pasta sauce? This Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe is a winner! It’s super simple to make and a fantastic way to use up fresh tomatoes from your garden.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

Coconut Curry Shrimp

This Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and so delicious, you’ll never want takeout again! With shrimp simmered in a rich and aromatic Thai-style coconut curry, this impressive dish is ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Shrimp

Coconut Rice

This easy coconut rice recipe is a simple side dish that’s packed with flavor! Made with creamy coconut milk, fragrant ginger, and a hint of lime, it’s the perfect complement to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside Thai-inspired dishes or grilled favorites, this coconut rice is sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Rice

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

chicken parmesan meatloaf sliced — Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a cheesy twist on a classic comfort food! It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and is stuffed with mozzarella cheese strings for a fun surprise. The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to this tender and juicy dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Tin Foil Jambalaya

This Tin Foil Jambalaya recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for grilling or cooking. It combines sausage, veggies, rice, and a simple spice blend, all cooked together in foil for a delicious and healthy dinner. Perfect for camping or a quick weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Tin Foil Jambalaya

Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Thai Basil Beef)

up close of stir frying Thai Basil Beef (pad krapow) with ground beef — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Pad Kra Pao recipe, also known as Thai Basil Beef, is a quick and delicious one-skillet stir-fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It features a savory blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai basil, creating an authentic and satisfying Thai flavor. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch!
Get the Recipe: Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Thai Basil Beef)

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Chops

Pork chops in a slow cooker with teriyaki sauce and pineapple. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Chops are a breeze to make with only 3 ingredients! Simply combine boneless pork chops, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple chunks in your slow cooker for an easy and delicious dinner. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe serves six!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Chops

Crispy Baked Gochujang Tofu (Korean-Inspired)

Overhead shot of bowls with gochujang tofu, white rice, and Korean-inspired cabbage apple slaw — Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This crispy baked tofu is inspired by Korean flavors and is quick and easy to make. The gochujang sauce adds a spicy and savory kick, while the baking method ensures a perfectly crispy texture. Serve it with rice and a quick cabbage-apple slaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Gochujang Tofu (Korean-Inspired)

Turkey Tacos

These Turkey Tacos are a healthy and delicious twist on a classic favorite. By swapping ground beef for ground turkey and using a homemade seasoning mix, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Top with your favorite taco fixings for a customizable dinner everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Vietnamese spring roll recipe — Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These Grilled Shrimp Vietnamese Spring Rolls are packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and perfectly grilled shrimp. While they require a bit of patience to assemble, the flavorful combination of ingredients and the light, healthy nature of these rolls make them well worth the effort. Serve with peanut and nuac cham dipping sauces for an authentic Vietnamese experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Szechuan Tofu

This Szechuan Tofu recipe is packed with healthy veggies and authentic flavor! Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegan dish is easily adaptable to your favorite proteins and vegetables. Enjoy a quick, delicious, and customizable meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Tofu

Honey Soy Salmon

This Sheet Pan Cashew Honey Soy Glazed Salmon recipe is a simple meal all made on one pan. It’s an easy and delicious dish that’s healthy too!
Get the Recipe: Honey Soy Salmon