My Go-To Easy Dinners for When I Don’t Want to Cook

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Easy dinners are my love language on weeknights — the meals I can pull together fast without sacrificing flavor. Over the years I’ve built a little roster of go-tos: creamy risottos, quick stir-fries, fast fish dishes, cozy soups, and pasta dinners that practically make themselves. This collection brings together my favorite easy dinner recipes for nights when you want something comforting, doable, and delicious with as little fuss as possible. Whether you’re craving shrimp tacos, a one-pot stroganoff, sticky chicken, or a simple frittata, there’s an easy dinner here calling your name.

Fish Piccata

This dish presents crispy pan-fried fish fillets, lightly coated in flour. It’s highlighted by a tantalizing sauce made of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory white wine, and finished with briny capers for a burst of flavor.

Get The Recipe: Fish Piccata

Italian Meatloaf

Close-up of a sliced meatloaf made with ground beef, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs in a white dish. Perfect for hearty recipes! — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Italian Meatloaf is like a cozy dinner party wrapped in a loaf! It mixes the heartwarming vibes of meatballs with a beefy embrace, Parmesan’s charm, and a splash of marinara sauce, before inviting melty mozzarella to crash the party. It’s so savory and cheesy, you might just find yourself in a food coma worthy of a snooze!

Get The Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A close-up of an easy beef and mushroom stroganoff with wide egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley. The creamy sauce coats the ingredients, making it perfect for simple yet satisfying dinners, and a wooden spoon is partially visible. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This super easy one-skillet ground beef stroganoff is creamy, delicious, and perfect for those bustling weeknights! You can whip it up in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients—what’s not to love?

Get The Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

A close up image of a pan of chicken and mushroom risotto sprinkled with grated cheese and parsley. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe elevates classic risotto with the addition of juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms. The resulting dish is a delightful blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, sure to please any crowd.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

A close up image of a spoon serving up vibrant red lentil dal from a bowl, with fluffy white rice and lemon wedges in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Brimming with flavor, cost-effective, and nutritious, this Indian Red Lentil Dahl Curry is incredibly tasty and easy to prepare!

Get The Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This Italian Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe uses roasted eggplant instead of fried eggplant, creating a simple, cheesy vegetarian meal.

Get The Recipe: Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Greek Style Meat Sauce

This is a simple, classic Greek-style meat sauce made with tomatoes, perfect for tossing with pasta on those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Greek Style Meat Sauce

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This recipe is your weeknight hero! It delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss. Tender chicken is simmered in a silky sauce, creating a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Spinach Mushroom Frittata in a pan sliced into wedges. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a flavor-packed Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick brunch or light supper.

Get The Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

A bowl of hearty tortellini vegetable soup — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a blank canvas for your veggie creativity! Packed with flavor and protein-rich tortellini, it’s a healthy and versatile soup base. Use your favorite seasonal vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your taste preferences.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Whip up these spicy shrimp tacos in no time flat. Juicy, marinated shrimp bursting with spice is nestled in warm tortillas, ready for your favorite toppings. Dinner doesn’t get much faster or tastier!

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp Tacos

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

A close up image of a pan of Scallops & Chorizo Paella. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your kitchen with this one-pot wonder! Spanish sausage and saffron-infused rice create a delightful and authentic taste experience, all conveniently cooked in a single pot.

Get The Recipe: Easy One Pot Scallops & Chorizo Paella

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Get ready for fall-off-the-bone deliciousness with this recipe for Sticky Glazed Ribs! Choose your weapon – oven or grill – and prepare for a finger-licking good meal that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get The Recipe: Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy Southern recipe featuring artichoke hearts, carrots, celery, and strips of chicken. The ingredients are garnished with fresh herbs and immersed in a thick sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a warm bowl of comfort with this Chicken Dumpling Soup! Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, paired with fluffy dumplings and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect cozy meal that’s not just delicious but also super simple to whip up. This recipe is like a hug in a bowl, inviting you to explore and enjoy the delightful flavors. So grab your ingredients and let’s make a comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Say goodbye to tedious stirring with our simple Salmon and Pea Risotto! Toss everything together and let it simmer until creamy and delicious—no fuss required.

Get The Recipe: Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto

Sweet Chilli Chinese Sticky Chicken

Craving a taste of Asia? This recipe delivers! Tender chicken gets coated in a sweet and spicy chili glaze, creating an authentic Chinese-inspired dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Chilli Chinese Sticky Chicken

Easy Shrimp Stir Fry

A white plate filled with white rice topped with shrimp, broccoli, asparagus, red bell peppers, and sesame seeds, showcasing a vibrant touch for asparagus recipes, with a gold fork on the side. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This quick and easy shrimp stir fry is the perfect weeknight dinner! Packed with tender veggies, juicy shrimp, and a glossy, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Get The Recipe: Easy Shrimp Stir Fry