16 Fast and Flavorful Main Dishes to Curb Your Hunger Quickly

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Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring meals. This collection of 16 quick and easy recipes is here to save the day! From the rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo to the zesty flavors of chicken masala, these dishes are packed with flavor and ready in no time. Whether you’re craving a hearty one-pot sausage and rice or a light pesto pasta salad, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, delicious meal. Let’s get cooking!

Chicken Masala

tikka masala with chicken. — Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Craving Indian takeout but short on time? This Chicken Masala recipe delivers authentic restaurant-quality flavor in under 25 minutes. Made with tender chicken thighs and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying gluten-free dinner option the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Masala

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese. A gold fork rests inside the bowl, ready for eating. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor! Juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes bathe in a luxurious cream sauce, coming together in a 30-minute masterpiece. It’s a weeknight dinner win that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Eggplant Rollatini

This easy Eggplant Rollatini recipe features baked stuffed eggplant rolls that only take 25 minutes to make! It’s a healthy and vegetarian-friendly dish that uses simple ingredients such as eggplant, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce. This is a great option for a quick and delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

Honey Glazed Salmon

glazed salmon on a plate with asparagus next to it. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Salmon perfection in 20 minutes? Yes, please! This sweet and garlicky honey-glazed salmon is addictive and perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.

Get The Recipe: Honey Glazed Salmon

Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

Four pieces of glazed, crispy chicken in a white bowl, coated with a shiny, brown sauce. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the irresistible Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze! Juicy, golden-crisp chicken topped with a bold, smoky bourbon sauce—perfect for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that will leave everyone craving more.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A vibrant one pot recipe, this sausage and rice is a feast for the senses, boasting sliced sausage, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and chopped green onions. The dish is presented in a white pot with a ladle ready to serve up deliciousness. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a delicious symphony of flavors! Smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet, vibrant bell peppers and tender, fluffy rice, all brought to life with a bold blend of spices that pack just the right kick of heat.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Potsticker Soup

Ready in just 25 minutes, this potsticker soup recipe is the perfect customizable and cozy meal for a chilly evening. Filled with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and your favorite frozen potstickers, this soup is as delicious as it is easy to make. Top with chili crisp, sesame seeds, or fried garlic for an extra burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Potsticker Soup

Hamburger Rice

A close-up of a dish featuring rice mixed with ground meat, mushrooms, and garnished with fresh parsley. Sliced carrots and pieces of cooked vegetables are visible on a green plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty hamburger and rice recipe comes together in a flash, bursting with flavor and using just a few dishes. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a sprinkle of magic (okay, fine, it’s just some yummy seasonings), this meal is sure to satisfy any busy night!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

a bowl of creamy chicken pesto pasta — Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Ready in just 25 minutes, this Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect quick and easy meal! Tender pan-fried chicken is tossed with your favorite pasta and a creamy, bright homemade pesto sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Enchilada Pie

three-quarters view of a chicken enchilada skillet missing one slice in a skillet. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Chicken Enchilada Skillet Pie is the perfect easy dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes! Packed with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, and tortillas, this skillet pie is a flavor explosion. Top it off with sour cream and avocado for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Pie

How to Make Shredded Chicken

up close of juicy shredded chicken recipe on a plate — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This easy shredded chicken recipe is a total game changer and can be made in under 25 minutes! Use it in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles. The possibilities are endless with this versatile protein staple!
Get the Recipe: How to Make Shredded Chicken

Pesto Pasta Salad

This Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer in a bowl. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s packed with fresh ingredients like tortellini, cherry tomatoes, corn, and mozzarella, all tossed in a homemade pesto dressing. Perfect for potlucks or a quick lunch, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Tinga Chicken

two tongs scooping up chicken tinga to serve — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Chicken Tinga recipe is a weeknight winner, ready in under 25 minutes! Featuring shredded rotisserie chicken simmered in a smoky, flavorful chipotle and fire-roasted tomato sauce, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or tostadas. Get ready for a quick, easy, and versatile Mexican feast!
Get the Recipe: Tinga Chicken

Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta

Ready in just 25 minutes, this Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta is a quick and easy meal packed with fresh, summery flavors. The bright combination of juicy tomatoes, spinach, feta, and lemon juice creates a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta

Hot and Sour Soup

Craving a comforting bowl of soup? This Hot and Sour Soup recipe is quick, easy, and totally customizable. Ready in just 25 minutes, this soup is packed with flavor and is even better than takeout!
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Browse More Easy Recipes

A plate with a pork chop crowned with sliced mushrooms and gravy, garnished with herbs. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli, this family favorite is sure to be one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. A fork and knife are placed beside the steak. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover a variety of easy weeknight dinner ideas, from casseroles and stir-fries to pastas and slow-cooker meals. Save time in the kitchen while serving up dishes your family will love!

Browse More Easy Recipes