The Ultimate Guide to 17 Easy Dinner Recipes

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide for hassle-free dinner ideas! Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day at work? Do you want to enjoy delicious meals without the stress of complicated recipes? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore 17 easy dinner recipes that are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness!

Why Choose Easy Dinner Recipes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why easy dinner recipes are a game-changer.

Time-Saving

With our busy lifestyles, time is of the essence. Easy dinner recipes allow you to whip up a nutritious meal in no time, leaving you with more time to relax and unwind.

Cost-Effective

Eating out can quickly add up, but cooking at home with simple ingredients is much more budget-friendly. Easy dinner recipes often require pantry staples or affordable ingredients, saving you money in the long run.

Customizable

One of the best things about easy dinner recipes is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky, there’s a recipe out there for you.

The Recipes

Now, let’s get cooking! Here are 17 easy dinner recipes that will revolutionize your weeknight meals

1. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Ingredients
  • Pasta
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cream
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Boil pasta according to package instructions.

In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant.

Stir in cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables

• Ingredients
  • Chicken breasts
  • Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
  • Lemon
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange chicken breasts and chopped vegetables on a sheet pan.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

3. Quick and Easy Beef Stir Fry

• Ingredients
  • Beef strips
  • Mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice or noodles (optional, for serving)

Directions

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Add sliced beef and stir-fry until browned.

Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by chopped vegetables.

Pour in soy sauce and continue cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Serve over rice or noodles if desired.

4. Simple Margherita Pizza

• Ingredients
  • Pizza dough
  • Tomato sauce
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

Roll out pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.

Arrange sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on top.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

5. Easy Chicken Quesadillas

• Ingredients
  • Cooked chicken, shredded
  • Flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, Monterey Jack)
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Diced onions
  • Taco seasoning (optional)
  • Salsa, sour cream, guacamole (for serving)

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.

Top with cooked chicken, bell peppers, onions, and taco seasoning if using.

Place another tortilla on top and cook until the bottom is golden brown.

Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

6. Quick and Healthy Turkey Chili

• Ingredients
  • Ground turkey
  • Canned beans (e.g., kidney beans, black beans)
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Onion
  • Bell pepper
  • Garlic
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

In a large pot, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned.

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, and cook until softened.

Stir in canned beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

7. Speedy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Ingredients
  • Chicken breasts
  • Fresh spinach
  • Feta cheese
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.

Stuff with fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese.

Season with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.

Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

8. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Ingredients
  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Garlic
  • Butter
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley
  • White wine (optional)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until frag

rant.

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.

Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

If using, pour in a splash of white wine and simmer for a minute.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot over cooked pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.

9. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

• Ingredients
  • Arborio rice
  • Mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown, then remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, cook diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.

Add Arborio rice to the pan and cook until lightly toasted.

Gradually add chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until absorbed.

Continue adding broth and stirring until rice is creamy and tender.

Stir in cooked mushrooms, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

10. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Ingredients
  • Pork shoulder or butt
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

Directions

Rub pork shoulder with your favorite barbecue seasoning.

Place pork in a slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce over it.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender and falling apart.

Shred pork using two forks and mix with the barbecue sauce.

Serve pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.

11. Veggie Packed Turkey Meatballs

• Ingredients
  • Ground turkey
  • Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Grate vegetables and squeeze out excess moisture.

In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, grated vegetables, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Shape mixture into meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

Serve hot with your favorite sauce or over pasta.

12. Easy Beef Tacos

• Ingredients
  • Ground beef
  • Taco seasoning
  • Tortillas
  • Toppings (e.g., lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, sour cream)

Directions

In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.

Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning.

Heat tortillas according to package instructions.

Fill tortillas with seasoned beef and your favorite toppings.

Fold tortillas in half and serve hot.

13. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Ingredients
  • Salmon fillets
  • Garlic
  • Butter
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Pour butter mixture over salmon fillets.

Season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

14. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Ingredients
  • Portobello mushrooms
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Remove stems from portobello mushrooms and clean gills with a spoon.

Place mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet.

Fill each mushroom with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, and torn basil leaves.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

15. Quick and Easy Vegetable Fried Rice

• Ingredients
  • Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • Mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
  • Eggs
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.

Push garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet and scramble eggs on the other side.

Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until heated through.

Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well to combine.

Cook until rice is heated through and slightly crispy.

Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

16. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Ingredients
  • Pasta (e.g., fettuccine, penne)
  • Cooked chicken, shredded
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Fresh spinach
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.

In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and fresh spinach.

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before

serving.

17. Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup

• Ingredients
  • Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, onion, potatoes)
  • Canned beans (e.g., kidney beans, cannellini beans)
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.

Add chopped vegetables and cook until slightly tender.

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in canned beans and herbs.

Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Saute Garlic: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer.

Add Parmesan: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot!

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Place chicken breasts, halved potatoes, baby carrots, and lemon slices on a sheet pan.

Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle olive oil over everything. Sprinkle dried herbs, salt, and pepper evenly.

Toss and Arrange: Toss the ingredients on the pan to coat them in the oil and seasoning. Arrange chicken on top.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Quick and Easy Beef Stir Fry

Instructions

Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Stir Fry Beef: In a wok or skillet, stir-fry sliced beef until browned. Remove from the pan.

Cook Vegetables: Stir-fry broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas until tender-crisp.

Combine: Add the cooked beef back to the pan. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies. Toss to combine.

Serve: Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy your quick and tasty beef stir fry!

Simple Margherita Pizza

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F or 245°C).

Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce over the dough. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake: Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Garnish and Drizzle: Remove from the oven. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and drizzle olive oil over the pizza.

Slice and Enjoy: Slice and savor the simplicity of Margherita pizza!

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Instructions

Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced onions, and chopped cilantro.

Assemble Quesadillas: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon the chicken mixture on one half. Fold the other half over, creating a half-moon shape.

Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and tortilla is golden.

Slice and Serve: Remove from the skillet, let it cool for a moment, then slice into wedges. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Quick and Healthy Turkey Chili

Instructions

Brown Turkey: In a pot, brown ground turkey over medium heat.

Saute Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute until softened.

Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.

Season: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Simmer: Let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve: Ladle into bowls and add optional toppings. Enjoy your quick and healthy turkey chili!

Speedy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Stuffing: In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Slice Chicken: Make a pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife.

Stuff Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture.

**Dr

izzle and Bake:** Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Saute Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Saute until garlic is fragrant.

Add Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink on both sides.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a few minutes.

Combine Pasta: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with the flavorful sauce.

Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve your delightful garlic butter shrimp scampi!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Instructions

Saute Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.

Add Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring until absorbed.

Gradually Add Broth: Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to absorb before adding more.

Cook Mushrooms: In a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms until golden. Add them to the risotto.

Finish with Cheese: When the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, stir in grated Parmesan cheese.

Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve your velvety mushroom risotto!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Instructions

Season Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

Slow Cook: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add sliced onion and minced garlic. Pour barbecue sauce over everything.

Cook Until Tender: Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

Shred and Serve: Shred the pork using two forks. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw if desired.

Enjoy the BBQ Goodness: Sink your teeth into the deliciousness of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!

Veggie Packed Turkey Meatballs

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.

Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve with Sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a pan. Add meatballs and simmer for a few minutes. Serve over pasta or as appetizers.

Easy Beef Tacos

Instructions

Brown Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.

Add Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the mixture thickens.

Assemble Tacos: Spoon the beef mixture into taco shells. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Enjoy Taco Night: Dive into the deliciousness of easy homemade beef tacos!

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet.

Make Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried dill.

Brush and Bake: Brush the butter mixture over the salmon fillets. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve your lemon garlic butter salmon with your favorite sides.

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Instructions

Prepare Mushrooms: Clean Portobello mushrooms and remove the stems.

Assemble Filling: In each mushroom cap, layer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil.

Bake:

Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Drizzle and Season: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the stuffed mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy the Caprese Goodness: Indulge in the flavorful combination of caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms!

Quick and Easy Vegetable Fried Rice

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Ensure that the rice is chilled and the vegetables are ready.

Cook Eggs: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil. Add beaten eggs and scramble.

Add Vegetables: Stir in mixed vegetables and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.

Add Rice: Add chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Mix well.

Season and Stir: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir to evenly coat.

Finish with Green Onions: Toss in chopped green onions. Stir and cook for a few more minutes.

Serve Warm: Your quick and easy vegetable fried rice is ready to be served!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked and shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well combined.

Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve your creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake while it’s hot and comforting!

Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup

Instructions

Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Saute until vegetables are tender.

Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans.

Pour Broth: Pour in vegetable broth. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted.

Serve with Parmesan: Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan. Enjoy your hearty and easy vegetable and bean soup!

Incorporate these delightful recipes into your culinary repertoire for a diverse range of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and bring joy to your dining table!

Conclusion

There you have it—17 easy dinner recipes to simplify your mealtime routine! Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, or something more exotic, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.