42 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe Ideas That Anyone Can Make

Justina Huddleston · Aug 12, 2018

Getting dinner on the table is a struggle, no matter who you are. We all have our favorite go-to pasta meals for busy nights, and a roast chicken always hits the spot, but when our usual recipes get boring, look here for meal ideas. These quick-and-easy dinner recipes offer up major inspiration, even on those busy nights when you're drawing a blank on what to make.

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili: Just dump the ingredients into your pressure cooker, and you'll have food enough to feed a family in less than 30 minutes. (via Brit + Co)

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry: Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal that's ideal for weeknights. (via Brit + Co)

Mango Shrimp Curry: A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this shrimp stir-fry. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs: Cooked on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. (via Brit + Co)

Thai Basil Stir-Fry: Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Brit + Co)

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti: Bake pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: A rotisserie chicken cuts the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Brit + Co)

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas: Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein too! (via Brit + Co)

Foil Pack Chicken and Broccoli: Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup: Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, or Parmesan depending on your preference. That way, everyone in your house gets a bowl of soup they love. (via Brit + Co)

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket: Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier? (via Brit + Co)

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans: We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies: Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this melange of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps: A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on hot dogs. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad: The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salad into one you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

15-Minute Vegan Pad Thai: When homemade food tastes this good, skipping the takeout is a no brainer. (via Delish Knowledge)

Easy Chicken Piccata: Whip up your favorite restaurant meal in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan. A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal. (via Munchkin Time)

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast: Sneak in veggies by sandwiching them in between cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki: Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing. (via My Modern Cookery)

Bean Stuff Casserole: Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam on a time-strapped night. (via Crazy for Crust)

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza: You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smokey, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry: This stir-fry will please those on a paleo, low-carb, and gluten-fee diet. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)

Chicken Scallopini: This classic dish stars a few secret convenience ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)

Chorizo, Scallop, and Kale Stir-Fry: Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil: Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means easy cleanup on nights when you're pressed for time. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner: Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops: Using the grill adds another layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas: This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini: Keep frozen tortellini on hand for when you need to whip up dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls: Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas: Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)

Mexican Shrimp Skillet: This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes. (via Family Food on the Table)

Pasta With Peas and Ricotta: Creamy ricotta and Parmesan transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)

Quinoa Taco Salad: Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)

Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad: This is the kind of meal you'll dream about on hot nights. Bonus: It makes great leftovers too. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Coconut Lime Shrimp: Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal weeknight meal. (via Salt and Lavender)

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp: This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick. (via The Rustic Foodie)

Spinach-and-Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Bake these rolled chickens in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup: A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)

Tuna Panzanella: Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Za'atar One Pot Chicken and Rice: Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)

Sesame Tofu Noodle Bowl: Vegan food doesn't have to be complicated, as proven by these 20-minute sesame tofu noodle bowls. (via La Petit Chef)

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Justina Huddleston

Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.

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