26 Easy Dinner Recipes

Finding tasty dinner ideas doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself after a long day, these 26 easy dinner recipes will save your weeknights. These simple meals can be prepared in under an hour using common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. From kid-friendly pasta dishes to classic roast chicken, these recipes are designed for anyone to make, regardless of their cooking experience.

1. Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs

Penne with vodka sauce and mini meatballs is a comforting dish that combines creamy pasta with savory meat in one delicious meal. You can easily prepare this dish with common kitchen tools like a pot, pan, and mixing bowl. The balance of protein from meatballs and carbohydrates from pasta makes this a satisfying dinner option.

This recipe features tender mini meatballs nestled among penne pasta, all coated in a rich vodka sauce. The creamy tomato-based sauce gets a special flavor from a splash of vodka (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off). You’ll love how the juicy meatballs complement the silky sauce and al dente pasta.

Cooking Times

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta
8 ounces ground beef chuck
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 1/2 pounds beefsteak tomatoes (or canned tomatoes)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Mix ground beef, 1/4 cup Parmesan, breadcrumbs, an egg, and half the basil in a bowl.
Form into small, 1-inch meatballs.
Brown meatballs in olive oil for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a separate pan, blend tomatoes, vodka, and the remaining basil to make a sauce.
Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, then add cream.
Combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.