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

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.

2. Shredded, Saucy BBQ Chicken Sammies

This popular recipe combines chicken breasts poached in a flavorful mix of chicken stock and beer. After cooking, you simply shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with sautéed onions and garlic. The result is a mouth-watering sandwich that both kids and adults will love.

3. Barbecue Chicken with Succotash

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that’s both satisfying and nutritious? Barbecue Chicken with Succotash is the answer! This easy-to-make meal combines tangy chicken with a colorful vegetable medley. You can prepare it using basic kitchen tools like a skillet and cutting board.

4. Shortcut Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe transforms store-bought rotisserie chicken into a delicious Mexican-inspired dish in minutes. By combining chicken with beans, cheese, and sauce, you create a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. The best part? No tedious rolling of individual enchiladas required!

5. Orecchiette with Greens, Garbanzo Beans and Ricotta Salata

This pasta dish is both simple to make and packed with nutrients. You can prepare it using common kitchen tools like a large pot and a skillet. The combination of greens and beans creates a protein-rich meal that’s also full of vitamins. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

6. Instant Pot Salmon with Garlic Potatoes and Greens

This one-pot wonder combines flaky salmon fillets with garlicky potatoes and fresh greens. The ingredients cook together, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a satisfying meal.

7. Beans, Greens and Cream

This comforting, one-pan meal is both satisfying and nutritious. The beans provide hearty protein while the greens add essential vitamins. The creamy element brings everything together into a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy.

8. Cauliflower Stir-Fry with Toasted Peanuts

This stir-fry combines crisp cauliflower florets with crunchy peanuts for a satisfying texture contrast. The dish offers a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor. You’ll love how the toasted peanuts add both protein and a nutty crunch.

9. Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper

This delicious dish features juicy chicken (either bone-in thighs or boneless breasts) alongside fresh green beans and vibrant tomatoes. The Italian seasonings create a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your kitchen. You’ll love how the vegetables roast to perfect tenderness while the chicken develops a flavorful crust.

10. Stuffed Bell Peppers

These family favorites combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese in a vibrant bell pepper shell. The peppers soften in the oven while the filling becomes savory and delicious. You’ll love how easily you can customize these to suit your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry.

11. Lemon Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Tater Tots

This meal pairs juicy, flavorful pork chops with everyone’s favorite crispy potato side dish. The bright lemon and garlic flavors balance perfectly with the cheesy tots, while green beans add color and nutrition to complete the meal.

12. Spaghetti and Meatballs

This Italian-American favorite combines tender pasta with juicy, flavorful meatballs and rich tomato sauce. The recipe is highly customizable—you can use beef, pork, turkey, or a combination for the meatballs. Even picky eaters will approve of this timeless dish!

13. Apricot-Glazed Chicken with Spring Vegetables

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful pieces coated with a sweet apricot glaze that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables. The combination of apricot preserves and mustard creates a tangy sauce that will make your taste buds happy.

14. Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Arugula Salad Topping

The combination of flavors in this recipe is truly outstanding. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a lemony, Parmesan crust and topped with a bright arugula salad. You’ll love how the peppery arugula complements the savory chicken.

15. Alfredo Shrimp Scampi Dump Dinner

This creamy, garlicky pasta dish combines two Italian-American favorites: shrimp scampi and fettuccine alfredo. The flavors blend perfectly as everything cooks together. You’ll love how the pasta absorbs the savory garlic butter sauce while the shrimp become tender and juicy.

16. Curried Chicken Thighs

This Thai-inspired recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy as they simmer in the fragrant sauce, absorbing all the delicious curry flavors. The recipe creates a sauce that pairs perfectly with rice for a complete meal.

17. Beef Stroganoff

This classic comfort food transforms ordinary beef into something special with minimal effort. The rich, tangy sauce coats every bite, while the tender meat and mushrooms create a satisfying meal that works well for family dinners or casual entertaining. You’ll love how quickly this impressive dish comes together!

18. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken and Vegetables

This classic dish combines juicy chicken with colorful vegetables that roast together, soaking up all the amazing flavors. The chicken develops a golden, crispy skin while the vegetables caramelize to sweet perfection. You’ll love how the lemon and herbs infuse everything with fresh, vibrant taste.

19. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

You’ll love this versatile recipe that can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better the next day! The combination of juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing creates a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and light.

20. Baked Ziti

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. The combination of ziti pasta, ground beef, and three kinds of Italian cheese creates a hearty meal that both kids and adults will enjoy. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat.

21. Spicy Pork Noodle Bowl

This flavorful dish features tender pork, fresh vegetables, and noodles tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. You’ll love how the savory pork pairs with the cooling vegetables and comforting noodles.

22. Roast Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout

Don’t let the fancy name fool you! This impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make with just basic kitchen tools. The tender, protein-rich beef paired with earthy mushrooms creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your home. Best of all, it’s a complete meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

23. Instant Pot Tacos

Making tacos in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Your family will love these tender, flavorful tacos that come together with minimal effort. The pressure cooking method breaks down tough meat fibers quickly, creating juicy, melt-in-your-mouth fillings that taste like they’ve been cooking all day.

24. Smoky Pork Posole

Smoky Pork Posole is a comforting Mexican soup that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This hearty dish combines tender pork with hominy (dried corn kernels) in a flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and nutritious. You’ll only need basic kitchen tools like a large pot and a cutting board to create this warming meal.

25. Spicy Veggie Stir-Fry

This recipe transforms simple vegetables into an exciting dinner with a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of heat. The vibrant colors and bold flavors will make this stir-fry a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.

26. Sausage and Broccolini Pizza

This pizza recipe elevates your weeknight dinner with minimal effort. The combination of juicy sausage and tender broccolini creates a restaurant-quality pizza that’s actually simple to make at home. The sharp cheese and slightly charred vegetables will convince you to skip takeout next time.