Easy Dinner Recipes

Looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas? These easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and require minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. From hearty pastas to one-pan meals, there’s something for everyone!

1. One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

A comforting and flavorful dish where tender chicken is cooked with garlic butter rice in one pot.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• Paprika, salt, and pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Sear the chicken in butter and garlic until golden brown.
2. Add rice, broth, and seasonings to the same pot.
3. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

2. 20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry

This colorful and healthy stir-fry is packed with veggies and a simple homemade sauce.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Broccoli florets
• Carrots, julienned
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Sesame oil

Directions:

this recipe

1. Sauté shrimp in sesame oil until pink, then remove from the pan.
2. Stir-fry veggies until tender-crisp.
3. Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then add to the pan.
4. Return shrimp to the pan, toss everything together, and serve over rice.

Ready in: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

3. Cheesy Taco Pasta

A quick one-pot meal that combines taco flavors with cheesy pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Pasta shells
• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef or chicken broth
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add pasta and cook until tender.
4. Stir in shredded cheese and top with sour cream before serving.

Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves: 4-6

4. Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

An easy one-pan meal with roasted sausage, potatoes, and colorful veggies.

Ingredients:

• Smoked sausage, sliced
• Baby potatoes, halved
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Red onion, chopped
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Directions:

1. Toss all ingredients with olive oil and seasonings on a sheet pan.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Serve with rice or on its own.

Ready in: 35 minutes | Serves: 4

5. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A rich and creamy chicken dish in a garlicky parmesan sauce, served over pasta or rice.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Sear chicken in butter until golden brown, then set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté garlic and add broth, heavy cream, and parmesan.
3. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then return chicken to the pan.
4. Serve over pasta or rice.

Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

6. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

A cheesy and crispy quesadilla filled with barbecue-flavored chicken.

Ingredients:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• BBQ sauce
• Flour tortillas
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Green onions, chopped
• Butter

Directions:

1. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce and green onions.
2. Place on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and top with another tortilla.
3. Cook in a buttered skillet until golden brown on both sides.
4. Slice and serve with ranch or sour cream.

Ready in: 15 minutes | Serves: 2-4

7. Baked Garlic Butter Salmon

A flavorful, flaky salmon dish baked with a buttery garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Butter, melted
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet.
2. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, then pour over the salmon.
3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
4. Serve with steamed veggies or rice.

Ready in: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

8. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

A creamy and comforting beef stroganoff made in the Instant Pot for a fast and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• Beef sirloin, sliced
• Egg noodles
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth
• Sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Sauté beef and onions in the Instant Pot.
2. Add mushrooms, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and broth.
3. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then stir in egg noodles and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Finish with sour cream and serve.

Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

9. 15-Minute Caprese Pasta

A light and fresh pasta dish with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh mozzarella, cubed
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Balsamic glaze

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
3. Toss pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Ready in: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

10. 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti

A simple, cheesy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• Ziti or penne pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta, then mix with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves: 6

Conclusion

These Easy Dinner Recipes are perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. From creamy pastas to one-pot wonders, these dishes will save you time while still delivering delicious flavors. Try one tonight and enjoy a stress-free dinner!

Print