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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Dinners You'll Wonder How You Lived Without

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 18, 2026 · Published June 23, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Looking for quick and easy dinner ideas that won't require a lot of effort? Check out these 18 recipes that are simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You'll wish you had known about these delicious meal ideas sooner - they're sure to become staples in your recipe rotation.

    Beer Cheese Potato Soup with Sausage

    Beer Cheese Potato Soup with Sausage.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In this easy dinner recipe, you'll enjoy a delicious blend of sausage and potato soup with a twist - the rich flavors of Wisconsin beer cheese soup.

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    Salmon Risotto with Leeks & Lemon

    Salmon Ristotto with Leeks & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Cook up a tasty Salmon Risotto in less than 40 minutes without the need to stir non-stop. Packed with lemon, leeks, and parsley, it's a simple and flavorful meal ideal for any evening.

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    BBQ drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Here's a simple BBQ recipe that you can make without needing a grill. Perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick and easy dinner fast!

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Here's a simple pasta recipe using common ingredients you likely have. Great for busy nights when you want a really easy meal.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casserole is a delicious mix of all your favorite flavors in one simple dish. Perfect for a potluck or a speedy dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    This tuna pasta salad is full of veggies and fresh flavors, making it a tasty and light meal.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your table.

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    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook up some delicious oven-baked Chicken Tenders in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have. These healthier, non-fried tenders can be enjoyed with your preferred sauce or straight out of the oven for a tasty meal.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is all done in under an hour. It's loaded with spicy buffalo sauce and hidden spinach, and so cheesy and delicious. An indulgent and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight!

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    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    When you need a quick and tasty meal after a busy day, whip up this Salmon Stew in just under 30 minutes. It's made with simple ingredients and easy steps.

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    Chickpea Fritters

    Chickpea fritters on a plate.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These versatile fritters can be enjoyed with a dip or in a salad, making them a great option for a relaxed dinner. They're easy to make and perfect for a stress-free meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Here's an easy recipe for delicious chicken patties that you can whip up in no time. It's hassle-free, no need for chopping, and the fresh lemon juice gives it a tasty kick.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is really easy to make and great for a relaxed evening without any stress.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make it yourself - either way, you'll love this easy salmon recipe.

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    Asian Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Asian chciken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    Cook up these Asian-inspired chicken drumsticks with a sweet and salty marinade for a stress-free and tasty barbecue dish that everyone will love.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Looking for an easy dinner idea? Try making these baked cod foil packets - they're easy to prepare and packed with tasty ingredients like cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon. Perfect for a laid-back dinner at home.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Cook up some delicious chicken tenders in your air fryer in only 20 minutes. Pair them with your preferred sides for a speedy and tasty dinner option any day of the week.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Here's a simple Alfredo sauce recipe using common pantry spices that's both quick and delicious, ideal for a budget-friendly dinner option.

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    Garlic Sriracha Pork with Vegetables

    Garlic Sriracha Pork with Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    This spicy garlic sriracha pork dish has a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables.

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    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a quick and delicious Lemon Chicken Marinade using basic, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for grilling, frying, or baking chicken, it guarantees juicy and tasty meat with every bite.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs

    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    These Asian pork meatballs are easy to make and taste great! The sauce is a perfect mix of sweet, sticky, and spicy, ideal for a laid-back dinner.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      14 Easy Lunches So Good Your Desk Neighbor Will Be Jealous
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      23 Summer Pasta Salads That Will Transform Your Lunch Game
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      26 Easy Fourth of July Desserts Your Guests Will Rave About

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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