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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Exciting Dinner Ideas That Will Make You Look Forward to Dinner Again

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 10, 2025, updated April 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Dinner can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn't have to be that way. With 21 exciting dinner ideas, you can bring some fun and variety back to your evening meals. From quick weeknight recipes to more adventurous dishes, there's something here to inspire everyone and make you look forward to dinner again.

    10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

    Shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Bored with your usual dinners? This quick garlic butter shrimp dish takes only 10 minutes to prepare and pairs well with veggies and pasta for a filling meal or can be made ahead for easy lunches throughout the week.

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    Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

    Chicken meatballs on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These quick and tasty meatballs are loaded with fresh green onion, garlic, and ginger. They’re a great way to add some excitement to your dinner routine.

    Get the recipe

    Oven Baked Panko Chicken

    One-Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup with lime wedges.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Bored with your usual dinner options? This easy recipe adds a tasty mayo and mustard coating to the chicken, making it juicy and crispy in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Adding feta cheese to your chicken pasta can really liven it up. This simple twist brings a fresh flavor that makes the dish more exciting.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to prepare. With just four ingredients and some ready-made items, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. It's loaded with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, making it a filling low-carb option that works well on its own or served with noodles or rice.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Baked Fish

    A bowl of Mediterranean baked fish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Mediterranean baked fish dish adds some excitement to your dinner routine. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes and using just 8 easy ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is loaded with veggies, making it a healthier choice that you'll love. It's a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while getting in some extra nutrients.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick and tasty sweetheart cabbage salad combines spinach, chickpeas, and Parmesan cheese for a fresh take on a classic dish. It's easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic shrimp pasta recipe.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Boring dinners are a thing of the past with this dish. Enjoy juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful mix of garlic, butter, and herbs, paired with linguine in a creamy white wine sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This quick potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies is a great option for dinner. It's a healthy meal that's ready in just 25 minutes and all made in one pan, with a touch of lemon to brighten the flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a quick and delicious dinner option. It's a light and flavorful meal that's great for any evening.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole

    Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This taco casserole is a fun way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors in just 30 minutes. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This easy meal comes together with just 8 ingredients for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken

    Chicken with sauce on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features juicy chicken breast covered in a creamy sauce made with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. It's a great way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinners and keep everyone happy.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Boring dinners can be a drag. This zesty Alfredo sauce uses simple pantry spices to create a tasty and budget-friendly meal.

    Get the recipe

    Peanut Butter Chicken Rice Bowls

    Peanut butter chicken rice bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Boring dinners are a thing of the past with this simple recipe. Marinate the chicken in advance, then cook it up and serve it over rice for a tasty meal that you can enjoy throughout the week.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

    A bowl of chicken corn chowder.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dinner idea features juicy rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, potatoes, and crispy bacon all in a creamy broth. It's a comforting meal that will brighten up your evening.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your dinner routine. With just three easy ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Massaman Chicken Curry is a simple one-pot meal that comes together in just 45 minutes with the help of store-bought curry paste. It's creamy and slightly sweet, featuring chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, making it a comforting dish that's not too spicy.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Add some excitement to your dinner with a flavorful take on salmon using teriyaki sauce, whether you choose to buy it or make it yourself. This dish brings a fun and delicious change to your usual meals.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Lemongrass grilled chicken.
      Memorial Day BBQ: 24 Recipes That Will Make You the Grill Master
    • Feta stuffed chicken.
      19 Simple Sunday Night Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
    • John Wayne casserole.
      24 Dump-And-Cook Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • Baked ratatouille.
      18 Memorial Day Casseroles That Are a Guaranteed Hit

    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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