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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Fast Easy Dinner Ideas That Don’t Skimp on Flavor

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 1, 2024, updated November 22, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and delicious dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially after a long day. These 22 recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights. From simple seafood treats to hearty pasta dishes, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick Shrimp Scampi in just 10 minutes, and you won't even need any wine. The mix of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley will make your kitchen smell amazing.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These pork chops are so juicy and full of flavor, and ready in just 25 minutes. Searing them with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, then simmering in red wine, creates a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's a simple and flavorful option for dinner when you're short on time.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole puts a fun spin on taco night with ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese all in one dish. It's great for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Juicy T-bone steaks can be made quickly in your air fryer for a simple meal. Serve them with homemade garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines spicy sauce, tangy blue cheese, pasta, and chicken. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms is a delicious twist on a classic dish. This simple meal is packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying your hunger.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish packed with flavors from ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It's simple to prepare with just a few dried herbs and little prep time, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Frozen Steak

    A sliced rib eye steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    You can have a juicy steak cooked from frozen in your air fryer in just 10-15 minutes, with no prep needed. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal that tastes just as good as fresh steak.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick Shrimp Carbonara that gives a fresh twist to the traditional Italian dish. This creamy pasta is packed with juicy shrimp, offering a delicious mix of flavors without the need for cream.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich

    A buffalo chicken ranch sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo chicken ranch sandwiches come together in just half an hour with simple steps and ready-made ingredients. This is a quick and flavorful meal that requires very little work.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is full of spicy and creamy flavors that everyone will love. The best part is you can make it even without using any vodka!

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven-baked Chicken Tenders are quick to prepare and ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients. They offer a healthier option compared to fried tenders, making them great for dipping or enjoying right from the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks can be ready in just 20 minutes with a simple marinade of olive oil, lime juice, and spices. They come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them a great choice for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really delicious. It's great for a cozy meal at home.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors and texturesand is sure to fill you up. It's a satisfying option for a quick meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a straightforward and flavorful dinner loaded with veggies, ground beef or lamb, and lots of cheese. By leaving out the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, it focuses on eggplant, making it a healthy and delicious Mediterranean meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy pesto pasta is a quick meal that comes together with just three ingredients in about 10 minutes. The combination of bright pesto sauce and Greek yogurt makes for a simple and satisfying dinner.

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    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and delicious dinner option. They come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and you can top them with whatever you like for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is super simple to prepare. It's a great option for busy nights when you still want something delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick pasta dish features flavorful smoked salmon and a bright kick of lemon. It's a meal you'll find yourself wanting to prepare over and over.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Bites

    Air fryer steak bites.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook

    These tender steak bites are simple to prepare and full of flavor. They’re great for quick dinners and can be ready in under 10 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Cheeseburger tater tot casserole.
      24 Layer and Bake Ground Beef Dinners We’re Making Every Week
    • John Wayne casserole.
      20 Stupid Simple Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Pesto pasta bake.
      26 Cheap & Easy Casseroles That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Chicken tikka masala.
      19 Slow Cooker Dinners That Will Make Your Kids Cheer

    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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