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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Dinner Ideas That Are Super Easy to Prepare

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 6, 2025, updated September 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can make weeknight cooking a breeze. Whether you're short on time or just looking for simple recipes, there are plenty of options that require minimal effort but still deliver on flavor. From one-pan meals to quick stir-fries, these 29 dinner ideas will help you whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow cooker BBQ chicken is a family favorite thanks to its zesty mix of BBQ sauce and Italian dressing. It's simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and takes only a few hours to cook. This dish is perfect for any time of year and is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    A Philly Cheesesteak can be a real treat, but it's not always easy to make when you're short on time or money. This ground beef version is a great solution, giving you all the classic flavors without the fuss. You'll enjoy the savory meat, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, all packed into a soft bun. It's a satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and easy on the wallet.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This easy slow cooker recipe brings the classic tastes of Tuscany right to your home. It's a simple way to enjoy hearty and comforting flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, this dish allows you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.

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    Cream Cheese Pasta

    Cream Cheese Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

    Cream cheese pasta is a tasty vegetarian dish that comes together with just 10 simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. This creamy pasta is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying that everyone in the family will love. It's an easy option that doesn't require much time or effort, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Ginger chicken stir-fry features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful ginger and garlic sauce. This dish comes together quickly in just one pan, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. If you're a fan of fresh ginger, you'll really enjoy this simple yet tasty dinner option.

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    Beer Cheese Potato Soup with Sausage

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

    This filling and cozy beer cheese potato soup brings together the classic tastes of sausage and potatoes with the rich flavors of Wisconsin beer cheese. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that warms you up. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

    Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

    This easy dinner is full of great flavor and comes together quickly. With perfectly cooked pasta and Italian sausage mixed in a creamy tomato sauce, it's a satisfying one-pot meal that everyone in the family will enjoy, even the picky eaters.

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    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is a unique dish that combines the flavors of Indian cuisine with a classic favorite. It's quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, and is both filling and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal that feels comforting and warm.

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    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes dish is a breeze to make. With just 5 minutes of prep, you can throw everything on one pan and let it bake. It's a great option for weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Chinese Scrambled Eggs & Shrimp

    chinese scrambled eggs with shrimp.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Cantonese stir-fried scrambled eggs with shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With fluffy scrambled eggs and tender shrimp, it's a simple meal that's perfect for busy nights. This dish is satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great option for any weeknight dinner.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great option for a quick meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dish on its own. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes

    Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

    "Meat and Potatoes" is a classic meal that's both simple and satisfying. This one-skillet dish is easy on the budget and doesn't require any extra sides. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty dinner without a lot of work.

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    Miso Vegetable Soup

    A bowl of miso vegetable soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This comforting spring soup is packed with healthy ingredients, flavorful broth, and tender vegetables in every bite. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, and it tastes great whether served hot or cold.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    20 Minute Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This 20-minute marry me chicken pasta is a fantastic option for a quick and easy meal. With rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it delivers a rich flavor that feels like it took hours to prepare, but it's ready in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients in a delicious way. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a quick and simple meal that you can whip up at home in just 15 minutes, including prep time. It features genuine Thai flavors from ingredients like fish sauce, Thai curry paste, cashew nuts, lime, and cilantro. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add some Sriracha sauce to spice things up.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pasta salad is packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, diced cheddar cheese, and a generous amount of creamy homemade ranch dressing. It's a simple dish that everyone will love, making it perfect for your next backyard barbecue. With its mix of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

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    Pork Chops with Salsa Verde

    Pork chops with salsa verde and potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

    Seared marinated pork chops paired with a creamy and tangy salsa verde create a satisfying meal. This dish is easy to prepare and goes well with roasted potatoes or rice, making it a great choice for dinner. It's a simple yet delicious option that everyone will appreciate.

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    Pasta With Zucchini And Tomatoes

    Pasta With Zucchini And Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Pasta with zucchini and tomatoes is a great choice for a summer meal. It's light, fresh, and healthy, and you can whip it up in about 20 minutes with just seven ingredients. This dish is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something simple and satisfying.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are quick and simple to prepare, taking only 6-8 minutes to cook. Made with fresh salmon and flavored with powdered seasonings, they are full of taste without the need for any chopping. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon cooked this way turns out just right, bursting with lemon flavor. It's a simple dish that's just as delicious as fresh salmon. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry with rice.
    Photo Credit: Mae's Menu.

    This dish offers a tasty take on traditional chicken curry, blending creamy coconut with rich peanut butter for a unique flavor. It's filled with warm spices and can be prepared in no time, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner during the week.

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    Air Fryer Halibut

    Air fryer halibut on a white plate.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    This 5-ingredient halibut is sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners. The fresh halibut is topped with a crispy herb panko coating and cooked in under 10 minutes. It's a simple and quick meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. It's a great option for a weeknight meal when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it's mostly hands-off and comes together easily. You'll have delicious chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish combines a creamy steak and mushroom pasta with a cheesy casserole. The result is a delicious, cozy yet elegant, dinner done in just 45 minutes. Make it in an oven-safe skillet for a one-pan meal that will save you dishes!

    Get the recipeaslan

    Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole combines the delicious taste of green chile enchiladas with rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

    Rotisserie chicken tacos.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are a fun twist on Taco Night that bring some exciting flavors to the table. With corn tortillas and shredded chicken, these tacos are topped with a tasty avocado spread, pickled red onions, and your favorite salsa and cheese. This is a simple meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

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    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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