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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Simple Recipes So Easy Anyone Can Make Them

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 27, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these 29 simple recipes, anyone can whip up delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for quick ideas, these easy dishes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Salmon Spinach Pasta

    Salmon Spinach Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Food Blog.

    Salmon Spinach Pasta in a creamy sauce is a healthy and simple meal that works well for busy weeknights. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines tender salmon and fresh spinach with a rich sauce, creating a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    One Pot Chicken And Rice

    One Pot Chicken And Rice Dinner from Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    A one pot chicken and rice dinner is a simple and satisfying meal that uses real ingredients, all cooked together in a dutch oven or cast iron skillet. It starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, making it easy to prepare. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    A bowl of Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs is a great choice for an easy meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. With pre-cooked homemade meatballs, this one-pan pasta dish comes together quickly and effortlessly. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells

    Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    Shrimp Alfredo stuffed shells with kale and parmesan are a great choice for a family dinner at the end of a busy week. This dish combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender shrimp and nutritious kale, all stuffed into pasta shells and topped with cheese. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, making it a perfect way to wrap up the week.

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    Easy Baked Gnocchi

    Easy Baked Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: A Taste of Madness.

    This baked gnocchi dish is super easy to make and only requires three ingredients. It's a great option for a quick dinner during the week when you're short on time. With minimal effort, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    15 Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta

    Pasta with creamy tomato sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around tender noodles and seasoned chickpeas, providing a satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a delicious option that combines flavors and nutrition, making it a hit for family dinners.

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    Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

    CHEESY KIELBASA PASTA.
    Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    This cheesy pasta dish combines simple ingredients like pasta and kielbasa for a quick weeknight meal. It's perfect for busy evenings 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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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is a classic comfort food. This recipe features a chuck roast that you can prep in just 5 minutes. It cooks slowly, resulting in tender meat that falls apart easily and is full of flavor, all without much work.

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    California Roll Bowl

    A serving of California roll bowl.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    This California Roll Bowl brings together all the great flavors of classic California Roll sushi in a simple way. It features fresh avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and tasty imitation crab, all topped with a zesty sriracha drizzle. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that captures the essence of sushi without the fuss.

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    Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken & Broccoli

    Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken & Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This spicy buffalo chicken and broccoli dish is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy honey hot sauce, paired with tender broccoli. With just a few simple ingredients and only 30 minutes of cooking time, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy evenings.

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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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    Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Thai Basil Chicken is a tasty and easy dish that features diced or ground chicken, yardlong beans (or green beans), and plenty of fresh Thai basil mixed in a flavorful sauce. This is a good dinner option for busy nights, as you can whip it up in about 15 minutes if you use ground chicken. It's a quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This easy Crockpot meal is perfect for weeknight family dinners and special occasions alike. It features tender chicken that's well-seasoned and cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce. You can serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

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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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    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Dry onion soup mix adds a great flavor to classic meatloaf, making it a tasty option for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It takes the stress out of meal planning, allowing you to serve something delicious without much effort.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Sausage

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Sausage.
    Photo Credit: Scrummy Lane.

    Sheet pan gnocchi with sausage, peppers, and tomatoes is sure to become a favorite for family dinners during the week. This dish is full of flavor, combining savory sausage, crunchy vegetables, juicy tomatoes, and crispy gnocchi all baked together. The convenience of using just one pan makes cleanup easy, and it all comes together in just 30 minutes.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy twist on the classic Alfredo sauce. We only use powdered seasonings you probably already have at home, which makes this a great cheap option when money is low!

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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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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Chili is a warm and tasty dish that's super easy to prepare. Just toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty without putting in a lot of effort.

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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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    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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    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage Tray Bake.
    Photo Credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

    Sticky Sausage Tray Bake combines pork sausages, chorizo, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peppers all cooked together in a tasty chicken broth. This dish is a complete meal that's full of great flavors and vibrant colors. It's a filling and satisfying option that's simple to prepare, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

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    Cheese Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

    Sun-dried tomato ravioli with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A simple sun-dried tomato ravioli sauce can really enhance the flavor of store-bought cheese ravioli. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a tasty meal ready in about 15 minutes. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you're in the mood for something comforting and delicious.

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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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    Beef Taco Skillet

    BEEF TACO SKILLET.
    Photo credit: Laura Fuentes.

    This cheesy ground beef taco skillet is a quick meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Asparagus and Chicken Pasta

    Asparagus and Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Food Blog.

    Asparagus and chicken pasta is a fantastic dish that brings together fresh flavors and creamy goodness. It features tender chicken, crunchy asparagus, and pasta cooked just right, all coated in a rich lemon sauce. A touch of fresh dill adds a nice brightness, making each bite feel refreshing and satisfying.

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    Oven Baked Nachos

    Oven baked nachos with cheese and lime wedges.
    Photo Credit: Free Your Fork.

    Easy nachos come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and bake in only 10 minutes. Using store-bought tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa, and canned beans means you can whip them up in no time. They're great for a snack, an appetizer, or even a last-minute dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Dump-and-Bake Chicken Meals for Busy Nights
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      22 Ideas for Easy Fall Dinners
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      23 Hearty Soups You Can Make with Cheap Ingredients
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      16 Fun Veggie Dishes That Will Make You the Potluck Star

    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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