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    Home » Uncategorized

    34 No-Fuss Dinners for a Relaxing Evening at Home

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 26, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want is to stress over dinner. These 34 easy dinner ideas are perfect for a relaxing evening at home, offering simple recipes that require minimal effort but still deliver on flavor. Whether you're in the mood for something comforting or light, there's a dish here to suit your evening.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a simple family dinner or a tasty side dish for gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and fresh veggies all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing.

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    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This instant pot spaghetti is simple to prepare with just 9 ingredients and only one pot. In under 30 minutes, you can have this classic dish ready for dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Fried Rice

    One Pan Tuna Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    This dish combines canned tuna, white rice, eggs, and vegetables with a tasty homemade sauce, all ready in just 25 minutes. It's a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick to prepare, taking only 3-5 minutes to cook. They’re flavored with garlic and paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch, making them perfect for salads or your favorite sauces and sides.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.,

    This recipe creates a tasty sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. It's a simple option for busy weeknight dinners.

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    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    BBQ drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This recipe is full of tasty BBQ flavor and is simple to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Creamy Potato and Wild Mushroom Soup

    Creamy Potato and Wild Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: Natalia Marble.

    Mushrooms and creamy potatoes come together in a rich broth with a blend of seasonings that brings out a wonderful flavor. This is a satisfying dish that you'll want to enjoy again and again.

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    Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Smoky grilled chicken skewers are packed with flavor from a marinade of ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce, topped off with a sweet coconut glaze. Paired with a simple peanut sauce, this is an easy dinner option that comes together quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Beet Pasta Salad

    Roasted Beet Pasta Salad with Basil Dressing.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad offers a fresh twist on a classic dish. It's quick to prepare and works great as a side for summer dinners.

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    Buffalo Chicken Fries

    Buffalo chicken loaded fries.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Buffalo chicken cheese fries are packed with flavor and are a great choice for a laid-back evening or a fun gathering. With crispy fries, tender chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce, this dish comes together quickly and easily.

    Get the recipe

    Pizza Bagel Bites

    Pizza bagel bites.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade pizza bagel bites are great for a fun lunch, a quick snack after school, or a tasty appetizer for game day. With just four simple ingredients, you can easily customize them to fit your family's preferences.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This spicy mac and cheese gives a fun Indian twist to a classic dish. Packed with cheesy pasta, jalapeños, and warm spices, it's a simple and tasty vegetarian option that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This simple dinner comes together in just 20 minutes, making it great for busy nights. It's vegetarian as is, but you can easily make it vegan or add chicken if you prefer a meatier option.

    Get the recipe

    Puff Pastry Pizza

    Puff pastry pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Puff pastry pizza is a simple and fast take on classic pizza. Load it up with your favorite toppings and you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

    Get the recipe

    Beef Bibimbap

    Beef Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl).
    Photo credit: Dish 'n' the Kitchen.

    Beef Bibimbap is a simple Korean rice bowl filled with a variety of vegetables, tasty side dishes, and sweet spicy beef, all topped with an egg. This is a great meal for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are full of flavor and packed with vegetables, making a delicious low-carb dinner that everyone will love. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of work.

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    Traditional Bucatini Carbonara with Guanciale

    Bucatini carbonara on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Casual Epicure.

    Pasta Carbonara with Guanciale is a simple and delicious dish that features crispy guanciale mixed with pasta in a rich egg and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. It's a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

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    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cassidy's Craveable Creations.

    This easy keto salmon is coated in a tasty sweet and spicy sauce. It’s quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and only needs one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce

    Pink pasta on a shallow, white bowl.
    Photo Credit: XOXOBella.

    This pink sauce pasta features a tasty blend of tomato and cream, mixed with onion, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a satisfying meal that anyone who enjoys Italian food will love.

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    Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This air fryer grilled cheese features sharp cheddar, chopped broccoli, and a hint of chili flakes for a little kick. It's a quick and easy vegetarian sandwich that's crispy, buttery, and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be ready in just 10 minutes, offering a delicious option for dinner or an appetizer. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed peppers can be ready in just 45 minutes with this simple recipe. Packed with tex-mex flavors and topped with cheese, they’re great on their own or paired with tortilla chips.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, with only a few minutes of prep time. You can go from walking in the door to enjoying dinner in about 15 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Leek, Ham & Potato Soup

    Creamy Leek, Ham & Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Family Food Kitchen.

    This creamy soup is simple to prepare and really tasty. It's comforting and full of vegetables, ready to serve in about 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Cod Piccata

    Cod piccata.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This recipe features cod in a creamy piccata sauce, perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It's rich and flavorful, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

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    New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

    Easy New Orleans Bbq Shrimp
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This classic Cajun shrimp dish is rich and tasty, and you can have it ready in just 20 minutes. Shrimp are cooked in a delicious sauce with garlic, beer, Worcestershire sauce, Creole spices, and lots of butter.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Hanger Steak

    Grilled Hanger Steak
    Photo Credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    These gourmet grilled steaks topped with tasty Charmoula sauce are perfect for summer gatherings. Enjoy them fresh from the grill or at room temperature, and they’re sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a simple and affordable way to enjoy tasty beef without spending much. This slow cooker meal is quick to prepare and results in tender, juicy bites that are great for dipping with some crusty bread.

    Get the recipe

    Lentil Rice Soup

    Lentil Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Veggie Inspired.

    This soup is full of protein and veggies, making it both filling and tasty. With easy-to-find ingredients, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    This smoked Italian pasta salad combines the best elements of pasta salad with a delicious smoky twist. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    On your table in just 30 minutes - this Creamy Chicken Pasta is a winner every time! Packed full of fall flavors like red wine, mushrooms and thyme, it's a perfect easy dinner - that you will love to have in your lunchbox the next day. And it's sure to become your new favorite pasta dish!

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Gordita Crunch

    Crunchy tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy gordita crunch is a simple twist on taco night that adds a delicious layer of flavor. With just a few extra minutes of prep, you can enjoy a homemade version that rivals your favorite fast food.

    Get the recipe

    Duck With Orange Sauce

    Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Duck breasts with orange sauce is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors. It's simple enough to prepare on a weeknight and can be made ahead of time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks can be ready in just 20 minutes after soaking in olive oil, lime juice, and spices. They turn out tender with a nice crispy skin, making this a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners.

    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 more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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