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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals

    Tired of Chicken? These Dinners Are Way More Exciting

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 26, 2025 · Published November 26, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 15 dinners are perfect for when you're looking to switch things up from chicken. Packed with flavor and variety, these meals will bring excitement back to your dinner table. From hearty pastas to vibrant veggie dishes, there's something here for everyone.

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This simple and cheesy dish is great for a cozy dinner that everyone will love. It's a filling meal that will take your mind off chicken and bring some excitement to your table.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

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

    Juicy pork chops are a great option when you're looking for something different. They come together quickly, taking only 25 minutes to prepare. Searing them with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, followed by a simmer in red wine, results in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish provides a tasty alternative to your usual chicken dinner, bringing a creamy and tangy flavor along with a satisfying crunch. It's a great option for a fulfilling meal that everyone will love.

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    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    Stuffed Anaheim peppers are a delicious option when you're looking for something different. These peppers are packed with savory meat and gooey cheese, all topped off with a rich avocado sauce that adds a nice touch. It's a satisfying meal that brings a bit of excitement to your dinner table.

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    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth

    Bowls with vegetable ramen.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Ramen gets a boost when you add fresh vegetables and a dash of spices. This easy enhancement transforms your meal with new flavors and textures. It's a simple way to make your dinner more interesting and satisfying.

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon, perfectly seasoned, is a great choice for dinner, especially when served with a refreshing ginger avocado salsa. This dish brings a nice balance of flavors that makes it stand out. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can brighten up any evening.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This meal is a simple yet tasty option that combines shrimp and pasta in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It's an easy dish that brings together seafood and pasta, making it a dinner that everyone can enjoy.

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    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 simple to prepare, using only four ingredients along with a few store-bought items. You can have everything ready in just five minutes, and it will be on the table in under 40 minutes. It's a great option when you're looking for something different from chicken.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a delicious choice that appeals to everyone, whether you're a kid or an adult. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, they come together quickly and are great for a filling meal in just 20 minutes.

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    Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Cabbage Roll Casserole
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cabbage roll casserole brings together ground beef and cabbage in a simple and tasty dish that reminds you of classic cabbage rolls. It's a healthy meal that's packed with flavor and can be prepared in no time. This is a great option for dinner when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Dinner can get a little boring, especially if you're tired of chicken. These smash burgers are a fun and tasty alternative that you can whip up in no time. With just a hot skillet and some butter, you can have crispy, flavorful burgers ready in about 15 minutes.

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    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon can be ready in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for dinner. The combination of Greek yogurt and pesto adds a unique flavor that stands out from the usual chicken dishes. This is a great choice for nights when you want something a little different.

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    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    Spicy mac and cheese adds an exciting Indian twist to a beloved classic. It combines cheesy pasta with jalapeños and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a flavorful dish. This vegetarian meal is quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes to make.

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    Beef Noodle Stir Fry

    Beef noodles.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Beef noodle stir fry is a simple and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features tender beef, onions, spaghettini, and soy sauce, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for any night. This dinner is not only quick to prepare but also filling and enjoyable.

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    Skillet Stuffed Peppers

    Skillet Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    Skillet stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love. Packed with flavor, they offer a satisfying meal that doesn't take much time to put together. This dish is perfect for when you want something different and exciting for dinner.

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    More Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes

    • CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
      Dump, Bake, and Enjoy: 40 Gourmet Dinners Made Simple
    • Brie mac and cheese.
      Brie Mac and Cheese
    • Steak pasta casserole.
      This Is How I Make My Dinner Cook Itself
    • Pesto pasta bake.
      26 Cheap & Easy Casseroles That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    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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