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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    51 Quick and Easy Dinners for When You're Too Tired to Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 18, 2024, updated November 18, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These quick and easy dinner ideas are perfect for those nights when you're feeling too tired to cook but still want something satisfying. From simple stir-fries to one-pan meals, these recipes will help you whip up a delicious dinner in no time.

    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Gnocchi is perfect for a fast dinner. This creamy Pesto Gnocchi comes together in just 12 minutes using easy ingredients, whether you choose store-bought or homemade pesto.

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    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This is a simple yet tasty tortellini dish, tossed in a skillet with lemon, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It's perfect for when you want a quick meal without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Beef and broccoli stir fry.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This stir-fry is simple to make and packed with flavor. It's a family favorite that's great for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara is a tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with perfectly cooked shrimp, and it's super simple to prepare!

    Get the recipe

    Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Furikake Salmon is a crispy and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 22 minutes. With savory Japanese soy sauce and flavorful Furikake seasoning, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights and goes well with rice or vegetables.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is full of flavor from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs, so there's hardly any prep work involved.

    Get the recipe

    Quick Fried Rice

    Quick fried rice in bowls.
    Image credit: Urban Farmie.

    This fried rice is a simple dish that comes together quickly. It's perfect for nights when you just want something easy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes, featuring a spicy and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the salmon. This dish is a great option for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This tahini sauce is super easy to whip up with just a handful of basic ingredients. Tahini is the main ingredient that brings everything together.

    Get the recipe

    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is crispy, cheesy, and super simple to prepare. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of effort.

    Get the recipe

    Créme Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara is a simple and delicious version of the classic dish. With bacon and parmesan cheese, it’s just as satisfying as the traditional recipe but easier to whip up with ingredients you likely already have.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a simple and tasty dinner option that you can whip up in no time. These pork chops are juicy and tender, and you only need a few ingredients to have them ready in 25 minutes or less.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a simple meal that you can whip up in under 10 minutes. With its bright lemon and garlic flavors, this cheesy pasta is perfect as a main dish or a side for your favorite protein.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features chicken legs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's a simple and reliable way to enjoy a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Tapenade Sandwich

    Tapenade sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Tapenade (homemade or store-bought!) is the highlight of this dish, paired with Feta cheese and spicy jalapeños. It's a simple and satisfying option for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Rib Eye Steak

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

    Cooking steak in the air fryer is a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal without the mess. It's quick, healthy, and you can have it ready in under 15 minutes with just a minute of prep.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon filets are topped with garlic butter and wrapped in bacon for a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

    Grilled cheese.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    A grilled cheese sandwich is simple to whip up in the air fryer. It's cheesy and really satisfying, perfect for when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with this creamy hummus pasta that takes just 12 minutes and only 5 ingredients. It's a vegan and nut-free dish that you can whip up using either homemade or store-bought hummus.

    Get the recipe

    Herbed Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    A simple toast is perfect for a late weeknight dinner. This Herbed Ricotta Toast is easy to make and can be topped with fruits, veggies, or anything else you like.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a family favorite that everyone enjoys. It's cheesy and packed with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Mushroom Gnocchi

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

    Gnocchi with Bacon and Mushrooms is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. With only a few ingredients, including store-bought gnocchi and a splash of cream, it's finished off with a good sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Pasta

    salmon spinach pasta in a pan
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy smoked salmon pasta comes together in under 15 minutes. With flavorful smoked salmon and a hint of lemon, it's a simple yet classy dinner option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thighs and vegetables.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple and ideal for a quick family dinner, taking less than 45 minutes to prepare. Just roast chicken thighs along with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots in a tasty marinade.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This cheesy Tortellini Casserole is a quick weeknight meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes using only 5 ingredients. It's full of flavor and perfect for the whole family, plus it makes great leftovers!

    Get the recipe

    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

    Sheet pan with chicken and veggies.
    Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

    This simple sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is great for busy families looking for a healthy, warm meal. Just toss everything together, bake it, and serve—it's really that straightforward!

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This buffalo shrimp recipe is a simple and flavorful dinner that you can whip up in under 10 minutes. With just a few ingredients, it's a healthy option you'll want to make time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a zesty take on the traditional Alfredo sauce. It adds a little kick to your pasta dishes without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Burrata Caprese

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Burrata Caprese salad is a satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 10 minutes. Packed with fresh ingredients, it combines sweet and salty flavors with a nice crunch and creamy cheese, making it a hit even for those who aren't big salad fans.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is super simple and only requires 5 ingredients. It’s creamy and tasty, and you can whip it up in just 15 minutes without any cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Mayo Deopbap

    Tuna mayo deopbap.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This Korean tuna mayo rice bowl is a simple meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. It features rice, canned tuna, garlic butter, and vegetables, all topped with mayo and sweet soy sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth

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

    Ramen can be a simple meal, but adding some veggies and extra seasonings can really enhance it. This is a quick and easy dinner option for when you're feeling too tired to cook.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is creamy, rich, and super tasty. It's a simple one-pot meal that practically prepares itself.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies

    Sheet pan sausage and veggies.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This sheet pan dinner is super easy and tasty. With garlic and herbs, everything cooks up nicely in the oven and is ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and filling.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven baked teriyaki salmon is a simple dinner option that requires just a minute of prep time. You can easily use store-bought teriyaki sauce to whip this up.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Spinach Pasta

    Creamy Spinach Pasta.
    Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

    This pasta sauce is healthy and easy to make with just six ingredients and a blender. It's sure to be a hit with everyone in the family, even the picky eaters.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil with Potatoes & Tomatoes

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines fish with all the essentials for a full meal, including potatoes, tomatoes, lemon, and spices. It's a simple and satisfying option that’s perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines all the delicious flavors of buffalo sauce in a simple pasta bake. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air frying dumplings, pot stickers, and gyoza is a quick way to enjoy a tasty snack or meal in just 10 minutes. A little oil gives them a nice crispiness on the edges, making them perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Pasta

    Lemon Pepper Pasta.
    Photo credit: Pretty Delicious Life.

    Lemon Pepper Pasta with parmesan is a tasty dinner that your family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Gnocchi is a delicious option that’s super easy to prepare. Roasting it in the oven with olive oil gives it a crispy outside while keeping it soft and tender inside.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Easy Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Joy Food Sunshine.

    Pesto pasta is a simple and tasty dish that's perfect for any time of year. It works well as a main course or a side, and you can enjoy it hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon is a simple and healthy dinner option that anyone can enjoy. It takes just 22 minutes to prepare with only three ingredients, and it's full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Chinese Scrambled Eggs & Shrimp

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

    Cantonese stir-fried scrambled eggs and shrimp is a simple dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With fluffy scrambled eggs and tender shrimp, this is a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    This pasta with garlic and olive oil is a simple yet elegant dish that feels like a treat. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Gorgonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy Gorgonzola Gnocchi is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, ready in under 20 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and veggies, and you don’t even need to boil the gnocchi.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Garlic Butter Pasta with is ready in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients. It's creamy, cheesy, and has a nice hint of garlic and pepper.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    A bowl of sheet pan gnocchi.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Baking gnocchi with veggies and sausage creates a cozy dinner that's sure to please. It's a simple and satisfying meal for when you're feeling too tired to cook.

    Get the recipe

    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This classic Italian pasta dish is simple to prepare and only needs a few ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with tasty, seasoned meat. They're perfect for grilling in the summer or cooking indoors any time of the year.

    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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