Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen cooking dinner every night? Do you find yourself ordering takeout more often than you’d like, just because you don’t have the time or energy to cook?
If so, you’re not alone! Many people struggle to come up with quick and easy dinner ideas that aren’t boring or unhealthy.
But fear not, because I’ve compiled a list of 40 delicious and simple dinner recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and won’t break the bank!
40 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes
1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggies
Simply marinate chicken breasts in your favorite sauce, and roast them in a baking dish with fresh veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Easy clean-up and healthy!
2. Italian Sausage and Peppers
Brown sausage in a pan and then mix with sliced bell peppers, onions, and parsley. Add canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer and serve.
3. Baked Salmon
Season a fillet of salmon with your favorite spices and herbs, then bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve with roasted asparagus or a side salad.
4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Slice beef against the grain and sauté with garlic and ginger. Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender. Add soy sauce and serve over rice.
5. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grill shrimp and serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and salsa. Quick and easy!
6. Creamy Tomato Soup
Sauté onion and garlic in a pot, add canned tomatoes and broth, and simmer until blended. Add heavy cream and season to taste. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
7. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cut sirloin into small pieces and cook in melted butter with garlic and rosemary. Season and serve with a side of roasted potatoes.
8. Shepherd’s Pie
Brown ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic in a pan. Add canned corn, canned peas, and beef broth. Pour into a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake until golden brown.
9. Chicken Parmesan
Dredge chicken breasts in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry in a pan until golden brown, then top with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly.
10. Vegetable Fried Rice
Cook rice according to package directions. Sauté frozen mixed vegetables in sesame oil, then add the cooked rice and soy sauce. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
11. Baked Ziti
Cook ziti according to package directions. Mix with tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
12. Chicken Fajitas
Slice chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions. Sauté in a pan with fajita seasoning, and serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
13. Broiled Flank Steak
Season flank steak with your favorite spices and broil for 5-7 minutes on each side. Slice against the grain and serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
14. Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in garlic and butter until pink. Add heavy cream, canned tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Simmer until thick and creamy. Serve over pasta.
15. Chicken Enchiladas
Mix shredded chicken with canned enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. Roll into tortillas and bake until bubbly. Serve with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
16. Pork Chops with Apples
Sauté sliced apples in butter until tender. Remove from pan and keep warm. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear in the pan until browned. Add the cooked apples, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until tender.
17. Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken
Sauté chicken breasts in garlic and olive oil. Add lemon zest and juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until thick and creamy. Serve over rice or pasta.
18. Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes
Cook pasta according to package directions. Mix with canned diced tomatoes and pesto sauce. Serve with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
19. Baked Cajun Garlic Butter Cod
Baked Cajun Garlic Butter Cod is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
The cod is baked in a buttery sauce with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and paprika, resulting in a tender and flaky fish that’s bursting with flavor.
20. Sautéed Tilapia with Lemon and Capers
Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil with capers, lemon juice, and butter. Serve with a side of sautéed spinach.
21. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds. Mix ground beef or turkey with cooked rice, canned tomato sauce, and diced onions. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and bake until tender.
22. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Rub chicken with a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs. Roast in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. Serve with your favorite sides.
23. Eggplant Parmesan
Slice and bread eggplant, then bake in the oven. Layer the eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve over pasta.
24. Honey Glazed Salmon
Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Brush over salmon fillets and broil until caramelized. Serve with steamed broccoli and rice.
25. Pasta Primavera
Sauté a mix of your favorite vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. Season with Parmesan cheese and herbs.
26. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grill until cooked through and serve with a side salad.
27. Shrimp Scampi
Sauté shrimp in garlic and butter. Add white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Serve over cooked linguine and garnish with fresh parsley.
28. Mushroom Risotto
Sauté sliced mushrooms and diced onions in butter. Add Arborio rice and chicken broth, and simmer until creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
29. Cilantro Lime Chicken
Marinate chicken thighs in cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. Grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Serve with rice and a fresh salsa.
30. Tofu Stir-Fry
Cube tofu and stir-fry with a mix of colorful vegetables in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over cooked brown rice or noodles.
31. Barbecue Pulled Pork
Slow cook pork shoulder with barbecue sauce, onions, and spices until it’s tender and can be easily pulled apart. Serve in buns with coleslaw.
32. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Sauté diced vegetables in olive oil, add lentils, and simmer with vegetable broth until the lentils are tender. Season with your favorite herbs and spices.
33. Chicken Alfredo
Cook chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Serve over fettuccine pasta and garnish with parsley.
34. Sesame Orange Tofu
Cube tofu and coat it with a sesame orange glaze. Bake or pan-fry until crispy. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and steamed broccoli.
35. Sausage and Kale Soup
Brown sausage in a pot, add diced onions, garlic, chicken broth, diced potatoes, and kale. Simmer until the potatoes are soft. Season to taste.
36. Mongolian Beef
Slice flank steak thinly and stir-fry in a sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Serve with steamed rice and green onions.
37. Baked BBQ Chicken
Season chicken pieces and bake with your favorite barbecue sauce until fully cooked and the skin is caramelized. Serve with coleslaw and corn on the cob.
38. Lemon Pepper Shrimp Pasta
Sauté shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss with cooked pasta and freshly cracked black pepper.
39. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Halve and roast acorn squash. Fill with a mixture of cooked ground sausage, onions, apples, and breadcrumbs. Bake until squash is tender.
40. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sauté pork pieces and bell peppers in a sweet and sour sauce. Serve over cooked white rice.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it, 40 quick and easy dinner recipes that will surely satisfy your cravings without making you spend too much time and money in the kitchen.
From one-pan chicken and veggies to spicy cod fillets, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, take charge of your dinner menu and impress your family and friends with these delicious and healthy meals. Happy cooking!
