21 Quick Dinners That Will Have You Doing Less And Eating More
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Hectic nights call for dinners that don’t take hours in the kitchen but still taste like you put in the effort. Quick recipes mean less chopping, less waiting, and more time to actually enjoy a meal that feels homemade. These dishes deliver big flavor fast, making weeknight stress disappear and dinner something to look forward to again.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp bakes in the oven with sizzling butter and garlic surrounding every bite. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s one of the fastest ways to make dinner feel special without lifting a finger. Pair with pasta, rice, or salad and you’ve got an impressive, delicious meal that’s light, and on the table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls bake up golden with layers of savory ham and melty cheese tucked inside soft, buttery bread. Brushed with a seasoned glaze before hitting the oven, they deliver incredible flavor without requiring much effort. Ready in about half an hour, they’re a quick dinner that disappears faster than you can set them on the table.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey mustard chicken turns plain chicken breasts into a bold and flavorful meal coated in a golden, tangy-sweet glaze. The sauce bakes into the meat, leaving it juicy and perfectly balanced between savory and sweet. On the table in no time, it’s a dish that feels special without adding extra work to the weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Cheesy ground beef taco skillet pulls together seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and all the classic taco toppings into one pan. With fewer than ten ingredients and less than half an hour of cooking, it’s as convenient as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers big flavor while keeping cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Healthy Chicken Salad
Healthy chicken salad swaps heavy mayo for avocado, yogurt, and lime, keeping all the creaminess but adding brightness and freshness. Tossed with chicken, tomatoes, and crisp veggies, it’s a modern twist on a classic. Prepped in just 15 minutes, it’s quick, light, and perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Honey garlic pork chops sear to a golden crust before being glazed in a sticky mix of honey and garlic. The quick cooking time means dinner is ready fast, while still giving you all the comfort of a slow-cooked meal. With so much flavor in every bite, they’re the kind of dish families happily request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken takes tender chicken breasts and packs them with flavor from a simple mix of dried herbs and black pepper. Inspired by a restaurant favorite, it’s quick enough for hectic weeknights but flavorful enough to feel like a treat. Juicy, aromatic, and ready in minutes, it’s an easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Taco Meat
Taco meat in a skillet gives you a flavorful, budget-friendly dinner base that’s ready in no time. Mushrooms stretch the beef, keeping it hearty and light while adding extra nutrition. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, it’s a versatile staple that makes weeknight dinners quick and fun.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meat
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken bacon ranch casserole bakes into a creamy, cheesy dish packed with crispy bacon and tender chicken. Ranch dressing ties it all together, creating a flavor combination that never goes out of style. With just 30 minutes needed, it’s a quick dinner that feels comforting without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon bakes into a flaky, tender main dish with a glaze that’s tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky. The recipe comes together quickly with just a brush of sauce before the oven does the rest. Elegant enough for company yet simple enough for weeknights, it’s a dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Copycat Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen without the high price tag. Chicken breasts are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection, and ready in under an hour. With a little prep and simple ingredients, it makes an ordinary night feel like dining out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Spaghetti aglio e olio takes garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil to create a pasta dish that bursts with simple flavor. The silky sauce clings to al dente noodles for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the hassle. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s the go-to dinner for nights when time is short but cravings are big.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan-crusted chicken adds crunch and flavor to juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy coating. Using everyday ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Ready in minutes, it’s a classic go-to that makes dinnertime stress disappear.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
Philly cheesesteak casserole transforms ground beef, cheese, and peppers into a comforting, oven-baked dinner. With only five main ingredients plus basic seasoning, it’s easy to prep and ready in about half an hour. Filling, flavorful, and quick to make, it’s a family favorite that checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas layer juicy salsa chicken with melted cheese tucked into golden, crispy tortillas. A quick turn in the skillet gives you a meal that feels indulgent but takes only minutes. Served with sour cream or salsa, they’re a fast dinner that always earns a repeat spot on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Chicken broccoli Alfredo casserole brings tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce together in one dish. It bakes into a hearty, comforting meal that feels rich without taking much time. Ready in just half an hour, it’s a dinner that keeps everyone full and happy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops cook up golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. With only a quick seasoning and less than 10 minutes of cooking, they’re one of the fastest ways to get dinner on the table. Perfect for busy nights, they deliver big flavor with hardly any effort or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Ground beef and broccoli casserole combines seasoned beef, steamed broccoli, and plenty of melty cheese into a creamy bake. With flavors that feel hearty but preparation that’s quick, it’s perfect for weeknights. On the table in under 30 minutes, it makes comfort food feel effortless and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops with applesauce balance savory, seared meat with sweet, homemade sauce for a meal that feels both simple and special. Seasoned with herbs and butter, the chops stay juicy and tender. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, it’s a dinner that delivers without much work.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken brings together juicy chicken and a colorful mix of vegetables, all roasted in one pan. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a complete, delicious dinner that’s hearty, balanced, and ready to serve. With minimal cleanup and simple prep, it’s an easy go-to that makes eating well feel stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Cabbage and sausage Alfredo smother tender cabbage noodles with a creamy sauce and savory Italian sausage. The skillet meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknights when time is tight. Rich, comforting, and family-friendly, it’s a recipe that keeps everyone happy with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
