15+ Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

After a long day, making dinner can feel like a chore. Quick and easy dinner recipes can save you time and stress, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without all the hassle. With a variety of simple dishes to choose from, you can whip up something tasty in no time.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for your family, having easy recipes on hand can make meal planning a breeze. You’ll find that with just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create satisfying meals that everyone will love.

1) Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and easy dinner choice. You can make it in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. The chicken is breaded, baked, and topped with marinara sauce and cheese for a tasty meal.

To start, you will need skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Panko bread crumbs give the chicken a nice crunch. Pair it with a simple salad or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with panko bread crumbs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Top with marinara sauce and both cheeses.
6. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

2) Instant Ramen with Veggies

Instant ramen is a quick and tasty option for dinner. You can easily add fresh vegetables to make it healthier and more filling.

Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the ramen noodles and cook for about 3 minutes. Then, stir in your favorite veggies, like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers.

For extra flavor, add some soy sauce or sesame oil. You can also sprinkle in chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Enjoy your warm bowl of veggie ramen!

Ingredients

• 1 package of instant ramen noodles
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Optional: chili flakes, sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in your mixed vegetables.
4. Add soy sauce and any optional seasonings.
5. Cook for another minute and serve hot.

3) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Nothing feels quite like a warm bowl of tomato soup paired with a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich. This combo is simple, quick, and satisfying.

To make the soup, you can use canned tomatoes for a fast option. A little cream and some herbs can bring out great flavors.

For the grilled cheese, choose your favorite bread and cheese. Cooking it until golden gives you that perfect crunch.

This meal is not only comforting but also fun to make. You can customize it by adding extras like basil or avocado.

Ingredients

• Canned tomatoes
• Cream
• Fresh basil
• Bread (your choice)
• Cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine canned tomatoes and heat them up.
2. Add cream and basil, stirring until mixed.
3. Preheat a pan to medium heat.
4. Butter one side of the bread.
5. Place cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides out.
6. Grill in the pan until golden brown.
7. Serve the soup hot with the sandwich on the side.

4) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. It features juicy chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices like garlic, ginger, and cumin. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

You can bake the chicken in the oven or cook it on the grill for a smoky flavor. Either way, it cooks up in about 25 minutes. Serve it with naan bread and cucumber salad for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
4. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, or until cooked through.

5) Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Broccoli and Stilton soup is a delicious choice for a quick dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. You’ll only need six simple ingredients to whip this up.

Start by sautéing some onions in a bit of oil until they’re soft. Then, add broccoli florets and cook them for a few more minutes. Pour in vegetable stock and let everything simmer until the broccoli is tender.

Next, blend the mixture until it’s smooth, and stir in crumbled Stilton cheese. This adds a rich, savory taste to the soup.

Serve it hot with some crusty bread for a cozy meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 4 ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion until soft.
3. Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add diced potatoes and stock, then simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the Stilton cheese and season with salt and pepper.

6) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is quick and easy to make. It combines pasta with a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese. You will love how simple it is to prepare!

You’ll need spaghetti, pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and some olive oil. This dish usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

When cooked, the pasta is tossed with the eggs and cheese, creating a rich sauce. The crispy pancetta adds a nice flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook pancetta until crispy.
3. In a bowl, beat eggs and mix with Parmesan.
4. Quickly combine hot spaghetti with pancetta and egg mixture.
5. Stir until creamy, adding a little pasta water if needed.
6. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top.

7) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a tasty and quick dinner option. These crispy chicken strips are easy to make and perfect for dipping. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side of fries or salad.

To prepare chicken goujons, you need chicken breasts cut into strips. Coat them in breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture. Seasoning with some garlic powder or paprika can add extra flavor.

You can cook them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. They’re great for busy nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
3. Season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

8) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a simple and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a family favorite.

To start, you will need just a few ingredients. Sauté the leeks in butter until they’re soft. Then add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Once cooked, blend the soup for a smooth consistency. You can also leave it chunky if you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy the warmth of this delicious soup.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 cups Yukon potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 quart chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté leeks in butter over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
4. Blend until smooth or leave chunky.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Stir-fried Tofu with Vegetables

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a quick and healthy dinner choice. It’s packed with protein and colorful veggies. You can easily customize it with your favorites.

Start by pressing tofu to remove extra moisture. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Then, add a mix of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.

For flavor, use a simple sauce made of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook everything together for just a few minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add tofu and cook until golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic and vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

10) Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Ham and cheese quesadillas are a quick and delicious dinner option. They’re easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. All you need are a few simple ingredients.

Start with flour tortillas. Then, add slices of ham and your favorite cheese. You can use cheddar, Swiss, or a cheese blend.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla in the skillet, fold it in half, and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.

Flip it carefully to cook the other side.

These quesadillas are tasty and can be served with salsa or sour cream.

Ingredients

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 4 ounces deli ham, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• Cooking spray or a little butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Add ham and cheese on one half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, slice, and serve.

11) Beef Stir-fry with Bell Peppers

Beef stir-fry with bell peppers is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can prepare it in just about 30 minutes. The dish combines tender beef and colorful bell peppers.

To make this meal, start with some flank steak. Slice it thinly for faster cooking. You’ll also need red and green bell peppers for a nice crunch and flavor.

This stir-fry uses a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of oyster sauce. Cooking it all together in a hot pan keeps the flavors vibrant.

It’s great served over rice or noodles. You can even add other veggies you have on hand for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) flank steak
• 2 bell peppers (red and green)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the flank steak into thin strips.
2. Cut the bell peppers into strips.
3. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
5. Add the beef and cook until browned.
6. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and peppers.
8. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
9. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

12) Egg Fried Rice with Peas

Egg fried rice with peas is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect when you want something quick for dinner. You can make it in about 15 minutes!

Start by cooking your rice, if you haven’t already. Use cold, leftover rice for the best results. Then, heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, garlic, and a mix of peas and carrots. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they soften.

Push the vegetables to the side and scramble a couple of eggs in the pan. Then, combine everything and add the cold rice. Season it with soy sauce or tamari and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add frozen peas and carrots, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push vegetables aside and scramble eggs in the pan.
5. Mix in cold rice and soy sauce.
6. Stir well to combine and heat through.

13) Trader Joe’s Meatballs

Trader Joe’s meatballs are a quick and tasty option for dinner. You can find different types, like Italian or turkey. These meatballs save you prep time and make meals simple.

To cook, you can bake, sauté, or use a slow cooker. Pair them with pasta, rice, or in a sub sandwich for a filling meal. The flavors are great, especially with a tasty sauce.

You can even try them with sweet chili sauce for a fun twist. They easily fit into many recipes!

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s meatballs
• Your choice of sauce (marinara, sweet chili, etc.)
• Pasta, rice, or sub rolls

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
2. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve with your favorite sauce and sides.

14) Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is a simple and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick. You can have it ready in just around 20 minutes.

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. While that cooks, prepare the cherry tomatoes. You can roast or blister them in a pan for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is done, mix it with your favorite pesto. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and toss everything together. Serve warm for a tasty dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (linguini or penne)
• 1 cup pesto
• 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add halved cherry tomatoes.
3. Cook tomatoes until blistered, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain pasta and mix with pesto.
5. Add blistered tomatoes and toss well to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

15) Spinach and Cheese Omelette

A spinach and cheese omelette is a quick and delicious dinner option. It’s simple to make and packed with nutrients. You can have it ready in just a few minutes.

Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add some butter or olive oil to coat the pan. Then, sauté fresh spinach until it’s wilted. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Next, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the spinach. Cook until the edges start to set, then add your favorite cheese on top. You can use Cheddar or Havarti for extra flavor.

Fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute. Make sure the cheese melts and the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 200g fresh spinach
• 30g grated cheese (Cheddar or Havarti)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add butter or olive oil to coat the pan.
3. Sauté the spinach until it wilts. This should take 1-2 minutes.
4. Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the eggs over the spinach.
6. Cook until the edges set and then add the cheese.
7. Fold the omelette in half and cook until the cheese melts.