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Dinner in a pinch? No problem.

47 Quick, Easy Dinner Ideas Literally Anyone Can Make

easy dinner ideas
Takes Two Eggs

Even the best easy dinner recipes like mac and cheese and *all* the healthy slow cooker concoctions can get boring when you cook them night after night. That's why we suggest you spice things up with these easy dinner recipes that totally satisfy! These quick and easy dinner ideas will give you major inspiration for those nights when you're drawing a blank on what to make and need a quick weeknight dinneron the table, stat.


What's the easiest thing to cook for dinner?

What's the easiest thing to cook for dinner?

Karolina Kaboompics / PEXELS

In our experience, meals that feature a bunch of different ingredients thrown together (think poke bowls, burrito bowls, stews, and salads) end up being the easiest options to cook for dinner. Plus, they're a great way to clear out any leftovers you may have from the fridge!

What can I cook in 10 minutes?

What can I cook in 10 minutes?

Cats Coming / PEXELS

Easy meals like air fryer salmon, scrambled eggs and toast, and our risotto cupscan be made in 10 minutes or less. You probably won't be able to make something like a chicken breast or casserole in 10 minutes, but that doesn't mean your dinner still can't be delicious!

What can I cook in 30 minutes?

What can I cook in 30 minutes?

Engin Akyurt / PEXELS

In addition to the 10-minute meals mentioned above, there are plenty of recipes you can make in 30 minutes (some of them are right on this list!). You can also check out our Instant Pot Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes for some more quick and delicious meals.

What meals can I make for $5?

What meals can I make for $5?

C1 Superstar / PEXELS

Meals like canned soup, frozen veggies, bagged salads, and other single-serve, pre-assembled meals usually fall under $5. Frozen pizza and spaghetti with marinara sauce are some other great hearty options!

Easy Dinner Recipes To Make Tonight

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal, and this creamy and delicious pasta dish does not disappoint. It's great for any day of the week, and the leftovers save really well to last you all week! (via Brit + Co)

Heart-Shaped Pizza

Brit + Co

Heart-Shaped Pizza

The only thing we can think of that could make pizza better is making heart-shaped pizza. It's the perfect way to show just how much we love this tasty meal. (via Brit + Co)
20-Minute Vegan Nachos

Brit + Co

20-Minute Vegan Nachos

Nachos that have no animal byproducts and only take 20 minutes? BRB — we're adding this to our easy dinner recipes lineup for the week. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce

This easy Instant Pot-made dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, the fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook! (via Brit + Co)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley

Gentl and Hyers

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley

You will always have something to eat when you bust out this recipe, which calls for all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovy, red pepper, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins)

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili

Brit + Co

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili

Easy dinner recipes are supposed to be simple. Just dump the ingredients for this pick into your pressure cooker, and you'll have enough food to feed a family, all in less than 30 minutes. (via Brit + Co)

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry Easy Dinner recipes

Brit + Co

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal you can enjoy for dinner and beyond. (via Brit + Co)

Mango Shrimp Curry Quick Dinner Recipe

Brit + Co

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this flavorful shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness! (via Brit + Co)

Pancetta Pasta

Brit + Co

Pancetta Pasta

This hearty, saucy, and salty pasta inspired by none other than Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect easy dinner idea to whip up on chilly nights. You can make some easy swaps if you don't have pancetta or Pecorino on-hand, using bacon and Parmesan instead. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Dinner Recipes To Try Tonight

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs Easy Dinner Recipe

Brit + Co

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs

Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. That's why they're one of the best easy dinner recipes to keep in your back pocket! (via Brit + Co)

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Brit + Co

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice, so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Brit + Co)

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Brit + Co

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake your pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save with this easy dinner idea. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Pizza

Meredith Holser

20-Minute Pizza

Trader Joe's ready-made pizza dough saves the day for this easily customizable pizza idea. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Brittany Griffin

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A rotisserie chicken cuts a lot of the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. You can even use canned chicken if a rotisserie is out of reach. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Brit + Co)

Tasty Easy Dinner Ideas

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas Easy Dinner Idea

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein, too! (via Brit + Co)

Foil Pack Chicken and Broccoli

Brit + Co

Foil Pack Chicken and Broccoli

Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them for dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup easy dinner recipes

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

We love easy dinner recipes that are hearty and perfect for winter! Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, and Parmesan. (via Brit + Co)

Easy + Quick Dinner Ideas

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket Quick Dinner Idea

Brit + Co

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier?! (via Brit + Co)

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans Simple Dinner

Brit + Co

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. Swap out the veg depending on what you've got in the fridge for an easy dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Brit + Co

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this medley of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Make These Fast Dinner Ideas

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

Brit + Co

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on traditional hot dogs. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

Brit + Co

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salmon salad into an scrumptious easy dinner recipe you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Chicken Piccata Quick Dinner Idea

Munchkin Time

Easy Chicken Piccata

Whip up your this easy dinner recipe in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan! A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal perfectly. (via Munchkin Time)

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Primavera Kitchen

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Sneak in some veggies by sandwiching them in between slices of cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki

My Modern Cookery

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki

Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing! (via My Modern Cookery)

Bean Stuff Casserole easy dinner recipes

Crazy for Crust

Bean Stuff Casserole

Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam any night of the week. (via Crazy for Crust)

15-Minute Fried Rice

Takes Two Eggs

15-Minute Spam Fried Rice

This quick fried rice dish is savory, salty, and protein-filled, thanks to the addition of Spam. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

Bowl of Delicious

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smoky, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Wholesome Yum

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This stir-fry will please those on paleo, low-carb, or gluten-fee diets. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)

Chicken Scallopini

The Cozy Cook

Chicken Scallopini

This classic pasta dish stars a few secret convenient ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)

Chorizo, Scallop, and Kale Stir-Fry easy dinner recipes

Neil's Healthy Meals

Chorizo Scallop and Kale Stir Fry

Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Primavera Kitchen

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means you've got an easy dinner recipe that has a very seamless cleanup. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner

Laughing Spatula

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner

Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

The Life Jolie

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

Using the grill for these pork chops adds another nice layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)

Easy Dinner Recipes For Every Season

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas Easy Dinner Recipe

Simple Seasonal

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas

This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini

Goodie Godmother

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini

Keep frozen tortellini on-hand for when you need to whip up some filling dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Foodal

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas easy dinner recipes

Life as a Strawberry

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas

Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)

Mexican Shrimp Skillet

Family Food on the Table

Mexican Shrimp Skillet

This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes tops. (via Family Food on the Table)

Pasta With Peas and Ricotta

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

Pasta With Peas and Ricotta

Creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)

Quinoa Taco Salad

Fannetastic Food

Quinoa Taco Salad

Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Salt & Lavender

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal meal any night of the week. (via Salt & Lavender)

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp easy dinner recipes

The Rustic Foodie

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp

This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick! (via The Rustic Foodie)

Spinach-and-Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Primavera Kitchen

Spinach-and-Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bake these rolled chicken bites in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup

The Freelancer's Cookbook

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup

A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor of this easy dinner recipe. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)

Tuna Panzanella

Inside the Rustic Kitchen

Tuna Panzanella

Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Za'atar One Pot Chicken and Rice

Living Sweet Moments

Za'atar One Pot Chicken and Rice

Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)

Show us your favorite quick and easy dinner recipes in the comments below or by tagging @BritandCo on IG! Join our newsletter for more ideas and inspiration and check out our new cooking and baking classes!

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This post has been updated.

The Conversation (4)
Amanda Lahey
Amanda Lahey
14 Jul, 2020

Love these. My sis is vegan so found this pressure cooker vegan chili for our girls night and she just loved it. Making the Salad tuna wraps for lunch tomorrow, look to good. OMG now I'm hungry again.

Sam K.
Sam K.
19 Aug, 2020

So many good ideas - brussel sprouts on pizza, yum!

Vatsala Bahal
Vatsala Bahal
20 Oct, 2020

Tofu noodle bowl was so delicious. Love that you guys have yummy vegetarian recipes.

c.liz
c.liz
10 Mar, 2022

My mouth is literally watering thinking about the feta + spinach chicken breasts.