No fuss, just flavor: 21 dinners you can throw together after work

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It’s 5 p.m., you’re hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these no-fuss, flavor-packed dinners come in. Whether you’re into sheet pan magic or one-skillet wonders, these recipes are perfect for throwing together after work when your energy’s running low. No crazy techniques or endless ingredients—just good food that gets the job done.

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick, easy pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta. Great for when you need a light dinner after work. Add some protein if you’re feeling fancy, but it’s solid as-is.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen salmon in the air fryer, no defrost needed. Just throw on some maple mustard sauce, and you’ve got a perfect dinner when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Sheet pan tofu and vegetables with BBQ sauce on a plate.
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ tofu, broccoli, peppers, and sweet potatoes—all on one sheet pan. This is your go-to veggie dinner when you want something simple but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes, all roasted with caramelized pecans. Throw it on a sheet pan and you’ve got a great dinner with almost zero cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. It all cooks together on one sheet pan, so it’s perfect for those hectic nights when you need dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are loaded with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick meatless night.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gochujang chicken with a sticky, spicy, sweet sauce. This takeout-style dinner is done in 30 minutes, perfect over some rice when you need a quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need something quick but still a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers all cooked in one skillet. Done in 20 minutes, this is perfect for a no-fuss weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and feta come together in this 30-minute skillet dinner. Light and fresh but packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A one-pan ground beef and sweet potato dinner with Southwestern flavors. Great for meal prepping or when you want something hearty without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef, any pasta you’ve got on hand, and a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry is your weeknight hero. Fresh veggies, garlic-ginger sauce, all made in one pan faster than any takeout you could order.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the bold flavors of Kung Pao chicken but with chickpeas. A quick, punchy vegan option for when you want to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco seasoning and ground beef come together in this easy one-pan dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for taco night without all the extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms stir-fried in one pan. Quick, easy, and perfect when you’re craving a homemade Asian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage, lightly seasoned and cooked in one skillet for a no-frills, hearty meal ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a five-ingredient pasta dish that’s both creamy and easy to make. Perfect for when you want a simple, classic meal without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This oven-baked pesto salmon needs just five ingredients and is done in under 25 minutes. A great weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is your new favorite weeknight recipe. Chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar—ready in 30 minutes and great for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy chicken and spicy jalapeños cooked in a sweet, salty sauce. Perfect for recreating your favorite takeout flavors at home, served over rice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken

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