17 easy dinners to try when you hate cooking after work

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Easy dinners are the perfect solution for those nights when you’re just too tired to cook after work. We’ve all been there – you get home, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These recipes are great for whipping up something quick without sacrificing taste or nutrition. They’re straightforward, simple, and exactly what you need to keep your evenings stress-free and your stomach happy.

Close-up of a slice of vegetable lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, showcasing layers of pasta, cheese, and assorted vegetables, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Vegetable Lasagna. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta Fresca

Pasta Fresca. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This pasta fresca recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A baked broccoli casserole with melted cheese in a white dish, placed on a wooden board with a spoon inside. A napkin and a partial view of a plate are near the warm, inviting casseroles.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Whip up this quick, 3-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole – a dish perfect for busy days. Simple, nutritious, and ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

White Bean Chili. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan white bean chili is ready in 30 minutes and uses wholesome pantry ingredients for a hearty, nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili

Vegetable Lasagna

A close-up of a slice of vegetable lasagna being served from a casserole dish, featuring layers of pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and vegetables, topped with a basil leaf.
Veggie Lasagna. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable lasagna, made with pasta, ricotta cheese, and roasted vegetables, is meatless and a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Lasagna

Easy Cabbage Curry

Cabbage Curry. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan and gluten-free cabbage curry is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect one-pot weeknight dinner. Packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Penne Pomodoro

Penne Pomodoro. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This Penne Pomodoro recipe is quick, healthy, and budget-friendly. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Easy Chopped Salad

A bowl of mixed salad with tomatoes, onions, and greens is placed on a table beside a small bowl of herbs, a checkered napkin, and a glass container of dressing.
Easy Chopped Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan chopped salad is a quick and easy weekday lunch, packed with fresh vegetables and gluten-free ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chopped Salad

Rasta Pasta

Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan rasta pasta is mildly spiced, made with fresh ingredients, and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Veggie Taco Salad

A bowl of salad containing lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, red onion, croutons, and feta cheese, with a fork on the right side.
Veggie Taco Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetarian taco salad is packed with taco flavors but without the meat, making it perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Green Rice Casserole

A baked casserole dish containing a cheesy, green herb-topped meal rests on an orange mat. A wooden spoon lies beside the casseroles dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This green rice casserole is loaded with flavorful ingredients and ready in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Nigerian Fried Rice

A bowl of colorful rice mixed with diced vegetables is placed on a white and black-striped napkin. A fork and spoon are on the side, with a sliced red onion and a small red pepper nearby.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This Nigerian fried rice is a vibrant recipe with long-grain rice, colorful veggies, and bold flavors, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy this broccoli pesto pasta with toasted lemon zest, roasted broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with whipped ricotta for an easy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad featuring tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, spinach, and other greens, all mixed and garnished with herbs and grated cheese.
Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This tortellini pasta salad is a perfect summertime side, made with less than 10 simple ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Kung Pao Tofu

Kung Pao Tofu. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This Kung Pao tofu, ready in 30 minutes, is a colorful dish with bell peppers, tofu, peanuts, and a bold sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Mushroom Ragù

Mushroom Ragu. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This Mushroom Ragù is a hearty and flavorful weeknight meal. Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

A bowl of fried rice mixed with vegetables, garnished with chopped green onions, is presented on a gray napkin with wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl.
Quick Fried Rice. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This fried rice, made with day-old rice and whatever you have in your fridge, is ready in 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

This rigatoni arrabbiata, with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, is a quick weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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