15 quick dinner recipes for when you’re too tired to cook

Photo of author

| Published:

We’ve all been there—those nights when you’re just too tired to cook but still want something delicious for dinner. Instead of reaching for that frozen pizza or ordering takeout, here are some easy recipes that will save the day. These dinners are quick to make, super simple, and won’t leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes.

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

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear make this blackened cod recipe a breeze. Perfect for when you need a quick and effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 20-minute creamy tomato farfalle combines peas and crispy prosciutto for an easy, filling meal. A healthier take on traditional cream sauce for those nights when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

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 Mediterranean-inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach, and feta. Ready in minutes and can be enjoyed as is or topped with your favorite protein.
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.

Quick and easy, this maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon cooks straight from the freezer. Perfect for those busy nights when defrosting isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

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 with caramelized pecans, all cooked on one sheet pan. This simple dinner is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

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

Smashed white bean and kale quesadillas oozing with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce. A meatless meal that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
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.

This gochujang chicken features a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce. A quick 30-minute dinner perfect served over white rice for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roast chicken leg quarters to perfection in under 25 minutes with an air fryer. Crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make this an easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Sausage

Air fryer sausage on a white plate with sauteed peppers and onions.
Air Fryer Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The easiest, quickest, and most hands-off method for perfectly juicy, golden brown Italian sausages. A great choice when you want something quick and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage

Grilled Ham Steak

Grilled fresh ham steak with rosemary dijon maple glaze.
Grilled Ham Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled ham steaks with a rosemary maple dijon glaze bring a flavorful touch to dinner. Use fresh or cured ham steaks for an easy yet incredibly flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lemon ricotta pasta is a light, quick meal. Creamy ricotta brings decadence while basil and tomatoes keep it fresh.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Air Fryer Ribeye

Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy tender, juicy ribeye steak with simple seasonings made in the air fryer. An incredibly easy way to prepare this classic dinner in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

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

Bucatini pasta tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes, made in under 30 minutes. A great choice for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Seasoned with five flavor-packed spices, this creamy, indulgent cream cheese chicken is your answer to boring weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Salsa Chicken

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

Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this simple recipe will become a fast family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.