15 quick and dirty dinner recipes you’ll want to keep secret

Photo of author

| Published:

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner, only to realize you’re short on time and energy? We’ve all been there. Fear not, because we’ve got a lineup of quick and easy dinner recipes that are so good, you’ll want to keep them a secret they’re so easy.

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.

Blackened Cod

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

Quick pantry seasonings and a fast pan-sear make this blackened cod a go-to for an easy, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

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 Mediterranean-inspired pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta. Ready in minutes for a light, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

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

These white bean and kale quesadillas with melted cheddar and BBQ sauce are a fast and indulgent meatless dinner option.
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.

A 30-minute meal with a takeout-inspired sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce, perfect for a quick dinner over rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Air Fryer Brats

Air fryer brats on buns with potato chips on the side.
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and simple, these air fryer brats are tender and juicy, ready in under 15 minutes and perfect for a speedy meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and a fork.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forgot to defrost dinner? No problem. These frozen chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy in the air fryer in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

White skillet with buffalo ground turkey and cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A fast, 4-ingredient skillet dinner that’s healthy and easy, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-skillet meal is quick to prepare, with hearty chickpeas and a creamy turmeric sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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

A quick meal with zesty lemon and creamy ricotta, balanced by fresh basil and tomatoes, perfect for a speedy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with shredded chicken in a stir fry sauce in cast iron skillet.
Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 15-minute meal packed with flavors from your favorite takeout, but much healthier and quicker to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Cream Cheese Chicken

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

Transform weeknight meals quickly with this creamy chicken dish, seasoned with five spices for a flavorful, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with lean ground beef and ready in a flash, these sloppy joes are a healthy and quick version of the classic.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

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.

A simple, classic Italian dish made with just five ingredients, this creamy pasta is quick to prepare and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Salsa Chicken

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

An easy weeknight meal, this tender chicken with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bite-sized chicken pieces pan-fried with jalapeño slices and finished in a sweet, salty, and sticky sauce, perfect for a quick meal over rice.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken

Leave a Comment

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