21 dinners that won’t mess the kitchen (much)

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If you want to keep your kitchen clean while still whipping up something tasty, you’re in luck. There are plenty of dinners out there that won’t have you battling a mountain of dishes afterward. Think about diving into these 21dinners that promise a full belly without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone!

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who doesn’t love pizza? With this Pizza Casserole, you get all the gooey, cheesy goodness without the mess of making pizza from scratch. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s a surefire way to enjoy a pizza night without dirtying every dish in the house. Just bake, serve, and enjoy a hassle-free dinner that’s bound to become a regular in your home.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something a little fancy without the fancy level of kitchen cleanup? Air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu to the rescue. This method gives you all the elegance of the dish with none of the usual kitchen chaos. You end up with a crispy, juicy dinner that feels upscale but is incredibly straightforward to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in a Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe for a dinner that’s as tasty as it is tidy. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning you get a full-flavored meal without a sink full of dishes. It’s the kind of dinner that promises a cozy night in, with plenty of time to relax after because there’s hardly any cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup in two bowls with spoons nearby.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing like diving into a creamy bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup. This meal is all about delivering comfort with minimal effort and even less mess. It’s a sneaky way to get in your greens while indulging in cheesy goodness. Plus, it leaves you with hardly any dishes to wash, so you can get back to cozying up.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

A plate with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and lemon wedges, with serving utensils to the side.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick and hardly any cleanup, our New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is your go-to. It packs all the bold flavors of New Orleans into a simple one-pan wonder. Shrimp bathed in a spicy, buttery sauce makes for a mouthwatering meal that’s easy on the dishes. It’s the kind of dinner that brings the party to your palate without bringing chaos to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Here’s a dinner idea that’s as easy to clean up as it is delicious. This Korean beef bowl brings together savory flavors and tender beef in a meal that’s quick to prepare. It’s your ticket to a hassle-free, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen in a state of disaster. Perfect for those nights when you want something good but don’t want to deal with a big cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fancy a dinner that’s both impressive to guests and easy on the kitchen? Roasting pork with apples is a flavorful affair that keeps the cleanup simple. The oven does most of the work, leaving you to enjoy the sweet and savory results. It’s a fantastic way to entertain or just treat yourself without the usual kitchen cleanup drama.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Turkey & Peppers

Italian turkey and peppers in a red bowl.
Turkey & Peppers. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mixing turkey and peppers might sound simple, but the result is anything but boring. This one-skillet meal is a colorful, healthy choice that keeps your kitchen mess to a minimum. It’s the perfect blend of light and satisfying, ensuring you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes afterward. A great way to enjoy a fuss-free, nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Peppers

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps with chicken and spinach on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you love chicken parmesan but could do without the calories and the cleanup, these lettuce wraps are for you. They wrap all the classic flavors in a crisp lettuce leaf, making for a light yet fulfilling meal. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and even easier to clean up after, proving that delicious dinners don’t have to make a mess of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Taco night just got an upgrade with this casserole that layers all your favorite fillings in one dish. It’s a fun, tasty way to enjoy tacos without the fuss of assembling them. And the best part? It leaves you with very few dishes to clean, making it a win-win for flavor and convenience. Dive in and enjoy the ease of a casserole that keeps your kitchen tidy.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Shrimp & Asparagus Alfredo on a black plate.
Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fancy a dinner that feels gourmet but doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a tornado hit it? This shrimp Alfredo with asparagus is your answer. It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that’s surprisingly straightforward to make and even more straightforward to clean up after. A perfect choice when you want to keep things elegant but easy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This white chicken chili is a cozy, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and clean up. It’s a one-pot wonder filled with tender chicken, beans, and just the right amount of spice. Ideal for those chilly evenings when you want something warming but don’t want to spend the night cleaning up. It’s hearty, tasty, and tidy.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Shake up your dinner routine with a turkey chaffwich, a creative twist on the classic sandwich that keeps your kitchen clean. Using chaffles (cheese waffles) instead of bread, this dish is as fun to eat as it is easy to make. It’s a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or convenience, proving that innovative dinners can be mess-free too.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: .

There’s something about a grilled chicken Caprese sandwich that feels like summer any time of the year. It’s a delightful blend of fresh flavors with minimal mess. The grill takes care of the chicken, leaving you with virtually no clean-up. It’s the perfect pick for an easy yet satisfying meal that won’t have you dreading the aftermath in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Want to keep things simple and savory? Cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer is a smart move. You get all the juicy goodness without the oven ordeal, and clean-up is a breeze. It’s ideal for a fuss-free dinner that delivers big on flavor but doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a battleground.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine firing up the grill for some Mediterranean grilled shrimp. It’s a low-maintenance way to whip up a dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, grilling means you’re keeping the mess outside and away from your kitchen. It’s a fantastic choice for when you want to dine well without the clean-up hassle.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a dinner option that’s light on the stomach and the kitchen? This chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts is a no-cook wonder that’s simple to toss together. It offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy, all without making your kitchen a disaster zone. Enjoy it as is or on toast for a meal that’s refreshingly easy to manage.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring back a classic with turkey à la king, and enjoy a creamy, comforting dinner that won’t leave your kitchen in shambles. Using just one pot, you can whip up this nostalgic dish using leftover turkey. It’s a smart way to serve a meal that feels indulgent but keeps your kitchen clean-up to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dinner that’s as light on clean-up as it is on your palate, a Mediterranean orzo salad with shrimp is your go-to. It’s a refreshing mix of flavors that comes together quickly and doesn’t clutter your kitchen with dishes. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but dread the thought of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something that tastes like it took hours but only dirties one pan, chicken piccata is the answer. This dish brings the zesty flavors of Italy to your table with minimal kitchen mess. It’s a lemony, caper-filled delight that makes dinner feel special without making your kitchen look like a disaster area.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re feeding a crowd or just in the mood for something hearty, a Beefy John Wayne Casserole fits the bill. It’s packed with flavors and everything bakes in one dish, so cleanup is as easy as pie. It’s the kind of meal that’s big on taste and low on kitchen chaos, perfect for a hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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