17 “barely-there effort” dinners for when you’re just too tired

Photo of author

| Published:

Feeling wiped out but need to make dinner? These easy recipes are your lifesaver! Imagine delicious meals that practically cook themselves, perfect for those nights when the couch is calling your name. No more dinner dilemmas or endless scrolling for inspiration – these recipes are your shortcut to a satisfying and stress-free meal.

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Feeling worn out tonight but still craving something special? These Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach offer a delicious surprise with earthy spinach and sweet dates, all coming together quickly! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a tasty and nutritious dish that feels like a reward at the end of a long day!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo is perfect when you’re too tired to fuss! In under 30 minutes, you get perfectly cooked salmon with a creamy mayo glaze. It feels like a luxury meal, yet it’s so simple to prepare, making it ideal for those exhausted evenings.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

A plate of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and a garnish of fresh herbs. A skillet with more pasta and additional tomatoes and asparagus can be seen in the background.
Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Tired of thinking about dinner? This Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta is your escape! Made with fresh shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant basil, it’s a light pasta dish that brings Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort, perfect for those nights when you just can’t cope. You’ll appreciate how little work is needed for such a flavorful dish!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

A plate with roasted chicken, seasoned baby potatoes, and a lemon wedge.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Simply set it and forget this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, and come home to tender, cheesy potatoes that feel like a cozy hug! No fuss, no stress, just comfort food magic happening while you relax. Let your slow cooker do the work!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

A plate with puff pastry cheese pockets on it.
Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Craving for something cheesy but can’t muster the energy to cook? These Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets are your go-to solution! Flaky pastry filled with melty cheese comes together effortlessly, creating a tasty treat that feels much more complicated than it is. Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of this dish without breaking a sweat!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Bring home the taste of comfort with this Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken! Juicy and crispy, this dish feels like a nostalgic hug on a plate, all without hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for when you’re too tired to cook but still want a hearty meal. Enjoy the homestyle flavors and let the simplicity soothe you after a long day!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Lentil Quesadillas

Halved lentil quesadillas on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs, next to a fork.
Lentil Quesadillas. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Lentil Quesadillas are your energy boost when you’re feeling drained after a long crazy day! Packed with protein and flavor, they come together in a snap. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed, perfect for those nights when you’re running on empty!
Get the Recipe: Lentil Quesadillas

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Fried chicken without the guilt? Yes, please! This Air Fryer Caprese Chicken is light and fresh weeknight meal that beats any takeout, minus the grease. It’s a fancy-feeling meal that hardly needs any effort to prepare. Perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to work hard!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Mushroom Hummus is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic! Creamy, earthy, and unbelievably easy, it’s the perfect base for your favorite veggies. Enjoy a sophisticated dip with minimal effort, ideal for when you just want to relax and snack!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

Plate of sweet potato halves topped with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and sesame seeds. Halved avocado and chopped tomatoes in the background.
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Crispy sweet potato slices topped with creamy avocado – this Sweet Potato Avocado Toast is not your ordinary toast! Delicious and nutritious, it’s perfect for those days when you need something healthy but can’t be bothered to cook. This is your ultimate go-to for a tired body and mind!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Comfort with barely an effort? Whip up this Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings, perfect for those drained days! Fluffy dumplings and juicy chicken simmer in a hearty broth, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic meal, saving you time and effort when you’re too exhausted to cook!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce on a white plate.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

When you’re too tired to put much effort into dinner, these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce are a lifesaver! Savory chicken tucked into crisp lettuce cups with a creamy peanut sauce provides a flavorful meal with minimal preparation. It’s a fresh, exciting option for when you need something quick and easy!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

A plate of shredded chicken and green beans served with a garnish of herbs, accompanied by lemon slices and bowls of food in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Tender, flavorful, and practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt is the ultimate comfort food! With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready when you are. Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you unwind. The result is tender, flavorful chicken in a tangy yogurt sauce with hardly any effort!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Flaky crescent rolls filled with savory chicken – these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls create a comforting home cooked meal with minimal prep! They’re incredibly easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection. This simple recipe turns your evening into a cozy experience, perfect for when you need a warm meal without spending much time in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole is a no-brainer! Creamy cheese and juicy chicken, with a kick of jalapeno heat, blend effortlessly in one dish. Just pop it in the oven and relax, knowing a flavorful and satisfying dish awaits you at the end of a long day!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms offer a hearty and healthy meal without the fuss! Packed with flavor and nutrients, they’re a nutritious choice when you’re short on time and energy. This vegetarian option is quick, easy, and surprisingly filling!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A plate of loaded smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green chives.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Loaded Smashed Potatoes is a hands-off meal that’s perfect for when you can’t barely lift a finger! Creamy, crispy potatoes topped with savory extras come – this twist is bound to become a new favorite! This dish offers a surprising balance of textures and flavors while saving you time and energy in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Leave a Comment

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