When it comes to dinner, simplicity can be a lifesaver, especially on busy nights. We’ve rounded up 25 easy recipes that take the guesswork out of cooking, so you can have a delicious meal on the table without the stress. These dishes are quick to prepare and require minimal effort, making them perfect for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine. Whether you’re short on time or just want something straightforward, these recipes are designed to make dinner easy.
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
This vibrant Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov is a 30-minute dish made with basmati rice, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s packed with warm spices like cinnamon and turmeric, creating a subtly sweet and savory flavor profile. The combination of tender rice and chewy fruits makes this meal hearty yet light. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels special without the effort.
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Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a sweet and tangy dish made with chicken, prunes, olives, and capers, ready in about 45 minutes. The chicken is marinated in a mix of vinegar, garlic, and oregano, which gives it a rich flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. When baked, the prunes and olives create a delicious contrast of flavors. This recipe is ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
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Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are made with a mix of chickpeas, spices, and herbs, offering a flavorful and protein-packed meal in just 35 minutes. These kebabs have a satisfying texture and are seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garlic, delivering a savory and aromatic taste. Serve them with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This dish is a simple, tasty alternative to meat-based kebabs.
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Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon is a 20-minute dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and herbs. The salmon stays moist and flavorful, while the sauce adds a velvety texture and a burst of savory goodness. This recipe is perfect for when you want a quick, elegant dinner without much fuss. Pair it with your favorite veggies or a light salad.
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Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a 30-minute, one-pan meal that combines tangy feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta for a creamy, flavorful dinner. As the feta bakes, it melts into the tomatoes, creating a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. This dish is both simple and satisfying, making it a great go-to for busy nights. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
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Cheesy Eggs
Cheesy Eggs is a quick, 15-minute dish featuring eggs cooked with gooey, melted cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal. The eggs are fluffy and light, while the cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that makes this dish feel indulgent. It’s a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Serve with toast or a side salad for a complete meal.
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Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce is a 25-minute dish where tender white fish fillets are cooked in a light, buttery sauce with white wine, lemon, and garlic. The fish absorbs the delicate flavors of the sauce, resulting in a meal that’s both light and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick and elegant dinner that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Pair it with steamed vegetables or rice.
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Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel is a 45-minute baked dish combining pasta, mushrooms, and leeks in a savory custard. The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor, while the leeks provide a subtle sweetness, all held together by the creamy base. This kugel is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a great option when you’re craving something both filling and flavorful.
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Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Apples and Potatoes
Roasted Salmon on a Bed of Apples and Potatoes is a 40-minute dish where juicy salmon fillets are roasted over sliced apples and potatoes. The apples add a touch of sweetness, while the potatoes provide a satisfying base, making this a balanced and delicious meal. The salmon stays moist and flavorful, absorbing the flavors from the fruit and vegetables. It’s a simple yet impressive dinner option.
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Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew made with chicken, yuca, corn, and plantains, ready in about 50 minutes. The flavors are rich and comforting, with a blend of savory chicken and starchy vegetables that make it a satisfying meal. Each bite offers a taste of the tropics, making it perfect for any time of year. It’s a great dish when you need something warm and filling.
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Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a 35-minute meal featuring chicken thighs roasted with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a paprika spice mix. The chicken turns out juicy with a smoky flavor, while the veggies become tender and sweet. This dish is easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. It’s a simple, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Risotto
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Risotto is a 40-minute dish combining tender salmon glazed with sweet teriyaki sauce and creamy risotto. The risotto is rich and smooth, complementing the savory-sweet flavor of the salmon perfectly. This meal offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a great choice for a special dinner. It’s easy enough to prepare on any night of the week.
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Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are a 45-minute dish where drumsticks are marinated in a blend of garlic, cumin, and lime juice. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a hint of citrus that brightens up the savory spices. These drumsticks are great for a hands-on meal that’s easy to prepare. Serve with rice or plantains for a complete Colombian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon
Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon is a quick, 20-minute recipe featuring salmon fillets grilled with a simple blend of salt, dill, and lemon. The grilling gives the salmon a slightly smoky flavor, while the dill and lemon keep it fresh and bright. This dish is perfect for a light, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require much prep. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
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Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka is a 50-minute, oven-baked dish layering eggplants, potatoes, and a spiced lentil filling topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. The flavors are rich and savory, with the eggplants and lentils providing a hearty base. This moussaka is a filling, vegetarian option that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal with a Mediterranean twist.
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Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl is a 30-minute dish featuring tofu marinated in a blend of cumin, coriander, and lemon, served over fluffy rice. The tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savory flavor that’s enhanced by the spices. This meal is light yet filling, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It’s a great vegetarian option with bold, vibrant flavors.
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Mujadara
Mujadara is a 40-minute dish made with a mix of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions for a hearty, plant-based meal. The caramelized onions add a sweet depth of flavor, while the lentils and rice provide a satisfying texture. This dish is simple but full of comforting flavors that make it a go-to for an easy dinner. It’s a nutritious and flavorful option that’s easy to make.
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Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts is a 50-minute dish where chicken is simmered in a tangy pomegranate sauce with crunchy walnuts. The sauce is sweet and tart, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. The walnuts add a delightful crunch that makes this dish stand out. It’s a great option when you want something flavorful and unique for dinner.
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Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a 45-minute, one-pan meal featuring chicken marinated in buttermilk and roasted with potatoes. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful, while the potatoes soak up all the delicious drippings. This dish is comforting and hearty, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s an easy, all-in-one recipe that everyone will love.
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Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a 35-minute dish where salmon fillets are roasted with a mix of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, along with vegetables. The salmon is tender and flavorful, absorbing the rich spices, while the vegetables become caramelized and sweet. This is a simple, balanced meal that’s full of vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich is a 30-minute meal featuring spiced turkey patties stuffed in pita bread with fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. The turkey is juicy and flavorful, with a mix of warm spices that make each bite satisfying. This sandwich is a quick, easy option for a delicious dinner or lunch. It’s a great handheld meal that’s both filling and tasty.
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Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon is a 15-minute dish featuring crispy salmon fillets cooked with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. The salmon develops a beautiful, golden crust while staying moist and tender on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner that still feels special. Pair it with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
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Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops is a 25-minute dish where pork chops are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked until crispy. The chops are juicy on the inside with a crunchy exterior, making them a satisfying option for any night. This recipe is easy to prepare and doesn’t require much cleanup. It’s a simple way to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a 30-minute dish featuring spiced ground chicken formed into skewers and grilled to perfection. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a blend of cumin, coriander, and garlic that gives it a savory kick. These kebabs are easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. Serve with a side of salad or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba is a 40-minute, pressure-cooked dish where chicken is cooked with a mix of vegetables and spices for a rich, flavorful stew. The chicken is tender, and the vegetables are soft and savory, making it a comforting meal. This dish is easy to prepare in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s a hearty, satisfying option that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba