27 easy and delicious recipes that save time and effort

Photo of author

| Published:

Finding time to cook can be tough, especially on busy days. These 27 easy and delicious recipes will help you get a tasty meal on the table quickly. Perfect for anyone looking to save time and keep things simple, these dishes are designed to fit into even the busiest schedules.

Image shows Shredded BBQ Chicken on a toasted bun sitting on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This slow cooker garlic roast pork is perfect for busy days when time is short. Simply season the pork with garlic and spices in the morning, then let the slow cooker handle the rest. By dinner, the pork will be tender and juicy, ready to enjoy with no extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent roll bagel dogs turn a classic hot dog night into a fun and easy meal. Wrap each hot dog in crescent roll dough to create a crispy, golden crust that pairs perfectly with the juicy hot dog inside. This simple recipe offers a tasty twist on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These slow-cooked carnitas are ideal for a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Cooked until tender, they are perfect for tacos, burritos, or even enjoyed on their own. The recipe delivers great flavor with ease, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato basil bisque provides a creamy and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. Fresh tomatoes and basil come together in a rich, flavorful soup ready in about 30 minutes. It’s an easy and satisfying option for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

The Instant Pot makes this shredded BBQ chicken both effortless and flavorful. It’s perfect for piling on sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes, turning simple ingredients into a tasty meal. This recipe ensures a delicious dinner without much preparation.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey habanero tacos offer a unique blend of sweet and spicy that stands out from the usual taco flavors. The combination of honey and habanero creates an irresistible taste that makes these tacos memorable. They are easy to make and bring a bold flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s simple to prepare using leftover rotisserie chicken. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich broth makes for a filling meal. This recipe is ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These semi-homemade chicken empanadas offer a quick and delicious option for a meal or snack. The flaky crust and savory chicken filling come together easily, making them perfect for busy days. They are a tasty and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A Caprese panini combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese in a toasted sandwich for a light yet flavorful meal. The simple ingredients meld together to create a satisfying bite, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s an easy recipe that highlights fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This shortcut chicken salad uses canned chicken for convenience, making it a fast and refreshing meal. The light and tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor, perfect for serving on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling. It’s an easy option for a quick and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Southwest tortilla pie layers rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful and easy meal. Topped with melted cheese, it makes a satisfying main course or a great dish for gatherings. This recipe simplifies dinner while delivering on taste.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy stuffed shells offer a comforting and hearty meal that comes together quickly. Fill the shells with cheese, bake them, and enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a simple way to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Chicken Tamales

Image shows two Tamales sitting on a white plate with slices of avocado and tomatoes next to it.
Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Homemade chicken tamales provide a rich and satisfying meal with every bite. Although they take some time to prepare, the effort is rewarded with delicious flavors and a satisfying texture. This dish is both a comforting and flavorful choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto salmon features a vibrant green pesto coating on rich salmon for a quick and elegant meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for busy nights when a flavorful dinner is desired. It delivers great taste with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e pepe is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that comes together in about 15 minutes. With just a few ingredients, it offers a cheesy and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. This recipe is perfect for nights when time is short but flavor is still desired.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cashew chicken adds a delightful crunch to a classic dish, making it both tasty and satisfying. The recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. It offers an easy upgrade to a traditional chicken meal.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tamale pot pies combine the hearty goodness of pot pies with the flavors of traditional tamales. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a unique twist on classic flavors, making it a satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy tamale flavors in a new format.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kefta kebabs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Packed with seasonings and cooked to perfection, these kebabs offer a delicious alternative to traditional burgers. They are an easy option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy beef and rice casserole blends seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a hearty meal. This one-pot dish is easy to make and delivers a comforting, flavorful dinner. It’s perfect for satisfying hunger with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy pea pasta combines fresh peas and dill in a rich, flavorful sauce. This quick and easy recipe provides a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and simple to prepare. It’s ideal for busy nights when a delicious dinner is desired.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Italian meatball soup offers a hearty meal with juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth. This recipe is a great pick-me-up after a long day, providing warmth and satisfaction. It’s an easy way to enjoy a comforting soup with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached orange salmon features delicate fish with a hint of citrusy orange. This light and refreshing meal is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It offers a tasty and elegant option with minimal cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey glazed chicken features a sweet and sticky glaze that’s quick to make with minimal prep. This recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for busy evenings. The simple preparation ensures a delicious dinner with ease.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mexican skillet quinoa is a one-pan dish full of black beans, corn, and spices. This easy recipe offers a healthy and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time. It’s a nutritious option that simplifies dinner while providing great taste.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto tuna salad with sun-dried tomatoes brings new life to a classic dish with vibrant flavors. The pesto and sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of taste, making it a flavorful and affordable meal. This version is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato lime chicken is a versatile dish that’s bursting with flavor. Use it in tacos, salads, or rice bowls for a quick and tasty meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe offers a flavorful option with endless serving possibilities.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a quick and comforting meal. With just a few simple steps, this recipe delivers cheesy, flavorful enchiladas that are perfect for a busy night. It’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Leave a Comment

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