Are you in a dinner rut? You’re not alone. Cooking the same meals week after week can get monotonous. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of easy dinners you’ve never made before. Each recipe was designed to bring a breath of fresh air to your meal planning while being quick to prepare and straightforward to make. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or an entire family, these dinners offer something new without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
From hearty casseroles to one-pan wonders, each of these 13 recipes is ready in 30 minutes or less. Not only do they require minimal preparation, but they also make cleanup a breeze, offering a practical solution for busy weeknights. These recipes are an excellent way to introduce new flavors and cooking techniques into your routine without overwhelming you with complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients. So why not break the routine and try something new for dinner tonight?
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole melds broccoli and cauliflower with a cheese sauce and bacon bits. It is easy to assemble and cook in just 30 minutes and provides a convenient option for weeknight dinners. This is a good starting point if you’re aiming to try new vegetable-based dishes. It offers a balanced meal that’s straightforward to make. The one-dish format also aids in easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Dijon Chicken
In 30 minutes, this chicken dish is complete with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and bacon bits. It ensures a speedy cleanup as a one-pan meal, making it a practical pick for busy families. If you want to explore new flavors without the complexity, this recipe is an easy entry point. Its uncomplicated steps and short cooking time also make it accessible, even for those who aren’t experienced in the kitchen.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
A convenient blend of roasted sausage and assorted vegetables is prepared on a single sheet pan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for a fast-paced lifestyle. The straightforward preparation makes it a good choice for those new to sheet pan cooking. Cleanup is effortless, adding to the appeal of this dinner option. It’s both timely and easy, making it ideal for weeknights.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish pairs chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It requires a total of 30 minutes for both preparation and cooking. As a one-dish bake, it simplifies both cooking and cleaning. If you’re unfamiliar with baked chicken recipes, this recipe is a perfect introduction. The straightforward steps make it a suitable choice for beginner home cooks.
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Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach come together in a garlic sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. If you haven’t ventured into Tuscan-inspired meals, this recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to do so. It provides a balanced dish that requires minimal effort in both preparation and cooking. Being a quick one-pan meal, it’s also easy to clean up. It’s a convenient choice for a new dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This dish showcases chicken breasts in a smooth, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with white rice or cauliflower rice. With a 30-minute total cooking time, it’s practical for busy households. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for new but straightforward chicken recipes. The recipe is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques. It provides a comforting meal with minimal fuss.
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Cabbage and Sausage
In under 30 minutes, this one-pan dish effortlessly brings together cabbage and sausage for a filling meal. If you want to diversify your weeknight options, this straightforward recipe is worth trying. It not only simplifies cooking but also makes cleanup easy. It’s a practical choice for those looking to expand their quick dinner ideas. Its convenience and ease make it well-suited for busy evenings.
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Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
In just 30 minutes, you can have a skillet full of ground beef, shredded cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. This dish is a go-to for those pressed for time but still wanting a full meal. If you want to expand your skillet meal options, this recipe provides a simple yet effective change of pace. Cleanup is a cinch with just one skillet to wash, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
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Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken breasts seasoned and topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella come together in 30 minutes. This recipe introduces a fresh twist on fajitas, providing a new dinner option without venturing too far from familiar flavors. Its straightforward preparation is friendly for cooks at any skill level. Plus, it’s a complete meal on its own, offering both practicality and a dash of culinary adventure.
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Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Combining chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, this dish can be the star of your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those who want to explore new flavors without the hassle, this recipe is both simple and rewarding. As a one-pan dish, it also makes for an easy cleanup. Overall, it’s a convenient and flavorful choice for family dinners.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This one-pan chicken dish, featuring a smooth mushroom sauce, is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an uncomplicated way to add variety to your regular chicken meals. The quick cooking and preparation time make it a practical choice for busy evenings. Plus, the one-pan format simplifies cleanup. It’s a convenient and efficient way to introduce a new dinner option into your routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar in 30 minutes. This recipe is an easy introduction if casseroles aren’t a usual part of your dinner plans. Its one-dish format simplifies both preparation and cleanup. It’s a convenient option for a quick, filling dinner for the family. The recipe offers a new twist for those wanting to change their dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These canned chicken patties are ready in just 20 minutes. If you’ve never considered canned chicken for dinner, this recipe offers a new avenue to explore. Serve the patties alone or in sandwiches for a simple meal. The recipe is straightforward to make and requires minimal cooking skills. Its quick preparation time makes it a practical choice for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties