19 fast recipes to make dinner feel effortless and fun

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Why spend hours cooking when you can get dinner on the table before your favorite show even gets through the opening credits? These 19 recipes make dinner feel effortless, with simple steps that get food on the table fast. No long ingredient lists, no endless chopping—just quick, easy meals. Because no one has time for a dinner that moves at the speed of a snail.

Italian walnut sauce pasta served on black and white plates, accompanied by a wooden board with shelled and unshelled walnuts, a jar of walnut sauce, and a fork twirling pasta on the side.
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With Spaghetti Casserole, you can have dinner on the table with no hassle at all. Just toss it in the oven and relax until it’s done. When you’ve had a demanding day and cooking is the last thing on your mind, this dish is your hero. It pleases everyone and keeps those dishes from piling up.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Skip the takeout with Sesame Chicken that’s faster to make at home. It’s a double win when you’re craving something swiftly and don’t want to compromise on eating well. This favorite gets to the table before you can even decide on a TV show. Plus, say goodbye to cleaning up a bunch of takeout containers!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet impressive dinner, Penne Alla Vodka hits the spot. It’s laidback enough for a comfy evening, yet fancy enough to impress your guests. You’ll have a lush meal ready faster than choosing a Netflix movie. And, it keeps you from being stuck at the stove all night.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a comforting meal that almost makes itself, turn to Kimchi Stew. Just let it simmer while you take care of your to-do list. It’s the go-to for when you want something warming without the effort. Plus, it’s fantastic whether you’re dining solo or with friends—just grab a bowl and let the rich, bold flavors do the work.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast meals can still pack a bold punch with Thai Drunken Noodles. Serve up some excitement with this quick recipe. When you need something spicy and don’t have much time, this dish delivers. It’s a standout choice for a quick fix that’s miles ahead of ordinary noodles.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When simplicity meets taste, you get Shrimp Burrito Bowls. It’s all about using what you have to whip up something delicious. Experience a change of pace without going out or waiting on delivery. These bowls are a clever, fast solution for dinner—quick to make, packed with flavor, and way better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Best Lemon Pasta makes dinner both effortless and enjoyable. It’s surprising how easy and fast this dish comes together. You’re looking at no-fuss cooking at its best, straightforward and practical. Suddenly, your evening is free, and you’re not left scrambling for meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Need a no-fuss meal idea? Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time. This classic pairing is your answer to a quick, fulfilling meal that outdoes any delivery. It makes for a wise choice when you need a satisfying meal without the drama—just toss it together, and dinner’s done before you can even think about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

In need of a comforting dish with no complex steps? Miso Soup is your quick passport to a fulfilling meal. It’s easy, fast, and just what the doctor ordered for those lazy cooking nights. You can enjoy a comforting bowl in no time, making you feel all sorts of good.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Want to try something unconventional with minimal effort? Sushi Bake offers a fun twist on the usual sushi roll, packed with layers of flavor. It’s the perfect dish for getting everyone around the dinner table quickly. Scoop it out and watch it vanish—this bake is as easy as it is addictive!
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun.
Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Egg Prosciutto Bagel transforms simple ingredients into a dinner that feels both effortless and rewarding. It’s all about the toast, the layers, and that feeling of “I did it!” Ideal for those nights when you want something satisfying but can barely muster the energy to cook. This dish is a gem.
Get the Recipe: Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shake up dinner with Easy Bibimbap, a dish that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. It offers a bit of everything, all in one colorful bowl. Perfect for when your palate crave variety but your brain says no to cooking elaborate meals. It’s all about tossing it together for a swift, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need a quick flavor boost, Sweet and Sour Sauce is your best friend. This tangy treat can brighten up a basic meal in seconds. It’s great for transforming leftovers into a fresh meal. Quick, easy, and multipurpose, this sauce is a must-have for speeding up dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re on the hunt for a quick dinner, Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are the way to go. You can whip them up in no time, making your dinner routine less stressful. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, offering a simple yet appealing option on a busy day. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with almost any side dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a comforting bowl of soup, you might want to consider whipping up Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. It’s incredibly easy to make and provides a comforting meal without much fuss. This soup can serve as a full meal or a side dish to something lighter. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need a last-minute appetizer, Million Dollar Dip is your friend. It’s ready in a snap and is guaranteed to impress your guests. This dip is rich and packed with flavors that blend wonderfully. It’s an ideal choice for an informal get-together or a casual movie night.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Vegetable Stir Fry

Colorful vegetable stir-fry with mushrooms, peppers, and black seeds.
Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stirring up a Vegetable Stir Fry is a great way to put dinner on the table quickly. This dish is not only fast but also allows you to use up whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s light, healthy, and retains the natural textures and colors of the vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it also keeps well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This dish offers a fun twist to your dinner options. Shrimp Tempura is unexpectedly easy to prepare and cooks up fast, perfect for when you crave something a bit different. It’s crispy, light, and can be dipped in your favorite sauce. Definitely a crowd-pleaser, it’s great for a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian walnut sauce pasta served on black and white plates, accompanied by a wooden board with shelled and unshelled walnuts, a jar of walnut sauce, and a fork twirling pasta on the side.
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta brings a unique nutty twist to your typical pasta night. The sauce is smooth and adds a rich texture to the pasta that’s hard to beat. It’s a fantastic option when you’re looking to try something new without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

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