Need a night off from playing master chef? These 15 foolproof dinners are the perfect solution for the evenings when you’d rather not juggle multiple tasks. You get a meal that comes together with minimal fuss and gives you time to do other things—like figuring out how you got so lucky. It’s dinner that works harder than you do, and we’re not even mad about it.
Szechuan Shrimp
If you ever find yourself wondering what to cook on a lazy day, don’t sweat it. With minimal effort, Szechuan Shrimp comes to the rescue, offering a meal that practically takes care of itself once you get it started. It’s all about the spicy kick that wakes up any dinner routine, making it a memorable dish without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this dish proves that great flavors don’t require complex skills or endless time.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Bombay Sandwiches
Ever crave something exotic yet easy to make? Bombay Sandwiches blend simplicity with the vibrant flavors of India, making them an ideal choice for a fuss-free meal. All you need is to assemble the components, and before you know it, you’ll have a meal that transports your senses to the bustling streets of Mumbai. It’s perfect for times when you want something different but not difficult, showing that simplicity doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
On nights when you’re tempted to order out because you can’t face the kitchen, Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake steps in as your culinary hero. It combines the comfort of chicken and spinach in a creamy sauce, baking itself to perfection with very little attention needed from you. Just pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Who says you can’t bring the warmth of Southern cooking into your home without hassle? Cajun Shrimp and Grits is your ticket to a flavor-packed meal that requires minimum effort. It’s all about letting the spices do the work, transforming basic ingredients into a dish with bold flavors and comforting textures. Ideal for a cozy night in, it proves that you can enjoy the richness of Southern cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Kung Pao Chicken Noodles
Forget takeout when you can whip up Kung Pao Chicken Noodles in the comfort of your own kitchen with ease. This dish brings together the tangy and spicy flavors that you love, wrapped around every noodle. It’s a straightforward meal that lets you enjoy the complexity of Asian flavors without the complex cooking steps. Perfect for a quick dinner fix, it shows that fast food can be homemade and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Noodles
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
There’s nothing like a bowl of Chicken Hot and Sour Soup to warm you up and lift your spirits with almost no effort. It’s a soothing and flavorful soup that combines warmth, tanginess, and a hint of spice, cooking itself to perfection while you relax. This dish is ideal for those chilly evenings when you want comfort food without the hassle. It’s a reminder that some of the best flavors come from letting ingredients simmer together slowly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest
When you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick and heaps of flavor, Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest delivers without demanding much work from you. It’s an exciting meal that brings together the succulence of prawns with the comforting texture of noodles, all spiced up to your liking. It’s designed for those days when you want something a bit special but not complicated, showcasing that impressive dishes can be straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche
Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels a bit fancy without all the work, and Salmon and Asparagus Quiche fits the bill perfectly. It combines flaky pastry with a savory filling, effortlessly baking itself while you kick back. This quiche is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a laid-back weekend. It stands as proof that elegant meals don’t have to keep you tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche
Sesame Noodles with Beef
For those evenings when only a hearty yet easy meal will do, Sesame Noodles with Beef comes to the rescue. This dish mixes the rich flavors of beef with the simplicity of noodles, all dressed in a savory sauce that’s hard to resist. Thanks to its straightforward preparation, it’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights, guaranteeing satisfaction without the fuss. It demonstrates that quick meals can still be filling and flavorsome.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles with Beef
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
If you’re after something uniquely flavorful without spending ages in the kitchen, Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken is your answer. It’s a dish that combines familiar ingredients in an innovative way, creating a flavor profile that’s bold and comforting. Easy to prepare, it offers a wonderful twist on dinner without any of the complexities. This dish proves that creativity in the kitchen doesn’t require professional skills or hours of your time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles
Make your dinner routine exciting again with minimal effort by choosing Teriyaki Salmon Noodles. This meal combines the sweetness of teriyaki with the richness of salmon, wrapped around your favorite noodles for a dish that’s simple yet fulfilling. It’s the perfect option for those evenings when you’re short on time but craving something full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles
Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas
For a Mexican-inspired meal without the complications, Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas are your go-to. Utilizing the air fryer means you get to enjoy all the traditional flavors with a fraction of the effort. It’s a fun way to spice up dinner time, ensuring a flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to put together. This dish demonstrates that with the right tools, even your favorite international cuisines can be made easily at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
When time is of the essence but you’re craving something savory and fulfilling, Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein has got you covered. This dish highlights the convenience of using an Instant Pot to combine delicious flavors with the ease of a one-pot meal. It’s a no-fuss option that delivers a comforting and hearty dish, proving that quick meals can still be packed with flavor. Perfect for when you want a delicious dinner on the table without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Harissa Chicken
If you’re looking to kick up the flavor in your meals without kicking up the effort, Harissa Chicken is your solution. This dish infuses chicken with the fiery taste of harissa, creating a meal that’s both simple and bold. It’s a straightforward way to add some excitement to your dinner routine, showing that a little spice can go a long way in making a meal memorable. It’s perfect for nights when you need something easy yet exhilarating.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
For a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, Miso Glazed Salmon is a standout choice. It offers the perfect balance of umami flavor with the tenderness of salmon, all coming together quickly for a deceptively simple meal. Ideal for those evenings when you want something special without the work, it proves that sophisticated flavors can be achieved with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon