21 easy recipes for when you’re hangry af

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Banish those hangry moments with these 21 straightforward, quick-to-prepare dishes. Each recipe is crafted to minimize time chopping and maximize time enjoying. It’s all about getting food on your plate as quickly as possible, without compromising on taste or quality. For anyone who’s ever felt the grip of hanger, these meals are your new go-to for instant culinary relief.

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re using an air fryer, you can easily cook up Chicken Cordon Bleu. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t need much attention, so you can relax or get other things done. Once it’s done cooking, you’ll have a tasty meal that doesn’t require you to stand over the stove. It’s ideal for those busy days when you still want a meal that feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a single skillet, you can make a complete meal of Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. It’s a simple matter of cooking everything together, and the gnocchi gets a nice texture from the pan. This meal is comforting and filling, and best of all, you won’t have to clean a pile of dishes afterward. If you’re looking for something that’s both satisfying and easy, this recipe is a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Imagine combining the flavors of pizza into a casserole; that’s what you get with Pizza Casserole. You just layer the ingredients in a dish and bake. It’s more filling than your average slice of pizza, perfect for when you’re really hungry. And when it comes to easy clean-up, a one-dish meal like this is ideal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilling steaks is pretty straightforward, and when you add Cowboy Butter, it brings the flavor up several notches. You can enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal without much fuss. Plus, if you’re worried about being too hungry while the steak cooks, the butter’s richness makes up for it. It’s a simple way to make a regular evening feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Our Turkey Chaffwich is basically a turkey sandwich that’s light and easy to put together. You can make it with a few simple ingredients and it’s ready in no time. It’s a great lunch option that won’t weigh you down, and if you’re watching carbs, you can adjust the recipe as needed. For a quick and tasty meal, you can’t go wrong here.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

You can replicate Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo at home without much trouble. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s a nice way to treat yourself without the extra step of going out to eat. And if you’ve ever felt impatient waiting for restaurant food, this homemade version is definitely faster.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

French Onion Soup

Low-Carb French Onion Soup in a tall white bowl on a marble counter.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

You can’t go wrong with French Onion Soup when you need something warm and soothing. It’s a pretty simple soup to make, with onions and broth forming the base. This dish is perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a dose of comfort. Plus, you get to enjoy the melted cheese on top, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer is a fast way to get a healthy meal on the table. It’s lean and cooks up quicker than using a traditional oven. You don’t have to worry about a lot of clean-up afterward, either. It’s a winning choice when you want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a quick meal with a kick, try making Carne Molida, or Mexican Ground Beef. It’s pretty straightforward: cook the beef with some spices and you’ve got a hearty filling for tacos, burritos, or rice. It doesn’t take long to prepare, which is always a plus. And using just one skillet means fewer dishes to clean.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

A plate with a Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich and a bowl of pasta
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Our Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is a tasty option that comes together quickly. It’s a combination of chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and basil that really works. You can grill the chicken or cook it in a pan, and it’s just as delicious either way. It’s perfect for crushing those hangry spells in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Il Fornaio’s Rigatoni Alla Vodka can easily be made at home. You just cook the pasta, whip up the vodka sauce, and combine. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being too complicated. And you get to skip the wait and expense of a restaurant meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilling shrimp doesn’t take long, and when you flavor them Mediterranean-style, they’re especially delicious. This dish is great when you’re looking for something both quick and healthy. Plus, the flavors are bright and satisfying without being too heavy. If you need a meal that’s both fast and a little bit fancy, this is a good route to go.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Piccata is a tangy and satisfying dish that’s not too difficult to make. You cook the chicken and then create a lemony sauce to go over it. The whole process is pretty quick, so you won’t have to wait long to eat. It’s a good choice when you want something with a lot of flavors but not a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you use a sheet pan to cook Lemon-Rosemary Chicken, you get a flavorful meal with minimal clean-up. Everything cooks together, infusing the chicken with the aromas of lemon and rosemary. It’s a simple yet effective way to make dinner, and the oven does most of the work. If you’re after minimal effort but maximum taste, this dish delivers.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Roast Pork with Apples is a classic pairing that’s both savory and a little bit sweet. Once it’s in the oven, it’s mostly hands-off until it’s done. It’s a great dish for those times when you want something substantial but not overly complicated. Plus, the apples add a nice touch that makes the meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When your stomach’s growling, a Beefy John Wayne Casserole might just be the ticket. It’s hearty, filling, and doesn’t take forever to make. Perfect for satisfying hunger in a big, bold way. It’s the sort of meal that can satisfy a big appetite easily.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey à la King is like comfort food that’s easy to throw together. It’s basically turkey in a creamy sauce with vegetables, often served over rice or toast. It’s a good way to use up leftover turkey but it’s worth making even without leftovers. And it’s so satisfying, especially on days when you need a bit of extra warmth.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

You can recreate Panda Express’ Honey Walnut Shrimp at home faster than it would take to go out and get it. It’s a combination of crispy shrimp, a creamy sauce, and candied walnuts. Not only is it quick, but it also brings that take-out flavor to your dining table. It’s a sweet change of pace from more everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

White Chicken Chili is a lighter twist on traditional chili. It’s a filling and flavorful option that doesn’t take long to put together. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it reheats well if you have leftovers. For a meal that’s a little different from the norm but still quick, this chili is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you like pizza flavours but want something that can be made quickly, try Pizza Pasta Salad. It combines pasta with pizza toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and veggies. It’s good for feeding a crowd or just feeding yourself, and it’s pretty portable. When you’re short on time but still want something substantial, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright, refreshing, and satisfying, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is perfect for those hangry afternoons. It’s a light dish that’s hearty enough to be a meal. And since it’s so easy to put together, it’s perfect for lunchtime or a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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