Don’t know what to make for dinner tonight? Don’t worry! I know what you are looking for! Delicious, quick and easy dinner recipes that are tasty but super-fast and simple to make.
Yes, I blog about food, but both you and I have busy lives.
This means that, as much as we love eating healthy meals, we can’t spend an hour cooking dinner every night.
This is why I put together this list of quick dinner ideas that will help you to get dinner ready in no time.
These easy dinner ideas are full of whole foods, grains, veggies, and proteins. Perfect for getting the right balance of all the essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Plus, they use simple ingredients that are easy to find. I don’t know about you, but when I am busy, I much rather make a simple dinner with a handful of ingredients.
TIPS FOR COOKING A QUICK DINNER
- Plan your meals in advance: Having a mental plan, and knowing what you are going to cook ahead of time, will help to get your dinner ready in no time. You can use a meal planner or simply write down on your calendar what you are planning to cook.
- Prepare your ingredients ahead of time: Cleaning your veggies in the morning or on Sunday, gathering all the ingredients, and laying them out on the counter before you start cooking, will make the cooking process a whole lot quicker.
- Follow the recipe: This might seem a bit silly, but you’ll be surprised by how many of you think they can simply wing it. You read the recipe once and then try to get on with it. There is a reason why you need to chop onions first and then move on with putting the pan on the heat. Most recipes lay out the best order to do things in the quickest and most efficient way possible. So stick with that!
I love my dinners to be quick, with tons of flavor, and ready with minimal effort!
And if you want to improve your cooking skills, don’t forget to check out more tips for cooking dinner fast at the end of the article!
And now, let’s get cooking!
50+ Easy Dinner Recipes
Here you'll find the best easy dinner ideas ready in 30 minutes or less! Perfect for busy weeknights!
In this list of healthy dinner recipes, there's everything from plant-based options to vegetarian recipes, pasta, soups, chicken mains, and fish recipes.
I am sure you'll discover a new family favorite or two!
15-Minute Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
READY IN: 15 minutes
Stir fry dinners are so easy to make. All you need is just some chopped veggies and a hot pan.
And this 15-minute wonder is perfect for a quick Asian noodle stir fry.
10-Minute Chickpea Curry
READY IN: 10 minutes
I make this curry at least once a week and never get tired of it.
It's made with simple and nutritious ingredients that you can find pretty much in any kitchen. Here I used fresh spinach, but you can easily use frozen spinach if you have some in the freezer.
I cook this when I meal prep for the week, as it easily lasts a few days in the fridge.
It's one of the easiest dinner ideas you can make!
Turmeric Chickpea Soup
READY IN: 25 minutes
You won't believe how simple and easy this chickpea soup is.
It's ready in just 15 minutes, and with plenty of greens and turmeric, it's perfect for boosting your immune system during cold evenings!
Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado
READY IN: 15 minutes
Chicken is one of the easiest meat to cook for dinner when you are short on time.
And this easy chicken salad recipe with avocado is crisp and full of flavor.
One of the simplest and healthiest meal you can make!
Garlic Sesame Noodles
READY IN: 15 minutes
These creamy garlic sesame noodles come together in just 15 minutes, making them the perfect quick and easy dinner when you are short on time.
Add some extra protein like edamame beans, chicken, or tofu, to make them a full round meal!
Vegetarian Paella
READY IN: 30 minutes
I just made this for dinner on Sunday, and it was so good.
You don’t need to use the veggies in the recipe. Anything you have in your fridge or freezer works! It’s so easy!
Easy Hummus Bowl
READY IN: 25 minutes
This easy hummus bowl is perfect for when you can't be bothered to cook.
It comes together in very little time, and you can prepare the quinoa, homemade hummus, and roasted chickpeas in advance, so all you'll have to do is assemble and eat!
10-Minute Naan Pizza
READY IN: 10 minutes
Who doesn't love a pizza night for dinner?
Yes, you can prep and cook this vegetarian Naan Pizza in 10 minutes!
Enjoy the classic flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil in this delicious quick meal.
Quick Tuscan Farro Soup with Beans and Kale
READY IN: 20 minutes
Can you believe it?
By using quick cook farro, you can make this delicious soup in less than 30 minutes.
This comforting dinner recipe is cozy and is going to warm you up. Plus, it's perfect for making ahead.
One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
READY IN: 30 minutes
If thinking about black beans, juicy tomatoes, crunchy sweet corn, and creamy avocados makes you drool, this Mexican Quinoa is the perfect dinner for you.
It’s healthy and flavorful, plus it’s super easy: you just need one pan and a little prep time!
Cashew Chicken
This cashew chicken is a quick and easy chicken stir fry ready in less than 30 minutes.
It reminds me of a takeout meal, only much better, healthier, and flavorful!
So good!
Pasta With Peas
READY IN: 15 minutes
This Italian pasta with peas is a simple, creamy, and delicious one-pot dinner recipe.
It uses simple ingredients, it’s kid-friendly, and it’s ready in no time.
The ultimate tasty and affordable pasta recipe.
Best Vegetarian Tacos
READY IN: 15 minutes
If you love a good Taco Tuesday recipe, check out this recipe.
Loaded with simple roasted veggies and a tangy avocado-tomatillo sauce, these vegetarian tacos are an easy weeknight dinner full of flavor.
Parmesan Crumbed Fish
READY IN: 12 minutes
Have you ever found yourself with some fish in the fridge or freezer and without any idea of what to prep for dinner?
Well, this quick emergency fish recipe is perfect with any fish fillet you have.
It’s a super-healthy fish recipe ready in no time with a delicious golden-baked crust.
Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas
READY IN: 30 minutes
Yep! I am officially obsessed with butternut squash.
And this creamy Indian-inspired curry is just the comforting, quick meal you want to make when you crave something spicy and creamy but are short on time.
Just make sure to buy pre-cut butternut squash if you are in a hurry!
15 Minute Sweet and Spicy Chicken Zoodles
READY IN: 15 minutes
If you are looking for a low-carb dinner recipe, this is it!
I love spiralizing veggies. spiralizing veggies. It's an easy way to get more vegetables into your diet, and it's great if you are looking to cut your carbs intake.
And these sweet and spicy chicken zoodles are a quick and easy low-carb dinner recipe that's fresh and flavorful.
A straightforward and easy chicken recipe!
Spaghetti with Garlic And Olive Oil
READY IN: 10 minutes
Another Italian classic: spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino.
I can’t remember how many times I cooked this pasta at the last minute.
It’s the perfect comfort pasta to cook when you have no ingredients available.
So simple, yet so delicious. All you need is crushed garlic, chili, extra-virgin olive oil, and some grated parmesan cheese.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
READY IN: 30 minutes
This easy sheet pan meal has all the best Mexican flavors.
Made with skinless chicken breast is the perfect healthy weeknight dinner easily made all on one pan in under 30 minutes!
It’s also a perfect recipe for your Sunday meal prep too!
Tuscan Kale Pesto Pasta
READY IN: 25 minutes
Pesto is an old-time favorite, as you just put all the ingredients in a blender, cook pasta al dente, and you are set for dinner.
This black kale pesto recipe is made with cavolo nero.
It’s a recipe that I discovered for the first time in Florence. Delicious.
If you don’t have black kale, you can simply use normal kale. It will be just as good.
10-Minute Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli
READY IN: 10 minutes
You can make takeout at home with this easy and flavorful teriyaki chicken & broccoli recipe.
You'll just need nine simple ingredients, no marinating required, and only 10 minutes to cook up.
Honey Garlic Salmon
READY IN: 15 minutes
This Honey Garlic Salmon recipe is a quick and easy way to serve salmon, and it's just so good.
The sauce is what makes the dish, and for it, you need simple pantry ingredients: soy sauce, honey, garlic, and vinegar.
Easy Canned Tuna Pasta
READY IN: 15 minutes
This canned tuna pasta recipe is healthy and comforting. Plus, it's ready in no time.
You'll just need a can of tuna, some pasta, garlic, lemon juice, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley.
It's the perfect recipe to cook when you are running out of ingredients in your pantry.
15 Minute Cauliflower Fried Rice
READY IN: 15 minutes
This healthy fried rice is made with cauliflower, carrots, onions, garlic, eggs (or tofu for a vegan version), and sesame oil!
The best thing is that you can add pretty much any veggies you have in the fridge, and it'll still be delicious!
15 Minute Garlic Shrimp Zoodles
READY IN: 15 minutes
Another low-carb zoodle recipe. This time with sweet and tasty garlic roasted shrimp.
Lemon adds a bit of tanginess and freshness to the zucchini noodles. A fast low-card meal that's full of flavor.
Easy Vegan Ramen
READY IN: 30 minutes
This nourishing bowl of vegan ramen noodles is a comforting meal filled with plant-based goodness.
It's made with meaty mushrooms, crunchy veggies, and crispy tofu in a flavorful miso broth.
Perfect for when you crave something warm and cozy.
10-Minute Quesadillas
READY IN: 10 minutes
Quesadillas are for when you feel lazy and can't be bothered to cook a proper meal.
What I love about quesadillas is that you can put them together in just 10 minutes flat. Add a simple salad on the side, and you have a quick, filling meal ready in no time.
For this simple version, you'll need some tortillas, black beans, chopped red peppers (fresh or from a jar), onion, and pickled jalapeño.
15-Minute Spicy Chicken
READY IN: 15 minutes
This one is another of those recipes you need to save for when you are short on time, or you really don't want to spend much time in the kitchen.
We all have those days...
And with this spicy chicken, you can have it all: it'll be ready in no time, but you won't have to compromise on deliciousness.
Chickpea And Potato Curry (Chana Aloo)
READY IN: 30 minutes
You can't go wrong with potatoes in a curry.
And this chickpea and potato curry is everything you'll want from a quick dinner: it's easy, healthy, filling, and delicious!
And for some extra spiciness goodness, this chickpea and butternut squash curry, and this coconut and lentil curry are a must-try!
Easy Chimichurri Baked Salmon
READY IN: 15 minutes
This baked salmon is easy, fresh, and full of flavor. Everything you'll want for a quick weeknight dinner.
It's baked to perfection in just 10 minutes, then it's covered in a rich and garlicky fresh chimichurri sauce.
Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip
READY IN: 30 minutes
This recipe is perfect for pleasing the crowd.
Both kids and adults will love these delicious baked chicken tenders.
This paleo version is made with tender chicken, covered with a mix of almond and coconut flour. Then simply put it in the oven for 15 minutes, and you have chicken tenders baked to perfection.
A great recipe for a quick and easy dinner.
Farmers Market Spicy Tuna Wraps
READY IN: 10 minutes
A bit like with the quesadillas idea, putting together a quick wrap is another easy option for dinner when I am in a hurry.
And these tuna wraps are the perfect tasty combination for a quick and filling meal.
They are full of fresh and crunchy veggies and drizzled with light chipotle Greek yogurt ranch dressing packed with flavor.
Easy Tomato Soup (no cream)
READY IN: 30 minutes
What's more classic for dinner than creamy tomato soup?
This one requires just a few inexpensive pantry staples and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Plus it's made with no dairy (but still super creamy), and it's super healthy!
Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
READY IN: 30 minutes
If you love Asian flavors, this braised chicken with sweet potatoes and rice will hit the spot!
It's a fusion of Indian and Thai flavors, and you can make it in an instant pot in around 30 minutes.
It's comforting, healthy, and delicious!
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
READY IN: 30 minutes
This tomato spinach pasta bake is outrageously rich, creamy, and drool-worthy.
It's made with just 10 ingredients, and you can get it on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
It's a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Carrot Ginger Soup
READY IN: 30 minutes
This classic carrot ginger soup is going to be one of the creamiest you've ever had. Plus, red lentils add just the right amount of protein and consistency to make it a filling and round meal.
It's the perfect meal for cold winter evenings that you will make over and over again!
Frittata
READY IN: 30 minutes
Frittata is so versatile. It’s perfect for lunch and dinner.
Plus, it’s super simple to make.
Yes, it takes 30 minutes, but you’ll spend most of the time looking at it cooking in the oven.
It really takes 5 minutes of your time to put it together. Delicious and rich in protein.
Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta e Ceci)
READY IN: 30 minutes
This delicious pasta with chickpeas or Italian pasta e Ceci is one of the best one-pot family meals you can cook in less than 30 minutes.
It’s budget-friendly, vegan, and uses a handful of cupboard essentials, making it the perfect homemade dinner.
No-Cook Creamy Tomato Pasta
READY IN: 15 minutes
This incredibly creamy and sweet tomato pasta is made with fresh tomatoes, almonds, garlic, basil, capers (optional), and extra virgin olive oil.
You simply add everything to a food processor and toss the sauce with the pasta.
You can keep it vegan or add some parmesan on top for extra flavor.
And if you have a few more minutes to spare, try this delicious creamy tomato pasta with herbs.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage
READY IN: 30 minutes
Do you ever crave something warm and sweet in the evening?
This creamy and hearty butternut squash pasta is effortless to make, plus it’s healthy and ready in just 30 minutes.
It’s the perfect comfort food to cook on a cold fall evening.
Baked Gnocchi Recipe with Mozzarella
READY IN: 30 minutes
Potato gnocchi is one of my favorite dinner recipes.
And if you don’t have time to make your own gnocchi, you can just buy them ready to be used.
This vegetarian-baked gnocchi recipe is made with a super-simple sauce packed with spinach and tomatoes.
Add everything in an oven-safe pan, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for the perfect easy comfort food supper.
1-Pot Chicken Soup with White Beans & Kale
READY IN: 30 minutes
If you are after a cozy, warming, yet simple chicken soup, this is it.
Made with 8 simple, wholesome ingredients like white beans and kale, this soup is nourishing, hearty, and incredibly comforting!
And you won't need to spend hours in the kitchen!
Coconut Curry Salmon
READY IN: 30 minutes
There's nothing better than a bowl filled with hot steamy rice, topped with a creamy curry.
And this salmon curry is a breeze to make: you'll just need broiled salmon, a creamy coconut curry sauce, and steamy rice to soak up all the delicious juice.
30-Minute Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
READY IN: 30 minutes
This healthy sesame chicken green bean stir fry is made with fresh green beans, carrots, and red bell pepper, all cooked in a flavorful sesame ginger sauce. It's perfect as a protein-packed weeknight dinner.
You can eat it with rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa, or it’s perfect on its own if you prefer a low-carb option.
Butternut Squash Soup
READY IN: 20 minutes
If you are craving something sweet and creamy, your body is telling you to make a bowl of butternut squash soup.
And you know what's great about this soup? It's thick and decadent without using any cream.
It’s so good and simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner and ready in no time.
Easy 20-Minutes Fish Stew
READY IN: 23 minutes
If you don't want to wait for hours, for a hearty and rich stew, try this easy version.
You can make everything in one pan. Simmer the wild cod in a sweet tomato and coconut broth, add bell peppers and cook for 10 minutes.
Serve topped with fresh cilantro, and over quinoa or rice. It's also delicious with some warm bread or a side of roasted potatoes.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
READY IN: 25 minutes
I don't know about you, but I find the combination of mushrooms and cream simply divine!
This version uses a homemade cashew cream that's so much healthier than standard cream. But it's also super easy to make!
Each mouthful explodes with flavors. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner!
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
READY IN: 25 minutes
Spicy and full of goodness, this delicious Middle Eastern lentil soup will transport you to exotic places.
It’s thick, filling, and full of flavor, yet simple and easy to prepare.
Vegetarian Enchiladas
READY IN: 55 minutes
Enchiladas are the quintessential quick dinner.
They are easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and so good!
There are plenty of options out there, but these butternut squash-stuffed vegetarian enchiladas are one of my favorites out there.
Israeli Couscous Salad with Feta and Lemon Dressing
READY IN: 35 minutes
I love couscous as a quick dinner idea. I eat it warm in the winter and chilled in the summer.
It’s extremely versatile, and you can add any type of veggies to it.
This Israeli couscous salad is made with feta, mint, and smoked paprika lemon dressing.
Red Lentil Soup With Spinach And Carrots
READY IN: 30 minutes
This red lentil soup is quick, simple, and easy to throw together.
Made with wholesome red split lentils, it is an incredibly comforting and nourishing dinner, perfect for warming you up during cold days!
Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Quinoa
READY IN: 12 minutes
Fo this recipe you'll need chicken tenders, quinoa, and a good mix of spices and fresh herbs.
The marinade and the sauce use the same ingredients, so you won't be scrambling around the kitchen to put together different condiments.
Easy Thai Shrimp Curry
READY IN: 25 minutes
If you love Thai flavors, this easy Thai shrimp curry recipe is going to become one of your favorites.
Shrimps cook super fast, and the coconut sauce is simple, healthy, yet tasty and delicious.
Asado Chicken Breast with Sauteed Lemon Zucchini
READY IN: 30 minutes
If you are used to dry chicken for dinner, this recipe is going to help you out.
The delicious marinade made with paprika, cumin, chicken stock, lemon juice, and a few spices will ensure that the chicken will remain juicy and tender when cooking.
Add the zucchini to the pan where you cooked the chicken to give them extra flavor.
Serve piping hot! Delicious!
Salmon Cobb Salad
READY IN: 25 minutes
This salmon Cobb salad recipe is a lighter take on the classic! It's made without bacon and cheese, and it's not drowning in a creamy dressing.
So it's much healthier, but it's just as delicious and much better for you!
5 More Tips For Cooking Dinner Fast
If you want to cook dinner super-quick (whether you have 15 minutes or 30 minutes to spend in the kitchen), you must be organized.
If you don’t have all your ingredients and equipment ready, you simply won’t get your meals done on time.
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So here are my top 5 tips to cook faster:
1. Organize your kitchen utensils and make sure you have sharp knives
This is cooking 101.
Put your most-used tools in the drawer closest to where you work and get the things you rarely use out of the way.
Honestly, things like Christmas cookie cutters and that banana slicer you bought in a moment of craziness won’t be useful while you cook dinner.
The only things you need around you are:
And I cannot stress enough how important it is to invest in some good quality knives.
Cooking is just much harder, and it takes three times as long when you have to saw through your veggies instead of slicing them like butter.
You just need a couple of good knives, and your life will change forever.
2. Keep pantry essentials accessible
Same as with utensils. Keep oil, salt, and pepper on your counter. And make sure things like sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, spices, and seasoning are easily accessible.
3. Read the recipe till the end before you start
Have you ever gone through a recipe only to find out halfway that your eggs need to be at room temperature or that you were supposed to warm up the oven? Make sure you read the recipe entirely before you start, so you’ll have no surprises.
4. Have all the ingredients on the counter ready to go
I still remember that time I cooked the driest muffins on earth. I was supposed to add oil halfway through, but I simply forgot to add it because I didn’t have it in front of me.
Since that time, I have learned to set out all the ingredients I need in front of me on the kitchen counter before I start cooking.
Having everything ready staring at you will not only speed up your cooking, but it will help you to avoid forgetting a vital ingredient.
5. Multitask
If you want to cook dinner fast, there is nothing more helpful than doing many things at once.
A few examples are:
- Chop onions while the oil is heating up in the pan.
- Measure your pasta while you are bringing the water to boil.
- Chop veggies for your salad while the chicken is marinating.
- Wash dirty dishes or put them in the dishwasher while things are cooking in the oven.
It takes a bit of time and experience, but multitasking will come naturally once you learn the basics.
What to cook for dinner when you have no ideas?
There are plenty of healthy dinners you can make in less than 30 minutes!
From sheet pan dinners to instant pot recipes, from filling pasta to fun and satisfying tacos…
There are plenty of quick recipes you can put together in no time. So there’s no reason to cook the usual boring recipes all the time!
These 50+ quick and easy dinner recipes will help you survive in the kitchen!
Whether you are preparing easy dinner recipes for two or you are after easy dinner ideas for the whole family, here you will find the perfect dinner recipes for everyone.
Quick Dinner Idea: 15-Minute Vegetable Noodles
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup water
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce - Note 1
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup - or raw brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger - (or sub for 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes - Note 2
For the noodles
- 8-10 ounces uncooked noodles - you can use any type of noodles
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 green onions - thinly sliced
- 2 carrots - thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper - chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms - sliced
- 2 cups broccoli - chopped
For serving
- sesame seeds
- 1 green onion
Instructions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl or a jar.
- Wash and chop the veggies into strips and similar size pieces.
- In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and sliced green onions and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the chopped vegetables, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are softened. If needed, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to avoid burning.
- While the veggies are cooking, soak the noodles in hot water, following the packet directions, then drain.
- Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the pan. Toss well for a couple of minutes. If you like your noodles darker or more seasoned, add extra soy sauce.
- Sprinkle the noodles with sesame seeds and green onion and serve.
Aline Terrell says
Have you thought of adding some recipes with beef or pork?
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hi Aline,
I don’t eat much beef and pork myself, which is why I haven’t included any recipes containing them as an ingredient.
Lauern love says
It’s really good food! I’m going to try at home and I hope if you read this, this is really good food. You should try it because my kids love these recipes!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thank you, Lauern! Glad you like these recipes 🙂
Fiona says
I don’t know why recipes including chicken are on here, I have been a vegetarian my whole life and have never heard of chicken being a vegetarian food. I’ve been to many restaurants that i have never seen putting chicken on their vegetarian menu. Is this just me?
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hey Fiona,
Of course, chicken isn’t vegetarian lol!
I am not sure why you thought it was! These dinner recipes include recipes for everyone: vegetarian, vegan, recipes with chicken, and fish. There are several headlines to clarify which section you are in.
Sorry if the headlines aren’t clear or big enough!
J says
The spaghetti is soo good.
Simply, I am 11 and made it for my family for dinner. We all loved it 😁😁
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Amazing J!
You care 11 and cooking for your family! You are a star 🙂
Erica says
Love all of the recipes. I made the fish tacos and they were a big hit with my kids.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
I looove fish tacos 🙂
Ryan says
Thanks for sharing your recipes! We did the grilled fish tacos for Cinco De Mayo 🙂 Delicious!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Mmm, I love those tacos! 🙂
Glad you liked them!
Pam says
Love all these dinner ideas!
I’ve just made your Mexican quinoa and it was delicious!
Thanks for sharing!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thanks so much Pam 🙂