13 Dinners That Put Pasta and Rice to Shame

When it comes to dinner, pasta and rice are often go-to staples, but sometimes you need a change. These dinner recipes will help you break away from the usual routine. They’re packed with flavor and will leave you looking for more. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing something special, these meals provide great options. You’ll find a mix of hearty, filling dishes that won’t leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a food rut. It’s time to try something new and step up your dinner game.

Easy Margherita Pizza

A pizza topped with cheese, basil, and spinach leaves is served on a white plate, with slices partially cut. In the background, there's a bowl of salad, a fork, cherry tomatoes, and mint leaves on a gray surface. — Easy Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Making pizza at home doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few basic ingredients, you can have a crispy, cheesy Margherita pizza that beats any delivery option. It’s a perfect choice for a homemade dinner that feels fresh and satisfying. Get the recipe: Easy Margherita Pizza

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

A plate of pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw sits on an orange placemat. The buns are golden and slightly open, revealing the colorful slaw and tender pork. A wedge of lemon and a small salad are in the background.

These BBQ chicken sliders make for an easy and flavorful meal. Tender chicken paired with a crunchy, tangy slaw sits perfectly on soft, toasted buns. They’re great for serving at any casual dinner or gathering. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Mac and Cheese Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping sits on a wooden table. A baking dish with more macaroni and cheese and a white cloth can be seen in the background. — Mac and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

When you want a comforting meal, this mac and cheese casserole is always a win. It’s rich and cheesy, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. This dish comes together easily and fills everyone up. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Pasta Carbonara

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and bacon bits, set on a white marble surface. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Pasta Carbonara is an easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. With its creamy sauce and crispy pancetta, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s great for busy nights or when you want something simple yet satisfying. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu on a white wooden surface. Ingredients include carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, and sprinkled sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. — Pork Lo Mein. Photo Credit: Easy Everyday Food.

If you’re craving a flavorful and easy dinner, this Pork Lo Mein is a great choice. Made with the Instant Pot, this dish combines tender pork, savory noodles, and fresh veggies all in one pot. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect dish for when you need comfort in a bowl. The creamy cheddar cheese and tender broccoli create a rich, flavorful soup that’s great for any cozy dinner. It’s simple to make and always hits the spot. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lasagna Soup

When you’re craving lasagna but don’t have time for all the layers, Lasagna Soup is your answer. This one-pot dish is filled with all the rich flavors of lasagna but requires much less effort. It’s a hearty meal that will fill you up without the hassle. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef on a baking dish — Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

For a quick and easy dinner, this Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli is a great choice. With everything cooked together on one pan, cleanup is a breeze. The tender beef and roasted broccoli make for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This honey mustard chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to please. The sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce works perfectly with tender chicken thighs. It’s an easy dinner option that feels special without a lot of effort. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Crusted Chicken Romano combines the crispiness of panko breadcrumbs with the bold flavor of Romano cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Simple to prepare, this dish will impress anyone at the dinner table. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This one-pan Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is packed with bold flavors. Tender chicken and melted cheese come together with enchilada sauce in an easy-to-make skillet meal. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These sticky wings are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Coated in a mouthwatering sauce and caramelized to perfection, these wings make a great meal or party snack. They’re easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted chicken pieces, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions glazed in a thick, glossy sauce. The vegetables and chicken are caramelized, creating a vibrant, appetizing dish. — Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

This Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables dish is a simple, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are drizzled with a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick dinner that offers balanced flavors everyone can enjoy. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables