13 Dinners That Will Get You Out of the Kitchen in No Time

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Finding quick, simple dinner recipes can make all the difference when you’re short on time but still want something great to eat. These meals are designed to get you in and out of the kitchen in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, these easy options will have you serving up dinner in a flash. No need to stress about complicated steps or long prep times—just quick, great meals that taste amazing.

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 keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. It’s a quick, reliable dinner that still feels a bit special. Whether you’re cooking for one or a few, this is a no-fuss option that works. 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.

This pork lo mein makes dinner easy with its all-in-one approach. It’s filling and full of flavor, without needing a bunch of extra pans or prep. A good choice for busy nights when you still want a solid meal. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

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.

Homemade margherita pizza makes a great dinner when you’re short on time but want something fresh. The crisp crust and melty cheese come together easily in a hot oven. It’s a solid go-to for a casual pizza night at home. Get the recipe: Easy Margherita Pizza

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.

This mac and cheese casserole is a solid pick when you want something hearty and familiar. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for family dinners as it does for potlucks or leftovers. Great for when you want comfort without much effort. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

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 work well for quick dinners or easy crowd-pleasers. The juicy chicken and crunchy slaw pack plenty of flavor into each bite. They’re perfect when you want something fun but still filling. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

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 brings comfort and ease together in one bowl. It’s a great option when you want something warm and familiar for dinner. Simple, hearty, and hard to mess up. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup gives you all the flavor of the classic dish without the layering and baking. It’s one of those dinners that works great when you need something filling and low-effort. You still get the richness of a baked pasta dish, just in a bowl. 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.

Sheet pan beef and broccoli keeps cleanup to a minimum and still brings good flavor to the table. It’s an easy dinner choice for weeknights when time is tight. The single-pan approach keeps things simple without skimping on taste. 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.

Honey mustard chicken brings together sweet and savory in a way that works for almost any night of the week. It’s an easy dinner that doesn’t need much effort to turn out well. Good for when you want a flavorful main without overthinking it. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

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.

Sticky wings are always a hit whether it’s dinner or a casual get-together. The sweet and savory glaze pairs well with the crispy skin. You don’t need a special occasion to make a batch—they fit right into any dinner plan. 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.

Chicken teriyaki and vegetables come together fast, which makes this a solid weeknight dinner. The sauce brings everything together without a lot of extra steps. It’s a simple way to pull off a flavorful meal in one go. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

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 adds a bit of crunch to your dinner lineup without making things complicated. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for something that feels just a step above the usual. Still simple enough to throw together on a weeknight. 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 cheesy chicken enchilada skillet is one of those quick dinners that still feels filling. Everything cooks in one pan, which makes cleanup easier, too. It’s bold, hearty, and a reliable pick when you want a meal with some flavor. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet