12 Simple Dinners to Whip Up in a Snap

When life gets busy, sometimes you just need quick and easy meals. Simple dinners that don’t take much time or effort can make a big difference. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, these meals are perfect for nights when you don’t have the energy for complex recipes. They’re straightforward, delicious, and won’t keep you in the kitchen for long. A great dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. These simple options will help you get dinner on the table in no time, without sacrificing flavor.

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 comforting meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s an easy choice for family dinners or any time you want a satisfying dish without much effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this casserole is sure to please. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup gives you all the rich flavors of lasagna, without the hassle of layering noodles and cheese. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. You can enjoy the comfort of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

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 a simple but rich dish that never disappoints. The creamy sauce, paired with crispy pancetta and pasta, creates a satisfying meal with minimal prep. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special night in without all the fuss. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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 is a simple, one-pan dinner that’s both quick and satisfying. Marinated steak and roasted broccoli come together in a single pan for an easy, flavorful meal. It’s a great weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but want something tasty. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

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 is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. Made in the Instant Pot, it combines tender pork, noodles, and fresh veggies in a savory sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that comes together in no time. 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 a creamy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any chilly evening. The combination of smooth cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli makes it both hearty and flavorful. It’s an ideal side or main dish that brings warmth to your table. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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 is a simple yet delicious dinner that’s sure to please everyone. The balance of sweet and savory flavors creates a satisfying meal without much effort. Perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and flavorful. 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 is an easy dinner that tastes like something you’d find at a restaurant. The crispy panko coating and rich Romano cheese create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a meal that feels special. 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 a one-pan meal packed with bold flavors. The combination of enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese makes for an easy and satisfying dinner. It’s the perfect dish for a busy night when you want something quick and delicious. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

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 with vegetables is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The sweet, savory teriyaki sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s a simple, well-balanced dish that everyone can enjoy. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Tortilla pinwheels filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables are cut in half and served on a marble surface. A small white bowl of dipping sauce is nearby. Garnished with chopped herbs. — Ham and Cheese Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Ham and cheese wraps are a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option. The soft tortillas, paired with savory ham and creamy pimento cheese, create a satisfying meal that takes no time to prepare. It’s a great choice when you need something fast and filling. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Wraps

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 a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a great choice for dinner or a snack. The caramelized glaze adds depth and flavor to each bite. These wings are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with the family. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings