53 Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes You Can Cook Today

More than 50 quick and easy dinner recipes just about anyone can cook.
And they’re usually under 30 minutes! Check out the guided list below for tonight’s dinner idea.

Get the quick and easy fish taco recipe on Teal Notes

Quick and easy dinner recipes are a great thing to have on hand if you’re in a bit of a hurry and don’t have too much patience. And let’s face it, even on our best days, that can be a lot of us.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still eat an awesome quick weeknight dinner that’s both good and filling. And hey, you can always eat the leftovers over the weekend and take some much needed ‘you’ time.

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How to cook faster at home

The perfect quick recipe isn’t the only thing you need on hand if you’re trying to create a meal in no time. Sometimes investing in a good set of utensils and best practices can definitely help you cook faster. Here are some quick pointers on how.

1.Prep ahead as much as you can

One of the best things you can do to prep for an easier time cooking dinner is making sure you’re prepping ahead as much as possible. This might mean pre-cutting veggies beforehand. Or even organizing the spice mess in your pantry on a lazy susan.

2. Keep a running list of your favorite recipes in a personal cooking journal

One of my favorite things to do is keep a record of as many helpful things as possible. And when I find dinner recipes worth keeping I make sure to quickly write them out and keep them in my printable planner whenever I get the chance. This way I also memorize my very favorites too.

3. Invest in glass Tupperware and sharp utensils

The reason you want to invest in glass Tupperware is that you’ll have an easier time washing dishes. If you’ve ever put away food in plastic Tupperware you probably know how much of a nightmare they are to de-grease. You’ll have a much easier time in the kitchen with glassware and also investing in a decent set of long-lasting sharp knives. They’re a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry.

4. Create a dinner rule

Hey, maybe cooking dinner isn’t your strong suit. But to keep yourself motivated to cook more meals at home which saves you money and keeps you healthier in the long run, reward yourself every time you successfully make a full meal. Have a little fun w it and call it your ‘dinner rule.’

5. Don’t shy away from repurposing leftovers

Lots of different leftovers can come right back to life if you’re just a little creative about how you repurpose them. You can either incorporate them as a side on your dinner plate or blend them in w totally new ingredients for a fresh twist.

6. Separate your meats as soon as you buy them

This is an ABSOLUTE life-saver I only started doing recently. To save you time when you’re in the middle of cooking dinner, make sure you separate your meats as soon as you purchase them and bring them home. For example, I buy chicken breasts in bulk. As soon as I get home I separate them into sets of two onto a sheet of cling wrap and throw them in the fridge. You can do this if you bulk buy ground beef too. It’s an absolute time-saver and the meat thaws faster in case you forgot to take it out beforehand.

Now click on each category to find what you’re craving for tonight!

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QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN RECIPES

15 min. honey garlic chicken

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on Family Food On The Table

Easy recipes aren’t hard to come by. It’s just that it can be hard to come up with them on the stop. But that’s what this list is exactly for. To inspire you to create awesome quick and easy dinner recipes you don’t have to kill yourself making. Like this honey garlic chicken!

Green chili chicken

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Green enchiladas chicken soup- quick and easy dinner ideas

Get the recipe on Teal Notes

Dinner recipes with chicken are a dime a dozen, so how can you choose which recipe to make for tonight? I say go by what your hungry eyeballs dictate, unless of course, you’re on a special diet. This green chicken chili is basically eye candy and begging to be made.

Last-minute chicken recipe

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on I Wash You Dry

There’s literally nothing that looks last minute for this quick chicken dinner recipe. I mean just look at that plate in all it’s chickeny glory! In terms of dinner recipes? This one’s a winner and worthy of going in your personal cookbook.

15 min. chicken pasta

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on Gimme Delicious

You can hardly go wrong with a good old chicken pasta melt. Especially when it only takes all but 15 minutes to make? Top it with your favorite dinner cheese and you’re good to go for the week.

Easy white chicken chili

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Teal Notes

This white chicken chili recipe could easily be a quick and easy dinner recipe for one. Because you can make a batch and then easily put it away for leftovers later (or for a work lunch). The best part of it is the cheese you get to sprinkle on top. Absolutely delicious!

One sheet pan chicken fried rice

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Creme De La Crumb

Can you believe this only takes about 20 minutes to put together? And it looks absolutely delicious. Season it with your favorite spices, make a hefty pan of it, and your dinner is ready to be served in no time.

Mozzarella chicken skillet

Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Kim’s Cravings

You can’t go wrong with dinner recipes like these. If you guessed ‘ones with pasta’ then you’re absolutely right. Add some chicken and cheese and being full will soon be an understatement. It’s a super quick and easy light dinner.

Creamy herb chicken

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Cafe Delites

Yummy, creamy herby chicken with a delicious sauce (that would go great with some white rice by the way). If you have some chicken breasts sitting around then this might just be your go to dinner for the night.

Chicken curry

Prep time: 20 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Cooking Classy

Creamy, full of curry, and oh so good. This dinner idea is sure not to disappoint. Especially when it only takes about 20 minutes to cook fully. Add some delicious garlic naan to the mix and you’re ready to serve a delicious family dinner.

One-pot chicken and rice casserole

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Kroll’s Corner

Chicken and rice are two basic pantry staples you can’t go wrong with, even if you’re trying to eat healthier. This recipe shows you how to mix the two to get a yummy dinner.

QUICK PASTA RECIPES

Easy pasta carbonara

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Teal Notes

If you’ve ever heard of a struggle meal then this one is most definitely for you. It’s my version of a cheaper and quick dinner idea when you don’t have much in the pantry. You can modify the ingredients to your liking for the best tasting ‘pasta carbonara’ possible.

One-pot garlic parmesan pasta

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Damn Delicious

The great thing about one-pot dinners is that, well, they only take one pot to make. And you aren’t left with a pile of dishes to have to clean later. That’s a total dinner recipe win-win and there are TONS of different one-pot dinners out there you can make. You can totally start with this super quick one-pot garlic parmesan pasta.

Tomato bacon pasta

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on Recipe Tin Eats

Delicious bacon, creamy tomato paste, and spaghetti that can be done in minutes. That’s the gist of this recipe and it doesn’t need much more explaining than that. Instead of just feasting with your eyes, you can get the recipe over on Recipe Tin Eats!

Cacio e pepe recipe

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on Spoon Fork Bacon

Cacio is a household favorite because of how absolutely delicious it is but also because of how simple and super quick and easy it is to cook. Sometimes, when we want to add a meat component, we add some bits of bacon. The bacon grease only adds to the black pepper and parmesan flavors!

Pasta with ham and peas

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Simply Recipes

You already know a classic ham and peas pasta is doing to be pretty easy to make. But to make sure you get the recipe down perfectly the first time follow the full directions over on Simply Recipes.

Quick and easy avocado pasta

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Anything with avocado is bound to taste delicious. This avocado pasta is made with tomatoes, garlic, and lemons and makes for a light dinner you can make that would pair perfectly with some wine. Voila!

Three cheese pasta bake

Prep time: 20 min.
Cook time: 25 min.

Get the recipe on Lil Luna

You can totally bake pasta for dinner too! There are so many different kinds of cheeses in this pasta it’ll have you going for seconds. But for that you have to make dinner first. To the kitchen!

Lemon ricotta spaghetti

Prep time: 13 min.

Get the recipe on The Clever Meal

If you’re a ricotta lover then you’ll love this lemon ricotta spaghetti. Spaghetti has always been a quick-cooking classic. But sometimes you can get tired of tomato paste. So that’s when you can spruce it up with some lemon and some cheese. A perfectly tasty super quick dinner.

Penne Arrabbiata

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Baker By Nature

if you want something a little more ‘fancy’ then go for a Penne Arrabiata dinner! Top with some delicious parm and some chili pepper flakes and you’re set for the day.

Taco pasta

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Dinner Then Dessert

Taco pasta! This dinner recipe doesn’t just sound fun it looks fun to eat too. The shell noodles are delicious and it only takes about 20 minutes to put together.

QUICK GROUND BEEF RECIPES

Quick and easy beef chili

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Skinny Taste

Beef chili is one of those dinners you make once and then you realize you start making at least once a week. All because it’s that easy, that quick, and that delicious. Add a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Korean beef BBQ

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Table For Two Blog

Few things beat homemade korean BBQ! Especially over a bed of filling white rice. This recipe only takes about 25 minutes to make once you get all your ingredients together.

Mexican beef and rice skillet

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Savory Nothings

Let’s go south tonight and make some spicy goodness with a Mexican beef skillet. This one definitely makes the easy recipes list. Because you can add whatever you happen to have in your fridge. A total win-win.

Mongolian beef meatballs

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Little Spice Jar

You’re getting ready to start cooking dinner and you’re looking for things to cook in your half-empty pantry. What can you make that’s still good? Well with some leftover ground beef, you can make these 15-minute meatballs. Not to mention they make great leftovers/meal prep material.

Ground beef and broccoli

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Living Well Mom

You don’t have to go out and spend tons to find a good beef and broccoli combo. You just have to get a little busy in the kitchen. And by little we’re talking 25 minutes total to go from oven to table. A perfect dinner idea for tonight (that’s also kid-friendly!)

Cuban picadillo

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on House Of Yumm

Easy recipes for beginners couldn’t be left off the list. That’s why you need to try this scrumptious Cuban picadillo. Easy enough to be ready in 20 minutes, and different enough to provide a beginner cook a challenge.

Easy Swedish meatballs

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 35 min.

Get the recipe on Homemade Interest

You can’t go wrong with meatballs, ESPECIALLY if they’re Swedish! If I were to make a list of my favorite top 25 dinner ideas this one would definitely make the list!

Creamy beef pasta

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Cookies And Cups

A homemade creamy beef and pasta is a definite step up from hamburger helper. And the cherry on top is it only takes about 20 minutes to cook. It’s almost the perfect quick and easy dinner recipe for a family.

QUICK VEGETARIAN DINNER RECIPES

Vegan Green Tortilla Pizza

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Green Evi

Green tortilla pizza? Yeah, that’s a thing. And why not make it for dinner? It’s absolutely healthy and has plenty of avocados if you love those. Because of the tortilla, it’s also filling.

Hummus pasta

Prep time: 2 min.
Cook time: 10 min.

Get the recipe on Vegan Heaven

If you love hummus try this hummus vegan pasta for dinner! It only takes about twelve minutes to put together and can definitely make great leftovers for meal prepping. So you can cook dinner and meal prep at the exact same time. How cool is that?

Vegan fried rice

Prep time: 20 min.
Cook time: 8 min.

Get the recipe on Short Girl Tall Order

Fried rice isn’t just delicious for non-vegans. You can make a delicious bowl of vegan fried rice that’s quick and easy for dinner any day of the week (or the weekend). Again, it’s also great for meal prep and it can be a way to make sure you’re getting your fair share of veggies.

Vegetarian enchilada casserole

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 25 min.

Get the recipe on Kim’s Cravings

An enchilada casserole is too good a dish to turn down no matter what you’re doing. Especially when it only takes about 25 quick minutes to make. Garnish with some cilantro and avocado and you’re ready to go.

Easy vegan meatballs

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 35 min.

Get the recipe on Nora Cooks

Spaghetti and vegan meatballs are a dinner classic. You can make these with chickpeas, ground flax, breadcrumbs and your favorite meatball seasoning for a filling meal.

Vegan tortilla soup

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Cookie And Kate

A vegan tortilla soup is absolutely delicious. With some beans, tortillas, avocados, cilantro and more, you’re definitely in for a hearty treat.

West African peanut soup

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Girl On Bloor

Peanut stew is such a nutritious and filling meal that doesn’t require any meat at all. Best of all it only takes about 20 minutes to cook through. Pair it with some simple rice and you’re ready to eat!

Loaded baked potatoes

Prep time: 20 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on i Love Vegan

In case you haven’t thought about it you can totally have a vegan stuffed baked potato for dinner. And this particular recipe doesn’t take too long to make at all.

Super simple vegan burrito bowl

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Veggie Inspired

If you want a super quick dinner and are trying to go for simple then this bowl might just be your go to. Ingredients include black beans, wild rice, red bell peppers, and some fresh cilantro.

Vegan three bean chili

Get the recipe on Monkey And Me Kitchen Adventures

This vegan chili simply looks too good not to make even if you aren’t vegan. With red peppers, jalapenos, pinto and kidney beans, you’re definitely in for a healthy dose of flavor explosion (see what I did there?)

Vegetarian quesadillas

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Erhardt’s Eat

Everybody loves quesadillas! Especially when they’re vegan, light, and quick. Get the full recipe and find out how to whip up this easy quesadilla recipe in virtually no time.

HEALTHY DINNER RECIPES

Quick cauliflower soup

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 5 min.

Get the recipe on Just a Taste

A quick cauliflower soup for dinner can take you out of the same dinner rut and get you tasting something new. Garnish with some chickpeas for good measure.

Ground turkey teriyaki bowl

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Yellow Bliss Road

Turkey meat tends to be leaner and can taste amazing without having to do much to it. That’s why this teriyaki food bowl is a must make if you’re trying to create easy healthy dinner recipes.

Zucchini boats

Cook time: 25 min.

Get the recipe on Instrupix

Zucchini can be made SO many ways. But for dinner tonight you could have some fun and make these zucchini boats for yourself (or the whole family). It’s also a super great way to get a good veggie serving in.

30-minute Mediterranean fish skillet

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Laughing Spatula

One of the healthiest things you can eat is fish. You can easily prepare a 30 minute to fish skillet with a Mediterranean twist. Get the full recipe over on Laughing Spatula.

Chicken sweet potato kale skillet

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Well Plated

Sweet potato, chicken, and kale pair great together. Especially when garnished with a bit of cranberries for an extra dose of healthy. It’s easy to make if you have a skillet, though it’s definitely not required.

QUICK AND EASY DINNER RECIPES FOR TWO

Whoever said dinner recipes had to be hard? Especially when you’re only cooking for two. Check out the handy list of super quick dinner ideas for a party of two (and yes, they can totally be dinner ideas for tonight without any preparation beforehand).

Roasted cauliflower grilled cheese

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Two Peas And Their Pod

If you’re looking for the mother of all easy recipes then look no further than a grilled cheese with a fancy cauliflower twist. Filling and bound to become a couple date night favorite.

Risotto for two

Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on A Couple Cooks

Risotto is just a fancy word for delicious. Cook dinner with this 25-minute recipe and call it a night for both of ya.

Chicken asparagus pasta

Prep time: 15 min.
Cook time: 25 min.

Get the recipe on Baking Mischief

Cook dinner they said! It’ll be easy they said. Well, with this quick and easy chicken asparagus pasta they might just be right. It covers all corners: creamy, carby, chickeny.

Instant pot lo mein

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Dessert For Two

A romantic cheat meal is synonymous with this quick lo mein recipe for two. It definitely makes it under the category of easy things to cook and doesn’t pull punches in the flavor department.

Cauliflower ravioli

Cook time: 30 min.

Get the recipe on Healthfully Ever After

If you’re asking yourself what to cook for dinner you might as well get cozy with this cauliflower ravioli. That way you can get all the delicious goodness with none of the guilt. It definitely has family meal night potential.

Quinoa tacos

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 20 min.

Get the recipe on Plays Well With Butter

yes these tacos look fancy, no they don’t take long to make at all (30 mins tops!) Not to mention this particular dinner recipe would make a great vegan meal prep. Just make, divide and store for later.

Dinner bowl for two

Prep time: 45 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Love And Lemons

Admittedly this dinner recipe for two isn’t the most hasty. BUT it looked TOO good not to feature. And it’s specifically tailored as a meal for two. The fun thing about recipes is that you can take your own shortcuts. So you can add your own twist and not have it take as long to make. Check out the recipe on Love and Lemons!

Mushroom pasta

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 15 min.

Get the recipe on Pinch Of Yum

It’s a quick dinner recipe AND it’s healthy? Why yes, yes it is. And you can find this delicious looking mushroom pasta recipe on the delicious Pink of Yum blog.