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11 Simple Cooking Recipes For Dinner Tonight
As someone who has faced the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma more times than I can count, I’ve curated this list of my personal, tried-and-true recipes that save my weeknights. Acknowledging the common frustration of the “5 PM scramble,” this list promises genuinely simple, quick, and delicious recipes that solve this problem using accessible ingredients and minimal cleanup. These are the meals I turn to when I’m tired, uninspired, and just need to get a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table.
The best simple cooking recipes for dinner are quick to prepare (under 30 minutes), use pantry staples, and minimize cleanup with one-pan or one-pot methods. Options like creamy pasta, sheet pan meals, and quick stir-fries offer delicious, stress-free solutions for any night of the week, making home-cooked family dinners achievable even on the busiest days.
Our Philosophy: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor, Less Cleanup
Every recipe on this list was chosen with a clear, user-focused philosophy in mind. We believe that a great weeknight dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the core principles that guide our selections:
- Quick Prep & Cook Times: Most of these recipes are designed to go from fridge to table in 30 minutes or less. We focus on minimal prep to lighten your load after a long day.
- Accessible & Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You won’t find any obscure or expensive items here. These recipes lean heavily on pantry staples and common proteins and produce you can find at any grocery store.
- One-Pot/One-Pan Wonders: We are huge fans of less cleanup. Many of these ideas, from traybakes to one-skillet meals, are designed to keep your sink empty and your evening free.
11 Simple Cooking Recipes For Dinner Tonight (Updated for 2025)
Ready to find your new favorite weeknight meal? We’ve gathered a variety of simple cooking recipes for dinner to suit every taste and craving. From comforting, creamy pasta and takeout-at-home stir-fries to healthy traybakes and hearty soups, each of these 11 recipes is designed for a completely stress-free cooking experience. Let’s get cooking!
1. 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
This is the ultimate comfort food for a busy night. It’s incredibly fast, uses basic pantry ingredients, and delivers a rich, satisfying flavor that feels truly indulgent.
Ingredients:
* 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
* 4 tbsp butter
* 5 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt, black pepper, fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro-Tip: “For an even richer sauce, use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese. And don’t skip reserving the pasta water—it’s the secret to a silky, non-gloopy sauce.”
Pin this 20-minute meal for your next busy weeknight!
2. One-Pan Fajita Chicken & Rice Bowl
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who hates doing dishes. A complete, healthy, and family-friendly meal all cooked together in a single pan for the easiest cleanup ever.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb chicken breast (thinly sliced)
* 2 bell peppers (assorted colors, sliced)
* 1 red onion (sliced)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* 1 cup long-grain white rice
* 2 cups chicken broth
* Optional toppings: lime wedges, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, toss the sliced chicken, peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
4. Pour the uncooked rice and chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove foil, fluff with a fork, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Pro-Tip: “For extra flavor, char a lime half under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking and squeeze the juice over the finished dish. It makes a huge difference!”
Save this one-pan wonder for a no-fuss dinner night!
3. 20-Minute Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Craving Asian takeout? This homemade teriyaki chicken is faster, healthier, and more delicious than ordering in. The glossy, sweet, and savory sauce is absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
* Serve with steamed rice and broccoli
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Serve immediately over steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Lesson Learned: “Don’t add the cornstarch slurry until the sauce is already simmering, otherwise it can get lumpy. A slow, steady stream while whisking is the key to a perfectly smooth glaze.”
Craving takeout? Make this instead! Pin for later.
4. Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry
This is the perfect recipe for Meatless Monday or any night you want a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal. The salty, squeaky halloumi is the star in this rich and creamy tomato-coconut curry.
Ingredients:
* 8 oz block of halloumi (cubed)
* 1 tbsp oil
* 1 onion (chopped)
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
* 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
* 2 tsp curry powder
* 1 tsp turmeric
* 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed halloumi and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric. Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
5. Return the golden halloumi to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through. Serve with rice or naan bread.
Pro-Tip: “Make sure to pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel before frying. This helps it get extra crispy and golden brown, which adds amazing texture to the curry.”
The perfect Meatless Monday recipe! Save this pin.
5. Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles
If you love spicy, savory, and sweet flavors all in one bite, this is the recipe for you. These noodles are unbelievably fast, use budget-friendly ground pork, and pack a serious flavor punch.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground pork
* 8 oz noodles (ramen or spaghetti)
* 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp honey
* 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* Chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. While noodles cook, brown the ground pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
3. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, garlic, and 1/4 cup of hot water until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the cooked pork in the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add the drained, cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts and green onions.
Lesson Learned: “If your peanut sauce is too thick, use a little of the hot pasta water to thin it out before adding to the skillet. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.”
Faster than takeout! Pin this spicy noodle recipe now.
6. Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Zucchini & Tomatoes
Did you know you can roast gnocchi? This sheet pan hack is a revelation! It creates crispy, tender gnocchi pillows alongside perfectly roasted vegetables for a complete vegetarian meal with almost no cleanup.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb package shelf-stable gnocchi
* 1 zucchini (chopped)
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 1 bell pepper (chopped)
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* Salt, pepper
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, combine the uncooked gnocchi, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together directly on the pan until evenly coated.
4. Spread into a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the gnocchi are slightly crispy and golden, and the vegetables are tender.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pro-Tip: “Don’t overcrowd the pan! Use two sheet pans if you need to. Giving the gnocchi and veggies space is the secret to getting them crispy and roasted instead of steamed.”
You have to try this gnocchi hack! Save this recipe.
7. Speedy Lentil Coconut Curry
This plant-based curry tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, but it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s healthy, cheap, vegan, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect pantry-staple meal.
Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp coconut oil
* 1 onion (chopped)
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 tbsp curry paste (red or green)
* 1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
* 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 2 handfuls fresh spinach
* Lime juice
Instructions:
1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and curry paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
5. Season with salt and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve hot with rice.
Lesson Learned: “Red lentils cook much faster than brown or green ones, which is why this recipe is so speedy. Make sure you use red lentils for the best creamy, quick-cooking result.”
Healthy, vegan, and ready in 30 minutes. Pin it!
8. Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
These sliders are the definition of a crowd-pleaser. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then brushed with a savory butter sauce and baked until golden and gooey. Perfect for a quick family dinner, party, or game day.
Ingredients:
* 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 lb sliced deli ham
* 1/2 lb sliced Swiss cheese
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab in half horizontally to create a top and bottom bun slab.
3. Place the bottom slab in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer evenly with ham and then Swiss cheese. Place the top slab of rolls on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds.
5. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, using a brush to spread it out.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve warm.
Pro-Tip: “Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance but wait to pour the butter mixture over the top until just before baking. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and makes for a great make-ahead meal.”
The ultimate cheese pull! Save this recipe for your next get-together.
9. Deconstructed Burger Salad
Get all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun! This “burger in a bowl” is a quick, healthy, and satisfying low-carb dinner idea that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb lean ground beef
* 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
* 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
* 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* For the sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. While the beef cooks, prepare the salad by combining the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
4. Add the cooked ground beef and shredded cheese to the salad bowl.
5. Drizzle with the special sauce and toss everything to combine. Serve immediately.
Lesson Learned: “For the best flavor, season the ground beef with a little garlic powder and onion powder while it’s browning. It mimics the flavor of a well-seasoned burger patty.”
Love burgers but not the bun? Pin this healthy idea!
10. 20-Minute Puff Pastry Pizza
This is the ultimate pizza night hack! Using a sheet of store-bought puff pastry creates a flaky, buttery, and incredibly crisp crust in a fraction of the time. It’s a fun, fast, and kid-friendly dinner that’s endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
* 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Using a fork, prick the center of the pastry all over, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges untouched. This helps the border puff up like a crust.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pricked area.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your desired toppings.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro-Tip: “For an extra crisp crust, pre-bake the puff pastry for about 10 minutes before adding the toppings. Then add the sauce and cheese and bake for another 10 minutes. This prevents a soggy center.”
Your new favorite pizza night hack! Save it now.
11. Easy Pantry Taco Soup
This is the ultimate “dump-and-go” dinner. Made almost entirely from canned goods and pantry staples, this hearty and flavorful soup comes together in one pot with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 onion (chopped)
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
* 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed)
* 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans (rinsed)
* 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
* 1 can (10 oz) Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chiles (undrained)
* 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix.
3. “Dump” in all the remaining ingredients: beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Ro-tel, and beef broth.
4. Stir everything to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
6. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips.
Lesson Learned: “This soup is even better the next day! Don’t be afraid to make a big batch. The ranch seasoning packet is the ‘secret’ ingredient that gives it a creamy, tangy flavor you can’t quite place but absolutely love.”
The perfect ‘dump-and-go’ dinner! Pin this pantry recipe.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Simple Dinners
Feeling empowered yet? Here’s a quick summary of the core strategies you can use to make simple, delicious dinners any night of the week.
- Embrace One-Pan Meals: Sheet pans, skillets, and traybakes are your best friends for minimizing cleanup. Roasting gnocchi or making a full fajita meal on one pan saves time and effort.
- Lean on Pantry Staples: A well-stocked pantry with canned goods (beans, tomatoes), pasta, rice, and seasonings is the foundation for countless quick meals like Taco Soup and Creamy Pasta.
- Quick-Cooking Proteins: Choose proteins that cook fast, like ground meat, chicken breast, shrimp, or halloumi, to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Shortcuts: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning packets (taco, ranch) or flavorful sauces (teriyaki, curry paste) to deliver big taste without complex steps.
People Also Ask About cooking recipes for dinner
What is a good lazy dinner?
A good lazy dinner requires minimal prep and cleanup. Think one-pan or one-pot meals like Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Veggies, where all ingredients cook together. Another great option is a “dump-and-go” recipe like Taco Soup, which uses mostly canned goods. The goal is to spend less time chopping and washing dishes.
What can I have for dinner that’s quick?
For a truly quick dinner, aim for recipes under 20-25 minutes. Stir-fries like Easy Teriyaki Chicken are incredibly fast. Simple pasta dishes, such as a 20-minute Creamy Garlic Pasta, are excellent choices. Using quick-cooking ingredients is the key to getting a delicious meal on the table fast.
What is the most popular dish for dinner?
While tastes vary, chicken and pasta dishes consistently rank as the most popular choices for dinner. Recipes like Creamy Chicken Pasta, Roast Chicken, or simple Spaghetti and Meatballs are beloved classics in many households. Their versatility, crowd-pleasing nature, and relative ease of preparation make them go-to options for weeknight meals.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a delicious, home-cooked dinner doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming chore. With the right strategies and a handful of reliable recipes, you can conquer any busy weeknight with confidence. You now have 11 fantastic, no-fail options to turn to, ensuring you’ll never be stuck wondering “what’s for dinner?” again.
Which of these simple recipes will you be trying first? Let me know in the comments below