• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Dinner

29 Dinner Recipes So Easy, Even Non-Cooks Can’t Mess Them Up

Published: Sep 23, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated to be great, and these are perfect proof. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or barely know your way around the kitchen, each one is designed to be foolproof. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and fast cooking times make these meals hard to mess up—even for the most reluctant chefs. You’ll still end up with dishes that feel satisfying, without spending all day at the stove. So if you’re looking for something quick and stress-free, these recipes are about to become your go-tos.

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta (with or without vodka!). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot cabbage soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it an excellent option for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Its straightforward preparation means even novice cooks can create a large batch with ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

An overhead view of the Tuscan bean soup placed on a serving dish with a spoon on the side.
Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup is a hearty, budget-friendly choice that comes together in only 30 minutes. This simple recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, providing a warm, nourishing meal without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, featuring roasted broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Paired with whipped ricotta, this easy weeknight dinner option makes for a quick and nutritious meal that anyone can master.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata is a simple pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you crave a flavorful meal without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spicy vodka pasta can be made with or without vodka, and it can easily be adapted to suit vegan or vegetarian diets. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this dish is so straightforward that even non-cooks can prepare it with confidence.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a quick, budget-friendly pasta dish that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners. It requires minimal prep and comes together quickly, allowing you to serve a nutritious meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, its simplicity ensures that even non-cooks can impress their guests.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Instant Pot Chicken and potatoes with parsley on a white plate.
Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a quick and easy dinner solution, with juicy chicken breasts and tender potatoes ready in less than 40 minutes. This hands-off recipe allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal cooking effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A picture of ground beef and green bean stir-fry in stainless steel skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground Beef Stir Fry can be prepared in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients and one pan. This quick and easy dinner replicates takeout flavors at home, making it perfect for busy weeknights without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer butternut squash is a healthy side dish that roasts in just 20 minutes. Adding this savory option to your dinner table is a breeze, making it easy to include flavorful veggies in your meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes delivers juicy chicken and crispy potatoes in less than 30 minutes. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a family-friendly dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare, even for those with little cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A pan of beef and broccoli stir fry with a brown sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Marinated steak with broccoli stir-fry comes together quickly and is loaded with flavor. This recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, allowing you to serve a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey burger sliders are a fun and easy dinner option, featuring juicy turkey patties and all your favorite toppings. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a lively BBQ gathering, requiring minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Italian Low-Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This Italian low-carb pasta marinara swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or other low-carb alternatives, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Tossed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with fresh basil, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Italian flavors while keeping their carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips on a white plate with white sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer chicken breast strips are ready in just 20 minutes, making them a quick and no-mess dinner option. Their crispy texture and simple seasoning make this dish perfect for easy weeknight meals that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Small flatbread toped with salad and chicken.
20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Chicken Caesar Flatbread combines store-bought flatbread and cooked chicken for a meal that’s quick to assemble. It's an excellent solution for busy weeknights, allowing you to serve a tasty dinner without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: 20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry is a quick dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple preparation and fresh ingredients, even novice cooks can create a vibrant and satisfying meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side.
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sheet pan steak fajitas are made with lean beef and fresh veggies, seasoned with homemade fajita spices. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners that require minimal prep and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A plate of air fryer chicken tenders with a dip.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal option, taking little time to prepare while delivering crispy, flavorful results. This no-mess dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken with shredded chicken thighs is a great way to use up leftovers. This one-skillet meal comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for easy weeknight dinners that are fast and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot is a flavorful dish that cooks itself while you go about your day. This easy, hands-off recipe requires minimal prep and results in a tender, delicious meal that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

A white baking dish with chicken drumsticks layered inside and honey mustard sauce on top.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken drumsticks are easy to prepare in the crockpot, slow-cooked in a simple honey mustard sauce. This hands-off method allows you to create a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus is ready in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and quick. This dish ensures flaky salmon paired with tender asparagus with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are cooked on the stovetop in just 20 minutes, making them a fast and easy meal option. This recipe is great for weeknight dinners when you want something quick that still brings flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. This simple recipe packs a punch of flavor and is a fantastic choice for easy weeknight dinners that come together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a weeknight lifesaver, ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe combines hearty ingredients into a quick meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes, featuring crispy skin and tender meat. This easy recipe allows anyone to create a mouthwatering dinner without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Fettuccine Alfredo

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

This quick pasta recipe brings Italian flavors to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. It’s a straightforward option for satisfying your pasta cravings on busy nights, requiring little preparation.
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An air fryer basket with stuffed chicken breasts.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Stuffed chicken breasts are filled with cheese and bacon, and coated in crispy breadcrumbs. This easy recipe makes a flavorful dinner that anyone can prepare without the need for advanced cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

More Dinner

  • Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
    The slow cooker pays off with these 26 dinners
  • Slices of Holiday Beef Wellington on a wooden board.
    40 dinners that make Valentine’s night unforgettable
  • Overhead image of sliced italian steak with sauce on a plate.
    39 steak dinners that make any night feel special
  • An image of a sheet pan piri piri or peri peri chicken with green beans and sweet potatoes.
    20 sheet pan dinners that let the oven do all the work for you

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
    21 spring dinners that taste like you spent all day (but take 30 minutes)
  • Hashbrown casserole being served.
    Budget-friendly recipes that don’t feel like a compromise
  • An overhead image of green goddess pasta bake on a serving plate.
    Feed the family without overspending: 17 smart spring meals
  • A plate of rice with Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry.
    Grocery prices are up—these recipes keep dinner under $10

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC