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Home » Dinner

31 Dinners So Good You’ll Forget You Were Ever in a Rut

Published: Apr 30, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

These are dinners so good, you’ll forget you were ever stuck in a rut. We’ve all hit that point where everything feels blah and nothing sounds great—but that doesn’t have to be your night. This is your sign to break out of the same-old routine and actually look forward to cooking again. No big tricks, no over-the-top stuff—just great meals that hit the spot and remind you how good dinner can be.

An image of vegan sun-dried tomato pasta on a stack of two bowls with a fork.
Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana Masala

Top view image of chana masala served in a white bowl.
Chana Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana masala is a fast chickpea curry full of bold flavor and ready in 30 minutes. It’s one of those dinners so good, it breaks you out of any cooking slump.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Nigerian Jollof Rice

A plate full of instant pot jollof.
Instant Pot Jollof. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Nigerian jollof rice is a tomato-pepper rice dish with a crispy bottom that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and perfect when you need dinners so good, they don’t feel like a repeat.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Jollof Rice

Penne Pomodoro

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

Penne Pomodoro is a simple pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s proof that dinners so good don’t need to take all night or cost a lot.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Vegan Fajitas

A vegan fajita on a plate.
Vegan Fajitas. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan fajitas wraps with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms make a fast and bold meal. This is one of those dinners so good, you’ll forget takeout was ever your backup plan.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Zucchini Soup

An image of zucchini soup in a bowl.
Zucchini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This zucchini soup is light and quick, with just enough comfort to hit the spot. It’s one of those dinners so good, it keeps things simple without being boring.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An image of vegan sun-dried tomato pasta on a stack of two bowls with a fork.
Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is made in one pot with simple ingredients like garlic, ricotta, and parmesan. It’s great for nights when you need dinners so good, you actually look forward to cooking again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Close up of Instant Pot Tomato soup in a white bowl, with grilled cheese next to it.
Instant Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot tomato soup is rich and smooth, made from fresh or canned tomatoes. It’s an easy go-to when you want dinners so good, they practically make themselves.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Kung Pao Tofu

An image of kung pao tofu served in a bowl over rice.
Kung Pao Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kung Pao tofu has crispy tofu, peppers, and a bold sauce that comes together fast. It’s one of those dinners so good, you’ll actually be excited to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Baingan Bharta

An image of baingan bharta in a serving bowl, ready to be served.
Baingan Bharta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baingan Bharta is a bold eggplant dish with deep flavor that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great pick when you need dinners so good, they break your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta.
Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan rasta pasta has a creamy, spicy sauce that’s ready in no time. It’s one of those dinners so good, it wakes up your taste buds and your weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Ethiopian Cabbage

An image of an Ethiopian cabbage.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Ethiopian cabbage stew (Atakilt Wat) is packed with bold spices and soft veggies in one pot. It’s a great choice when you want dinners so good, they don’t feel rushed.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This 3-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is quick, cheesy, and easy to throw together. It’s one of those dinners so good, you’ll wonder why you waited to make it.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overview of a bowl of vegan white bean chili.
Vegan White Bean Chili. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan white bean chili uses pantry basics to make a hearty meal fast. It’s one of those dinners so good, it makes a slow night feel like a win.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot tortellini soup has cheese-stuffed pasta and veggies in a quick, hearty broth. It’s perfect for nights when you want dinners so good, they don’t take all your energy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Minestrone

A bowl of instant pot minestrone on a white cloth with a spoon beside it.
Instant Pot Minestrone. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This Instant Pot vegetable soup is filled with beans and veggies, ready in 30 minutes. It’s one of those dinners so good, it keeps things easy without cutting corners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

A bowl of vegan efo riro.
Vegan Efo Riro. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan efo riro is a bold Nigerian spinach stew made with mushrooms instead of meat. It’s perfect when you need dinners so good, they shake things up in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

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 bean soup is simple, budget-friendly, and great on busy nights. It’s one of those dinners so good, it saves you time without giving up flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Vegan Ham

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 
Vegan Ham . Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan ham uses vital wheat gluten to make a plant-based version of classic ham. It’s one of those dinners so good, even meat-lovers will be curious.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

An overhead image of gochujang tofu rice bowl with chopsticks on the side.
Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang tofu is sweet, spicy, and packed with crispy tofu in a bold sauce. It’s one of those dinners so good, it adds real excitement to your weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta alla Norma has a tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil, all done in 30 minutes. It’s a great pick when you want dinners so good, they don’t feel like leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos top view.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato black bean tacos come with bold flavor, spiced beans, and lime crema. It’s one of those dinners so good, it earns a spot in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom stroganoff is creamy, rich, and fast to make. It’s great for nights when you want dinners so good, they feel like comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy green bean casserole has crisp beans and a golden topping, ready in 30 minutes. It’s one of those dinners so good, you’ll forget it started as a side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom masala has tender mushrooms in a bold coconut-tomato sauce. It’s a fast meal that proves dinners so good don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Margherita pizza comes together fast with just a few fresh ingredients. It’s one of those dinners so good, you’ll want it on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Chicken Stir Fry

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

Quick stir-fries come together in 20 minutes or less using fresh, simple ingredients. They’re dinners so good, you won’t even miss the extra time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet chicken thighs with bacon and green beans make a full meal in one pan. It’s one of those dinners so good, it feels like more than the sum of its parts.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

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 and broccoli stir-fry is bold, fast, and ready in 20 minutes. It’s a great pick when you want dinners so good, they don’t keep you waiting.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms and veggies come together fast in one pan. It’s one of those dinners so good, you’ll want to keep it in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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 takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a go-to when you need dinners so good, they don’t feel thrown together.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup

Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Spicy vegan noodle soup is made in 10 minutes with ramen and bold flavor. It’s proof that dinners so good don’t need much to hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup

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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.

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