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Home » Dinner

25 Dinners That Are So Simple, You’ll Wonder Why You Ever Ordered Takeout

Published: Mar 18, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Dinners that are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for takeout. These are the kind of meals that come together fast, taste great, and don’t leave you stuck in the kitchen all night. No fancy steps, no hard-to-find ingredients—just solid, easy recipes that get the job done. If you’re tired of overpaying for delivery, this is your answer.

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.

Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles mix crisp vegetables with a nutty sauce in no time. A quick meal that feels like more effort than it actually takes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Mumbai Pav Bhaji

A top-down view of a plate with pav rolls, bhaji masala, red onions, lemon wedges, and garnishes on the side.
Mumbai Pav Bhaji. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Indian street food dish brings together spiced mashed vegetables and buttered rolls. A fast dinner that’s bold, easy, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

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

Vegan efo riro swaps meat for mushrooms in a rich spinach stew. A simple, hearty meal when you want big flavors without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

An image of ratatouille on a plate with bread.
Slow Cooker Ratatouille. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker ratatouille turns fresh vegetables into a hands-off dish. A great option for nights when you want dinner to cook itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Spicy Vodka Pasta

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

Spicy vodka pasta is bold, tomato-rich, and fast to prepare. A solid choice when you want something that looks put-together with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

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.

Lemon ricotta pasta is creamy, bright, and ready in 15 minutes. A no-fuss way to pull together something fresh without much time.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Penne Pomodoro

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

Penne Pomodoro comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients. A quick dinner that skips the hassle without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Ethiopian Cabbage

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

Ethiopian cabbage stew, or Atakilt Wat, cooks in one pot in just 30 minutes. A filling meal when you need something simple and easy.
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.

A three-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole bakes in 30 minutes with little effort. A go-to when you need a quick and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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, hearty, and ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep. A simple meal when you want something filling without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Instant Pot Jollof

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

Instant Pot Jollof Rice blends tomato and pepper flavors into a one-pot dish. A great way to get a complete meal with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick fried rice turns leftovers into a meal in just 15 minutes. A fast way to make dinner without much planning or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sheet pan bibimbap has roasted vegetables, crispy tofu, and bold flavors. A hands-off dinner that keeps things easy with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Mushroom Masala

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

Mushroom masala comes together in 30 minutes with deep, rich flavor. A simple way to make a filling meal without spending too much time.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Sesame Tofu

An overhead image of sesame tofu with rice on the side.
Sesame Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy sesame tofu pairs with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce. A quick meal that takes little effort but still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole bakes in under 35 minutes with just a few ingredients. A simple dinner when cooking feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe uses just three ingredients for a no-fuss pasta dish. A fast way to make something classic without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice is packed with bold spices and fresh vegetables in just 15 minutes. A quick meal that tastes like it took more effort than it did.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Baingan Bharta

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

Baingan Bharta features roasted eggplant mashed with spices in just 30 minutes. A bold dish that comes together fast with minimal hands-on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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

Rigatoni arrabbiata brings together tomatoes, garlic, and basil in no time. A quick pasta dish that delivers strong flavor without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan dinner has a tangy glaze, crispy bacon, and roasted veggies. A simple meal that feels like more effort than it is.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Homemade Margherita pizza bakes in just 20 minutes with fresh ingredients. A fast way to enjoy pizza night without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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 cook with fresh veggies and homemade spices in just 20 minutes. A quick dinner that delivers big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

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 is ready in 20 minutes with fresh ingredients. A simple way to make a filling meal without spending too much time.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken Stir Fry

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

This quick stir-fry comes together in just 20 minutes with basic ingredients. A great option when you’re short on time but need something filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

More Dinner

  • A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
    Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan
  • Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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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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