Easy dinners don’t have to mean boring. When you want something that looks impressive without spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes are a great choice. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a quick meal for guests, you’ll get all the fancy vibes without the usual effort. Perfect for when you want to keep things simple but still feel like you’ve pulled off something special.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Vegan Turkey Roast
This chickpea and seitan roast is packed with flavor and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s a great option when you want something special without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Mushroom Stroganoff
A creamy mushroom stroganoff that’s ready in 30 minutes and works over pasta, rice, or potatoes. It’s an easy way to make dinner feel a little more put together.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli pesto pasta gets a fresh boost from cherry tomatoes and toasted lemon zest. Whipped ricotta takes this 30-minute meal up a notch with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Pasta e Piselli
Peas and Pecorino cheese make this Italian pasta simple yet comforting. It’s a quick, affordable dinner that feels just right for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Sesame Tofu
Crispy sesame tofu pairs with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce for a bold, satisfying dish. Perfect for nights when you want something easy but still special.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu
Vegan Bolognese
Lentils, mushrooms, and tomato sauce come together in under an hour for a hearty meal. This easy dinner is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese
Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu
Gochujang tofu is golden and crisp, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great way to bring bold flavors to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu
Spicy Vodka Pasta
Spicy vodka pasta works with or without vodka and can be adjusted to any taste. Its bold flavors make it feel restaurant-worthy while being simple to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s an easy way to bring a little something special to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Easy Veggie Lasagna
Layers of pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables make this lasagna a great meatless choice. It’s an easy way to create a meal that feels thoughtful without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is a bright, one-pot meal that comes together in 15 minutes. It’s an affordable way to make dinner feel fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Leek and Mushroom Pasta
Leek and mushroom pasta with ricotta and parmesan is creamy and ready in 40 minutes. This simple dish makes an effortless dinner that still feels a bit fancy.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta
Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles combine nutty noodles, crisp vegetables, and a bold sauce. This quick meal is great for a relaxed dinner with plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles
Vegan Ham
This vegan ham is made with vital wheat gluten for a rich and flavorful meat alternative. It’s a great option for a special plant-based dinner that takes little effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni arrabbiata uses fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a bold pasta ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple way to make an ordinary meal feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a three-ingredient pasta that feels both simple and elegant. This classic dish is perfect for when you want a low-effort dinner with great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Sheet Pan Bibimbap
Sheet pan bibimbap brings roasted vegetables, crispy tofu, and bold flavors together in 35 minutes. It’s a relaxed meal that’s easy to pull together any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is a baked pasta dish that comes together in under an hour. It’s an easy way to create a meal that feels comforting and special.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Spaghetti squash lasagna layers ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs for a hearty meatless option. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a great way to make dinner feel memorable.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Mushroom Ragù
Mushroom ragù pairs well with pasta, rice, or polenta for a hearty and comforting meal. It’s an easy way to bring great depth of flavor to the table without the extra time.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. Its bold flavors bring something exciting to an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta
Trenette al Pesto
Trenette al Pesto blends basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans into a classic Italian pasta. It’s a simple way to enjoy a meal that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto
Aloo Gobi Masala
This Indian cauliflower and potato dish cooks in 15 minutes with almost no prep. It’s a great one-pan option for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala features mushrooms in a creamy tomato-coconut sauce and comes together in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice or naan for an easy, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala
Chana Masala
Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry ready in 30 minutes with flexible ingredients. It’s an easy way to make dinner feel bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is garlicky, easy to make, and perfect for a quick dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Pasta Fresca
Pasta fresca is a fast, fresh meal made with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. It’s a no-fuss way to make dinner feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dish ready in 30 minutes with bold, rich flavors. It’s an easy way to create a comforting meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma combines sautéed eggplant, fresh basil, and a rich tomato sauce in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, hearty dish that makes dinner feel more put together.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Vegan mushroom Wellington wraps mushrooms and herbs in flaky pastry for a bold, meatless main. It’s an easy way to bring a little elegance to your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Spicy Alfredo Pasta
A creamy red pepper Alfredo sauce adds depth to this pasta dish in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick way to make dinner feel special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Slow cooker ratatouille lets fresh vegetables cook into a rich, herby dish with minimal effort. This hands-off recipe is great for a simple, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kitchari is a rice-lentil dish that comes together in 45 minutes with just one pot. It’s an easy, nourishing meal perfect for winding down.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Vegan spring pasta features pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a light but flavorful meal that’s great for date night.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
Chicken and queso rice bake is a hearty, cheesy dish that comes together with little effort. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel just a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells bring together beef, peppers, and provolone in a fun pasta dish. It’s a great choice for when you want something bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella has a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up dinnertime. With minimal prep, it’s a great choice when you want something easy but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Lamb Ragu
Slow cooker lamb ragù braises into a rich, hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s a hands-off way to make a comforting meal with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu
Beef Barbacoa
Slow cooker beef barbacoa is packed with bold flavors and requires almost no hands-on time. Perfect for meal prep, it’s a simple way to enjoy a great dinner with little work.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Italian Pork Roast
Slow cooker Italian pork roast combines herbs and vegetables for a hearty dish with minimal prep. This comforting meal is a great option for fall nights when you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pork Roast
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