• 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 » Recipe Collections

27 No-Fuss Dinner Recipes for When You’re Exhausted

Published: Oct 28, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

No-fuss dinner recipes are the go-to when you’re just too tired to deal with anything complicated. These meals are perfect for low-energy nights, keeping prep short and cooking simple without sacrificing a great meal. The recipes here work for those times when you just need something quick, easy, and guaranteed to hit the spot without a lot of hassle. So, take a break from elaborate dishes and dig into options that keep things stress-free but still feel like a real dinner you’ll enjoy.

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

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 no-fuss dinner recipes when you’re exhausted. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s a go-to option that delivers hearty flavors without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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

Rigatoni arrabbiata combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for no-fuss dinner nights, it’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

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

Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted broccoli and cherry tomatoes pairs beautifully with whipped ricotta, bringing together a quick, nutritious dinner option in just 30 minutes. This recipe is ideal for no-fuss weeknight meals when you’re craving something healthy and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

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, adaptable with or without vodka, offers flexibility for vegan and vegetarian diets, making it a versatile choice for weeknight meals. Straightforward and ideal for exhausted evenings, this dish is easy enough for any skill level to prepare confidently.
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.

This classic one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for no-fuss dinner recipes that work for any occasion. With its simplicity, even beginners can confidently whip up this crowd-pleaser on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Chicken Stir Fry

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

Chicken Stir Fry comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fast and effortless choice for no-fuss weeknight dinners. With fresh ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a quick meal that even new cooks can pull off with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

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 with crispy potatoes in under 30 minutes, a perfect no-fuss dinner idea. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish makes weeknight dinners easy and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes

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 dish brings Italian flavors to your table in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect addition to no-fuss dinner recipes. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a cozy pasta meal without extra time or hassle.
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 filled with cheese and bacon, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, offer a simple yet flavorful dinner choice. Ideal for no-fuss evenings, this easy recipe doesn’t require advanced skills to enjoy a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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 is a quick dinner recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients and one pan. With flavors that replicate takeout, it’s a perfect option for no-fuss dinner nights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

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 done in just 20 minutes, making them a crispy, no-mess option for no-fuss weeknight dinners. With straightforward seasoning and a simple cooking method, this dish is a dependable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

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 cooks itself while you go about your day, making it an effortless no-fuss dinner solution. Requiring minimal prep, this hands-off recipe results in tender chicken, perfect for when you’re too tired to cook.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

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, ideal for no-fuss dinner recipes when you need something healthy and quick. The pairing of flaky salmon with tender asparagus ensures a balanced meal with minimal work involved.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

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 ready in under 20 minutes, making it a no-fuss dinner recipe that’s simple yet hearty. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for busy nights when you need an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites take just 20 minutes on the stovetop, making them a fast, no-fuss dinner option for busy nights. This recipe offers a convenient way to add flavor to your table with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 20-minute side dish that adds a healthy veggie option to your dinner table without fuss. This easy recipe makes incorporating flavorful vegetables into no-fuss weeknight meals quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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 uses store-bought flatbread and cooked chicken for a meal that assembles in no time. A great addition to no-fuss dinner recipes, this easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: 20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread

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 with lean beef and fresh veggies come together in just 20 minutes, making them a no-fuss dinner choice that requires minimal prep and cleanup. With homemade fajita seasoning, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

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 crispy perfection in under 25 minutes, offering tender meat with minimal effort. This no-fuss dinner recipe allows you to serve a flavorful meal without complicated steps or a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Turkey Burger Sliders

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

Turkey burger sliders bring juicy turkey patties to the table with all your favorite toppings for a fun, easy dinner. Perfect for no-fuss dinners, these bite-sized treats are ready quickly, making them great for both casual weeknights and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

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 offers juicy chicken and tender potatoes in less than 40 minutes, a simple solution for no-fuss dinners. This hands-off recipe is an excellent option when you’re exhausted and need something tasty without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Italian Pasta Marinara

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

This Italian pasta marinara swaps traditional noodles for low-carb options like zucchini noodles, making it a lighter, no-fuss dinner choice. Tossed in a rich marinara sauce, this dish lets you enjoy Italian flavors with minimal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Marinara

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 crispy, flavorful option that comes together quickly, a go-to for no-fuss dinners on busy weeknights. With a simple cooking method and short prep time, this dish is perfect when you need something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Crockpot chicken drumsticks slow-cooked in a honey mustard sauce make an easy, flavorful dinner with minimal prep. Ideal for no-fuss dinners, this hands-off method ensures tender chicken is ready for family dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

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 made with shredded chicken thighs is a simple, one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for no-fuss dinners. This quick and easy meal makes it easy to create a flavorful dinner even on the busiest weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

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 a quick dish that packs plenty of flavor, an excellent addition to no-fuss dinner recipes. This recipe is great for busy nights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

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 packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes, delivering a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for no-fuss dinners, this recipe is a go-to when you want something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

More Recipe Collections

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 image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
    Potato And Sausage Chowder
  • Close-up of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
    Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • A slice of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars on a white plate in the foreground, with another slice on a pile of plates in the background.
    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
  • A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
    Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

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