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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Recipes So Easy They Make Takeout Look Like a Waste of Money

Published: Feb 12, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy recipes should still taste great, and that’s exactly what these do. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these meals come together without the hassle but still bring bold flavors and satisfying bites. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just straight-up good food that anyone can make. If you want something quick, reliable, and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place.

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

Vegan Rasta Pasta

Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan rasta pasta is ready in 30 minutes, with a creamy texture and a mild kick of spice. It’s an easy option for evenings when you want something flavorful with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Rasta Pasta

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

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

Sheet pan bibimbap features roasted vegetables and crispy tofu, all cooked on one pan for easy cleanup. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a great choice when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

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.

Creamy mushroom stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights when you need something quick and comforting. Serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a filling meal with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

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

This Instant Pot tortellini soup is packed with vegetables and cheese-filled pasta, ready in just 30 minutes. A hearty meal that’s simple to make, perfect for nights when you want something warm and satisfying without much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Margherita pizza comes together in just 20 minutes using fresh ingredients. A quick and easy choice for weeknights when you want a classic dish with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells combine seasoned beef, peppers, and provolone for a hearty pasta dish. Easy to prepare, this meal is great for nights when you want something filling without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is rich and creamy, ready in just 20 minutes. A simple, comforting dinner that’s perfect for nights when you need something filling without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Coffee Rubbed Steak

Coffee Rubbed Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Coffee-rubbed steak has a bold flavor and a crispy crust, ready in minutes. A simple way to enjoy a well-seasoned steak without a long cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Rubbed Steak

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is a straightforward dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. A good choice when you need a quick, satisfying dinner without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy and spicy gochujang noodles come together in just 10 minutes. A quick meal that’s full of bold flavors with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian drunken noodles bring together Italian sausage, vegetables, and pappardelle for a quick meal. A simple way to enjoy a flavorful pasta dish without much work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Drunken Noodles

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake pork chops create a crispy, flavorful dish in only 25 minutes. A straightforward dinner that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Pasta Fresca

An overhead image of pasta fresca in a white plate with cheese and tomatoes in the background.
Pasta Fresca. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta fresca is a light and simple dish made with fresh ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes. A great choice for nights when you want a quick, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy bacon hasselback chicken combines crispy bacon, spinach, and chicken into a flavorful dish. Using an air fryer makes it an easy option for nights when you want something filling without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Vegan Caesar Salad

Vegan caesar salad in a bowl drizzled with caesar salad dressing.
Vegan Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Caesar salad is ready in 15 minutes, featuring crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and seasoned croutons. A fresh, simple option for when you need a light meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Caesar Salad

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic tomato shrimp scampi skips the wine but still delivers a rich seafood pasta, ready in minutes. A fast and simple meal for nights when you want something satisfying without a long cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

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 features sautéed eggplant, tomato sauce, and fresh basil, coming together in just 30 minutes. A great option for nights when you want a simple, filling Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer honey mustard pork chops are cooked to perfection in 30 minutes, with a tangy, flavorful glaze. A convenient choice for nights when you need a quick meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
Potato And Sausage Chowder. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Potato and sausage chowder is a one-pot meal that’s both filling and easy to make. A great choice for nights when you want something cozy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot pork chops turn out tender with a sweet and savory garlic sauce, ready in no time. A great option for nights when you need a quick meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

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 features tofu, bell peppers, and peanuts in a bold sauce, ready in 30 minutes. A fast and easy meal that’s great for nights when you want something flavorful with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Golden noodles, made with Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss, have a rich, creamy texture and come together quickly. A simple meal for nights when you want something wholesome with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

Veggie Taco Salad

An overhead image of veggie taco salad in a bowl with a fork.
Veggie Taco Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetarian taco salad is a fast way to get all the flavors of tacos in a lighter meal. An easy dish for nights when you want something fresh with minimal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Taco Salad

Juiciest Air Fryer Ribeye

Juiciest Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer ribeye steak cooks quickly and turns out juicy with minimal cleanup. A great choice for nights when you want a well-seasoned steak without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Juiciest Air Fryer Ribeye

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Stuffed pepper soup brings the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a hearty, tomato-based dish. A great choice for nights when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled steak with herbed scallion topping is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for easy dinners or BBQs. A great option when you want something well-seasoned without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

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, whether made with or without vodka, comes together fast. A good option for nights when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Red curry Thai noodle soup is packed with bold flavors and can be made in just 25 minutes. A quick meal that’s great for nights when you want something hearty without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Panko-crusted rockfish makes for a light yet filling seafood dinner with a crisp exterior. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a simple meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Mushroom Masala

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

Mushroom masala features tender mushrooms in a rich tomato-coconut sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice or naan for a simple, filling meal that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef yaki udon is a quick stir-fry with beef, vegetables, and noodles, ready in under 30 minutes. A great choice for nights when you need something hearty and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

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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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