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Home » Dinner

27 Ridiculously Easy Dinners You’ll Be Proud Of

Published: Jun 7, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy dinners don’t have to be boring, and this list proves it. These recipes hit that sweet spot where simple meets seriously good. You’ll find the kind of meals you can throw together without stress but still feel great serving to anyone—whether it’s a weeknight with family or friends dropping by. If you’re looking for low-effort meals that actually taste amazing, you’re in the right place.

Coffee Rubbed Steak on a wooden board.
Coffee Rubbed Steak. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cabbage curry comes together in 25 minutes using just one pot, which keeps both cooking and cleanup quick. It works well when you want a flavorful but easy dinner on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

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.

With only three ingredients and a quick cooking process, this bucatini dish is all about keeping it simple. It’s great for nights when you need an easy dinner without planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Salt and Pepper Tofu

An overhead image of salt and pepper tofu in a bowl with rice.
Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tofu gets crisped up in just 20 minutes with a bit of spice to keep it interesting. It’s a good choice when you want something fast and crunchy for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu

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 done in around 30 minutes and pairs with pantry staples like rice, noodles, or potatoes. It’s a flexible option that makes putting together an easy dinner much simpler.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

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.

Eggplant, tomato sauce, and basil cook down in about 30 minutes for a straightforward, hearty dish. It’s a strong pick for an easy dinner when you want something filling without a long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Coffee Rubbed Steak

Coffee Rubbed Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crisp textures and strong flavor come together quickly in this meal, with minimal prep involved. It’s a practical option for an easy dinner when you want something filling without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Rubbed Steak

20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

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

With bold taste and a quick cooking time, this dish keeps things simple from start to finish. It works well as an easy dinner that doesn’t require much cleanup or effort.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Silky Golden Noodles

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

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

This beef stir-fry uses one pan and is done in under 30 minutes, which cuts down on both time and dishes. It’s an easy dinner that still feels hearty and complete.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

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

Beef, peppers, and provolone cook quickly and don’t involve complicated prep. That makes this a good go-to for an easy dinner you can put together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry

Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Five spice chicken stir-fry cooks quickly and doesn’t require any complicated steps. It’s a convenient pick for an easy dinner when you want strong flavor without spending much time.
Get the Recipe: Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry

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 mixes crunchy texture with a quick cooking time and comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s a strong option for an easy dinner that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

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

This seafood pasta skips wine but still cooks down to something flavorful in a short amount of time. It’s a simple way to make an easy dinner without needing special ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Fresh ingredients and a 20-minute cook time keep this dish light and manageable. It’s useful when you need an easy dinner and don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

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

Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor, this dish comes together in minutes. It’s a dependable option for a fast and easy dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Thai coconut shrimp curry comes together with strong flavors and a short cooking time. It’s helpful when you want a warm dinner that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

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

This meal is done in 30 minutes without extra prep or tricky steps. It’s a reliable choice for an easy dinner when you want things to move fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Korean Tofu Soup

An overhead image of Korean tofu soup in a pot.
Korean Tofu Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With bold broth and soft tofu, this Korean soup is ready fast and doesn’t involve many steps. It’s helpful for a quick and warming dinner that still has depth.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup

Thai Basil Pork

Thai Basil Pork. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai Basil Pork has bold flavor and is quick to make, usually done in under 30 minutes. It’s a smart choice for an easy dinner that doesn't require planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Pork

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 takes under 35 minutes and doesn’t need a lot of prep time. It’s practical for an easy dinner, especially when you want something you can put together without too much thought.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

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

Finished in under 30 minutes and easy to throw together, this dish keeps your evening moving. It works well for an easy dinner when time and energy are limited.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

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

Roasted vegetables and tofu bake on a single sheet pan in about 35 minutes. That makes it a smart choice for an easy dinner when you want less mess and more efficiency.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

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

Air-fried chicken with bacon and spinach in a creamy sauce finishes fast and uses familiar ingredients. It’s a great pick for a filling but easy dinner when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Juiciest Air Fryer Ribeye

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

Steak is cooked without a grill and doesn’t require much cleanup afterward. It’s a useful pick for an easy dinner that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Juiciest Air Fryer Ribeye

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cooked in a sweet garlic sauce, this dish comes together quickly and finishes with tender texture. It’s a good pick for an easy dinner that doesn’t take a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The air fryer handles filet mignon evenly and quickly, which keeps things simple. This works well as an easy dinner when you want a slightly upgraded meal with minimal steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

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 ready in about 30 minutes and has a crisp finish with bold seasoning. It’s an easy dinner option when you want something quick that doesn’t skip on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Milanese with garlic and parmesan is quick to cook and doesn’t take many ingredients. That makes it an easy dinner when you want something crisp without added steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Milanese

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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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