21 Delicious and Quick Main Dishes No One Told You About

If you're tired of the same old dinner routine, try one of these amazing and often overlooked main dishes that are both delicious and quick to prepare. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves good food without the hassle, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. So, let's dive in and discover some mouthwatering dishes that will make mealtime a breeze!

A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp seasoned with black pepper cooking in a pan with oil. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

A classic seafood delight, Shrimp Scampi offers a quick and savory meal option for any occasion. With succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a garlic-infused butter sauce, this dish is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly flavorful. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious main dish without sacrificing precious time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Sauce being poured over a bowl of beef and bell pepper stir-fry served on white rice. — Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak presents a hassle-free way to enjoy tender beef with vibrant peppers and onions. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty meal without the fuss. Simply set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you tend to other tasks. It's a convenient option for those seeking a satisfying main dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak Pizzaiola is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender steak smothered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and onions. This recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the bold flavors of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple preparation and robust taste, it's an excellent option for those seeking a delicious main dish without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta combines succulent shrimp with tangy tomatoes and al dente pasta for a quick and satisfying meal option. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a go-to choice for main dishes that are both tasty and time-saving.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

A bowl of chicken stir-fry with vegetables served over rice, accompanied by chopsticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken delivers bold flavors with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices. This dish provides a convenient way to enjoy the tastes of Chinese cuisine at home without the need for takeout. With its quick cooking time and simple ingredients, it's an excellent option for those seeking a flavorful main dish with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Sautéed shrimp with broccoli, red bell peppers, and onions in a pan, mixed with a wooden spoon. — Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry offers a quick and nutritious meal option packed with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's an ideal choice for those looking for a delicious main dish that's both wholesome and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Three crispy breaded chicken tenders on a white plate with a side of honey mustard sauce and garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite, featuring crispy breaded chicken strips without the need for deep frying. With their crunchy exterior and tender interior, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. They're an excellent choice for a quick and guilt-free main dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Spoonful of Hawaiian chicken served over rice. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken provides a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors in a convenient slow-cooked dish. With tender chicken cooked in a tangy pineapple sauce, this recipe offers a taste of the tropics with minimal effort. It's an ideal option for those seeking a delicious main dish that practically cooks itself, perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal option that's easy to prepare. With tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, this dish is reminiscent of classic home-cooked comfort food. It's perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings, providing a hearty main dish that's sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie offers a delightful twist on a comforting classic, featuring a creamy seafood filling topped with flaky pastry crust. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a main dish that's both comforting and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables. — Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp Macaroni Salad offers a refreshing and satisfying meal option, combining tender shrimp with pasta and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing. With its vibrant colors and zesty flavors, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a main dish that's both flavorful and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sautéed diced meat with green peppers and herbs in a pan. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver juicy, flavorful morsels of steak cooked to perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce. With their irresistible aroma and tender texture, these steak bites are sure to be a hit with any meat lover. They're an excellent option for a quick and indulgent main dish that's bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs provide a convenient way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken drumsticks with a crispy exterior. With their quick cooking time and minimal oil usage, these chicken legs offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They're perfect for a quick and easy main dish that's sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground meat and vegetables served over mashed potatoes. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Stir Fry offers a quick and flavorful meal option, featuring savory pork cooked with an array of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices. With its speedy preparation and versatile ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying main dish that's both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer provide a hassle-free way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken skewers with minimal effort. With their quick cooking time and juicy marinated chicken, these kabobs are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. They're a convenient option for those seeking a delicious main dish that's easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken presents a flavorful and creamy main dish option that's simple to prepare and sure to please. With tender chicken cooked in a rich cream cheese sauce, this recipe offers comfort and convenience in every bite. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Panko Crusted Cod

Breaded fish fillet served with green beans and lemon slices on a white plate. — Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko Crusted Cod offers a light and crispy main dish option, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick and tasty meal. With its flaky cod fillets coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying. It's an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners, providing a delicious meal that's easy to prepare and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta delivers a delightful combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and aromatic garlic butter sauce. With its quick cooking time and flavorful ingredients, this dish is perfect for satisfying cravings in a pinch. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious main dish that's both comforting and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops offer a hearty and flavorful meal option, featuring juicy pork chops filled with savory stuffing. With their simple preparation and satisfying taste, these pork chops are perfect for family dinners or special occasions. They're an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious main dish that's sure to impress without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta provides a decadent and filling meal option, combining tender steak with creamy Alfredo sauce and al dente pasta. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for indulging in a satisfying dinner without a lengthy cooking process. It's an ideal choice for special occasions or weekend meals, offering a delicious main dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie presents a comforting and classic main dish option, featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust. With its familiar flavors and comforting appeal, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal that's reminiscent of homemade comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie