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    Home / Roundups

    29 No-Fuss Dinners That Won’t Eat Up Your Whole Evening

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jan 18, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    When time is tight, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s where these no-fuss meals come in—they’re quick to prepare and won’t keep you tied to the kitchen. Whether you're after something comforting or a little lighter, these dishes offer a stress-free way to get a satisfying meal on the table in no time.

    A fork twirling crab pasta with bits of herbs, set against a plate with more pasta and a blurred background.

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    Beef Quesadillas

    A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Beef quesadillas offer a flavorful meal that comes together in no time. They're quick, satisfying, and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. This dish is perfect for when you want something hearty without spending the entire evening cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp pasta brings bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a simple, quick dinner that’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something satisfying. The garlic butter sauce is rich, and the shrimp cook fast, making this a stress-free option for a busy evening.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    If you want a special dinner without a lot of work, these bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a fantastic choice. They’re easy to prep and cook quickly, offering a great balance of flavors. The bacon adds richness while the salmon stays juicy, making it an enjoyable, no-fuss dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken skewers cook up quickly in the air fryer and are packed with flavor. With minimal prep and a short cook time, they make for a perfect dinner when you want something easy and satisfying. They're a great way to enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Mexican Steak Pizza

    Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.
    Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This unique take on pizza offers a flavorful, quick dinner option. With tender steak and a simple topping list, it's a great choice when you're craving something filling but don’t have time for complicated recipes. The pizza comes together fast and is a crowd-pleaser every time.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Alfredo steak pasta is rich, hearty, and quick to prepare. The steak adds a nice protein boost, while the creamy sauce makes the dish feel indulgent but easy to make. Perfect for a no-hassle dinner, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes and leaves you with plenty to enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs.
    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This sheet pan meal makes cleanup a breeze while still delivering a flavorful dinner. The salmon and veggies cook together, making it easy to prepare and great for busy weeknights. You get a complete meal with minimal effort, leaving you more time to relax.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it.
    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A simple lemon butter sauce turns your salmon into a flavorful dinner with little time spent in the kitchen. This quick sauce adds a touch of brightness to the dish, making it perfect for a light, satisfying meal that’s both easy and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    Ground Pork Tacos

    Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground pork tacos are a quick, satisfying meal that requires just a few simple ingredients. With minimal prep, you can have a flavorful dinner ready in no time. They’re perfect for nights when you want something hearty but don’t have time for elaborate cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crispy breaded pork chops cook quickly and make for a filling meal with minimal effort. The panko crust gives them a satisfying crunch, and the pork stays juicy inside. They’re a great option when you want a comforting dinner that doesn’t take long to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
    Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This baked fish recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The lemon butter sauce complements the fish beautifully, making it feel like a special dinner without the long cooking time. It’s a great choice for when you want a healthy and tasty dinner with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer chicken tenders are crispy and easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner. With just a few ingredients, they come together in minutes and make for a satisfying meal. This is an excellent option when you want something crunchy and comforting without spending too much time cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These air fryer chicken thighs are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, all while being simple to prepare. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making it ideal for a quick dinner. It’s a great go-to when you want something hearty and flavorful without much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background.
    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This skillet meal is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy evenings. With ground beef and cabbage, it’s hearty and comforting without taking up much time. You can have a flavorful, filling dinner ready quickly, making it a great option for a no-fuss meal.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate.
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This honey butter fried chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy chicken with a touch of sweetness. It’s simple to prepare and cooks up fast, making it a great choice when you want something hearty without much time in the kitchen. Perfect for a filling dinner on a busy evening.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a light, flavorful meal that comes together quickly. With a simple sauce and minimal prep, it’s perfect for when you want a healthy dinner without taking much time. It’s a great choice for a weeknight meal that’s satisfying and quick to make.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp and tomato pasta is simple, quick, and full of flavor. It’s an easy option when you want a comforting meal without spending all evening in the kitchen. The shrimp cook quickly, and the pasta comes together in no time, making it a great choice for busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Chicken Chop Suey

    Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
    Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken chop suey is an easy, satisfying stir-fry that’s ready in no time. With a variety of vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a flavorful and healthy option when you're short on time. This dish offers a balanced meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Chicken Nuggets

    Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken nuggets are a quick and easy dinner that everyone loves. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, they’re perfect for busy evenings. They’re simple to make and are always a hit when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Crab Pasta

    A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background.
    Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that feels special without taking up too much time. The crab adds a nice touch of flavor, while the pasta makes the meal feel hearty. This dish is perfect for when you want something filling and flavorful with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley.
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These grilled chicken thighs are packed with smoky flavor and cook up quickly. With the BBQ sauce giving them extra flair, they make for an easy and satisfying meal. This is a great dinner choice for when you want something juicy and flavorful but without spending hours preparing it.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Popcorn Chicken

    A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table.
    Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Popcorn chicken is an easy, bite-sized treat that cooks up fast and is perfect for busy nights. The crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch, and it’s quick to prepare. This is a great choice for a no-fuss dinner or even a fun snack when you want something flavorful but fast.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Panko Chicken Breast

    Panko chicken on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These panko-crusted chicken breasts cook quickly and come out crispy every time. They’re simple to make, and the panko coating adds a nice crunch. It’s a great go-to when you want a filling and satisfying meal without spending a lot of time on prep or cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it.
    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This steak and mushrooms dish is perfect for when you want a hearty dinner with minimal effort. The balsamic sauce adds a nice touch of flavor, while the steak cooks quickly. It’s a great choice for a no-fuss meal that feels like a treat but doesn’t take up too much of your evening.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp macaroni salad is a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice when you want something filling but don’t have a lot of time. The shrimp add a nice touch of protein, and the salad is easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled shrimp skewers cook up fast and are full of smoky flavor. With minimal prep, they’re perfect for a quick dinner when you want something light but filling. The shrimp cook quickly and are always a hit, making them a go-to for a no-fuss meal.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

    Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon.
    Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This broccoli tofu stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients, and it cooks up fast. It’s the perfect choice when you want something light and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A wet burrito is a filling, flavorful meal that comes together quickly. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time on it. The sauce and filling make it a satisfying dinner without the long prep time.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
    Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer tuna melts are quick, easy, and always a hit. The crispy bread and melty cheese make for a satisfying meal that cooks up in no time. This is a great option when you want something hearty but don’t have time for complicated cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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