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    Home / Roundups

    64 Quick and Easy Dinners That Save You When Nothing Is Defrosted

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Apr 9, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    You know the panic when it's already 6 p.m., nothing’s thawed, and takeout sounds both expensive and boring. That’s when quick and easy dinners come to the rescue. These are the meals built for weeknights that went sideways, last-minute guests, or just plain forgetfulness. No complicated prep, no waiting around for rock-solid chicken to soften up. Quick and easy dinners keep things moving without sacrificing the kind of food people actually want to eat.

    A bowl of rice topped with sliced avocado, carrots, cucumber, shredded chicken, and seaweed, drizzled with sauce. Black chopsticks are placed beside the bowl.
    Photo credit: The Addy Bean.

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    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    A chicken and cheese sandwich with avocado on a white plate.
    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt doesn’t waste time—it hits with smoky chicken, melty cheese, and just the right kick. It’s a triple win for quick and easy dinners, especially when you want something hot, fast, and not from a drive-thru. Quick and easy dinners don’t get much easier than throwing this together and pretending you spent hours.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    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 brings buttery magic and shrimp power together in minutes flat. This one scores high on quick and easy dinners because it skips the drama but delivers the wow. You’ll blink, and it’ll be on the table—quick and easy dinners are all about that energy.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Shrimp Scampi

    Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread.
    Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp Scampi is your go-to when you’re racing the clock but still want something that smells amazing. For quick and easy dinners, this one checks every box: fast, garlicky, and no cleanup mess. Quick and easy dinners need more of this kind of flavor flex.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops crunch like they were deep-fried, but no oil splatter here. These land squarely in the quick and easy dinners hall of fame—crispy, juicy, and done before you can argue about sides. With quick and easy dinners like this, who needs takeout?
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley.
    Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo gets creamy, dreamy, and doesn’t demand a second pot. It’s one of those quick and easy dinners that somehow feels like it took way longer. When quick and easy dinners still manage to impress, that’s a win.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Plate of crispy tofu pieces with walnuts and green onions, served alongside white rice. Fork on the side.
    Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Honey Walnut Shrimp brings that crispy-sweet crunch without the delivery wait. It nails the quick and easy dinners brief with fast prep and no mess. You’ll wonder why quick and easy dinners ever felt boring.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

    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.

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish slides into the oven and comes out flaky, buttery, and golden. Quick and easy dinners love this one for its zero babysitting requirement and five-minute prep. Add a side and call it done—quick and easy dinners wish they all worked this smoothly.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and herbs, with a fork and spoon on the side.
    Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Cacciatore brings the simmered-all-day vibe without actually simmering all day. You’ll love how it joins the quick and easy dinners crew while still tasting rich and cozy. Quick and easy dinners like this one are hard to beat.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

    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.

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites snap, crackle, and pop their way to the table in no time. They’re small but mighty, perfect for quick and easy dinners when you’re not in the mood to wait. You’ll keep reaching for more, and quick and easy dinners will feel anything but plain.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    Grilled salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and grated cheese on a white plate, accompanied by a red and white striped napkin.
    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon shows up when you want flavor fast and dishes dirty. It belongs at the top of the quick and easy dinners list thanks to its no-fuss prep. Quick and easy dinners should always be this buttery and bold.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    Cream Cheese Chicken

    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.

    Cream Cheese Chicken hits creamy and rich without going full effort-mode. You’ll be shocked it falls under quick and easy dinners, especially with just one skillet doing all the heavy lifting. That’s the kind of shortcut quick and easy dinners need more of.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Beef Quesadillas

    Stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and meat, garnished with herbs, served with dips on a white plate.
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Beef Quesadillas land hot, cheesy, and folded to perfection faster than you can say “what’s for dinner.” They hold their own on the quick and easy dinners scoreboard—especially when you’re too tired for forks. Quick and easy dinners just got way more fun.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Panko Chicken Breast

    A close-up of a breaded, baked chicken breast cutlet garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Panko Chicken Breast hits that crispy craving without making your kitchen smell like a fryer. This one lines up perfectly with your quick and easy dinners lineup—fast, crunchy, and reliable. You’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation because quick and easy dinners should always have that go-to.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Chicken Chop Suey

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

    Chicken Chop Suey jumps from pan to plate with bold sauce and snappy veggies. It dominates the quick and easy dinners space by turning random fridge items into something that actually tastes good. Quick and easy dinners should be this smart every night.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Chicken Divan

    A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
    Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Divan steps in like a hero when the fridge is empty but broccoli’s still hanging around. It fits squarely in the quick and easy dinners playbook, pulling together leftovers like it was all part of the plan. Quick and easy dinners are better when they feel like comfort food.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

    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 don’t need a kid at the table to justify how good they are—golden, crunchy, and pan-ready. You’ll love how they dominate your quick and easy dinners lineup with zero drama. Quick and easy dinners with grown-up flair? Yes, please.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    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 smacks with heat and sauce, then disappears just as fast as it cooked. Quick and easy dinners get the upgrade they deserve with this one—it’s fast, fiery, and not from a takeout box. For quick and easy dinners that still slap, this one’s a keeper.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    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 cools things down but still feels filling and smart. It checks off the quick and easy dinners list without heating up the kitchen or requiring a plan. Keep it chill—quick and easy dinners don’t always need to be hot.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

    Close-up of roasted broccoli and tofu cubes tossed with sesame seeds in a wooden spoon, set against a blurred background.
    Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry hits fast and loud with veggies that still snap when you chew. You’ll love how it owns the quick and easy dinners category with barely any cleanup. Quick and easy dinners like this one prove meatless doesn’t mean boring.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu 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 show up fast and juicy, with zero grill drama. These skewers dominate the quick and easy dinners list—quick, crispy, and wildly low-effort. Quick and easy dinners never looked this cool or cooked this fast.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Wet Burrito

    Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans.
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Wet Burrito hits the plate like it means business—saucy, stuffed, and not shy about it. This lands high on the quick and easy dinners list because it skips the hassle but still feels like a big deal. Bring napkins and zero expectations for clean hands.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Crab Pasta

    A fork twirling crab pasta with bits of herbs, set against a plate with more pasta and a blurred background.
    Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab Pasta brings seafood vibes without acting fancy about it. Since it slides into the quick and easy dinners category with ease, you’ll be pretending you cooked like a pro in record time. Bonus points if you remember to pour a glass of something cold.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

    Creamy Chicken Curry

    A bowl of chicken curry served over white rice, with a red and white checkered napkin in the background.
    Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy Chicken Curry shows up bold, buttery, and fast enough to keep you from ordering takeout. You’ll keep it bookmarked in your list of quick and easy dinners thanks to the no-fuss prep and big spoon-worthy flavor. Scoop it, dip it, or eat it straight—no wrong answers.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    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 bakes up like it’s been deep fried, but without all the drama. It crushes the quick and easy dinners vibe by getting crispy without babysitting the oven. Throw on some sides and pretend you planned it that way.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    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 don’t mess around—they hit the skillet, sizzle loud, and come out rich. This one sticks in your quick and easy dinners rotation because it tastes like way more effort than it takes. Great with toothpicks or straight off the pan—your call.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Bowl of stir-fried shrimp and broccoli with chopsticks.
    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is built for speed: fast prep, fast cook, fast disappear. It checks every box for quick and easy dinners, especially when you want one pan and no extra mess. Plus, it reheats like a champ.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Mexican Steak Pizza

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

    Mexican Steak Pizza comes in hot, loaded with flavor, and skips the wait time of delivery. This totally belongs on your quick and easy dinners list since it turns leftovers into something people actually fight over. And yes, pizza and steak can be friends.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Popcorn Chicken

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

    Popcorn Chicken is the kind of thing you start snacking on and suddenly realize you skipped the plate. It shows up strong for quick and easy dinners because it cooks fast and feels fun. Serve it with sauce or just wing it.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Korean beef and broccoli.
    Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Korean Beef and Broccoli pulls off sweet, salty, and fast in one skillet swoop. You’ll want it in your quick and easy dinners stash because it shows up strong without dragging things out. No extra pans, no problem.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    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 give serious backyard energy—even if you’re eating on the couch. They stick to the quick and easy dinners theme by cooking fast and tasting like you worked harder than you did. Toss ‘em on a plate or straight into your mouth.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    A grilled cheese tuna sandwich on a plate, cut in half, with melted cheese and fillings visible, accompanied by pickles and parsley.
    Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt comes in hot and crispy, acting like it took way more effort than you actually gave. This hits every quick and easy dinners goal by turning pantry staples into cheesy gold. Warning: you might make it again tomorrow.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Fried chicken with honey glaze garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken flips the script with crunchy edges and sweet stickiness that clings to your fingers. You’ll reach for it again when quick and easy dinners are the goal and you’ve got zero patience. Cleanup’s chill, but licking your fingers might take longer.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    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 taste like they came from a diner, not your kitchen counter. These sneak into your go-to quick and easy dinners because they cook fast, clean up easy, and somehow always disappear. Add a dip if you're feeling extra.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    A plate of baked salmon garnished with herbs, served alongside asparagus, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers.
    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables loads up your tray and bakes away your dinner stress. This keeps your quick and easy dinners streak going with one tray and minimal effort. You’ll only wash a knife and feel smug about it.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    A plate of cheesy baked pasta and chicken casserole served with chopped scallions, accompanied by a baking dish and fork.
    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake lands with a kick and bubbles like it’s showing off. Since it works for quick and easy dinners with barely any work, it’s perfect for lazy nights with big cravings. Spicy, cheesy, and dangerously scoopable.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    A skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry of ground meat, bell peppers, leafy greens, and sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting in it. Plates and a stack of flatbreads are nearby.
    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet shows up fast and doesn't ask for much beyond a hot pan. It keeps your quick and easy dinners streak strong with big flavor and zero fancy moves. Toss it together and call it handled.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Personal Pizza

    Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce.
    Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Personal Pizza skips the group effort and lets everyone be their own boss. It fits right into your quick and easy dinners stash because it’s fast, flexible, and low-pressure. No topping fights, no leftovers, no regrets.
    Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

    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.

    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs come out juicy with crispy edges and barely any effort. Since they win at quick and easy dinners, you’ll probably keep this one on weekly repeat. Great on a plate, better in a wrap.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Ground Pork Tacos

    An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side.
    Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground Pork Tacos fire up quick and bring that sizzle without dragging out dinner. These nail your quick and easy dinners plan by tasting way more put-together than they are. Wrap ‘em and walk—it’s taco multitasking.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    Irresistible grilled steak with mushrooms served alongside a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.
    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce pulls off a bold move with fast-cooked steak and a punchy finish. It easily lands on your quick and easy dinners list when you want something hearty without a pile of dishes. Fancy vibes, no sweat.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    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 pulls double duty—it feels fancy without the kitchen meltdown. It checks every box for quick and easy dinners, especially when you want rich flavor with barely any effort. You’ll be twirling noodles before your group chat even responds.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled chicken thigh on a white plate with green beans and a side of barbecue sauce, garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden table.
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs slap down the drama and bring the smoky goodness fast. They’re a strong pick for quick and easy dinners when your patience is thinner than your napkins. Juicy and bone-free? Yes, please.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    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 throws a weeknight rescue mission together in one pan flat. When it comes to quick and easy dinners, this one doesn’t just show up—it handles business with fridge finds and zero cleanup stress. Even picky eaters won’t put up a fight.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

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

    Alfredo Steak Pasta doesn’t ask questions—it just fills your plate with creamy, beefy goodness like it owns the place. Add this one to your quick and easy dinners list for nights when you’re too tired to blink. It’s bold, it’s fast, and it never lets you down.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

    A plate with glazed salmon on mashed potatoes, garnished with pepper, and fresh green beans on the side.
    Cajun Honey Butter Salmon. Photo credit: Foodess.

    Cajun Honey Butter Salmon shows up spicy, buttery, and flaky in just ten minutes flat. Quick and easy dinners are better when they come with heat and a pan sauce worth mopping up. You'll forget you're still wearing your work socks.
    Get the Recipe: Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

    Salmon Asparagus Foil Packets

    Two foil packets with baked salmon fillets, asparagus, and lemon slices, garnished with herbs. Fresh parsley, a lemon, and a garlic clove are beside the packets on a white surface.
    Salmon Asparagus Foil Packets. Photo credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    Salmon Asparagus Foil Packets bring the no-mess magic with buttery bites of fish and crisp-tender asparagus. If quick and easy dinners had a mascot, this foil-wrapped fix would be it. Cleanup is so simple, you'll wonder what the catch is.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Asparagus Foil Packets

    Pollo al Limone

    Cooked chicken breasts with lemon slices and parsley in a pan.
    Pollo al Limone. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    Pollo al Limone punches the clock with lemony flair and buttery sauce that clings to every bite. It brings the kind of flavor that makes quick and easy dinners feel way more dressed up than they are. Just pan-fry, plate, and pretend you planned it.
    Get the Recipe: Pollo al Limone

    Sheet Pan Sliced Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans

    A plate with ham topped with pineapple, green beans, and roasted potatoes. In the background, a baking tray holds more of the same dish. Gold cutlery is on the plate.
    Sheet Pan Sliced Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

    Sheet Pan Sliced Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans takes your whole dinner and stacks it on one pan like a champ. This is one of those quick and easy dinners that doesn't even ask for a side dish—it is the side dish. You’ll eat, clean up, and still have time to scroll.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sliced Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans

    Beef Tortellini Soup

    A bowl of tortellini soup with spinach, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon rests in the broth, holding a piece of tortellini.
    Beef Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    Beef Tortellini Soup comes steaming in with cozy vibes and zero stress. It nails that sweet spot for quick and easy dinners, especially when your fridge is almost as tired as you are. You'll slurp it and think, “Yep, this’ll do.”
    Get the Recipe: Beef Tortellini Soup

    Tomato Basil Chicken

    Chicken in creamy tomato sauce topped with shredded basil in a pan.
    Tomato Basil Chicken. Photo credit: Bites with Bri.

    Tomato Basil Chicken flips your weeknight into easy mode with a creamy tomato sauce that sticks around for applause. Add it to your list of quick and easy dinners that somehow taste like Sunday, even when it’s just a Tuesday. It goes great with carbs and quiet.
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Chicken

    Lemon Garlic Swordfish

    Two fish fillets with lemon slices and green herbs in a pan, accompanied by lemon wedges and fresh herbs on the side.
    Lemon Garlic Swordfish. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Lemon Garlic Swordfish shows up with buttery edges and a lemon kick that acts like it cost a fortune. It’s right at home in the quick and easy dinners lineup, especially when you want something bold but fast. Put it on a plate and pretend you dined out.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Swordfish

    Sheet Pan Nachos

    A tray of loaded nachos with melted cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, ground meat, guacamole, and salsa.
    Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Sheet Pan Nachos pile up the win with crispy chips, gooey cheese, and whatever toppings your fridge still has. These belong on every quick and easy dinners cheat sheet—especially when you're too lazy to even consider forks. Snack for dinner? Approved.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos

    Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

    A plate of pasta shells with diced avocado and lime wedges. A serving dish with pasta and a wooden spoon is nearby, along with a small bowl of lime slices on a textured surface.
    Vegetarian Fajita Pasta. Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Vegetarian Fajita Pasta jumps in like a flavor bomb, all creamy, cheesy, and stacked with veggies. It’s a one-pot stunner that earns a top spot in the quick and easy dinners club. The Instant Pot version practically does the work for you.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

    One Pot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese

    A bowl of lasagna soup with curly pasta, tomato-based broth, minced meat, spinach, and topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and black pepper.
    One Pot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

    One Pot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese brings all the comfort of lasagna without playing Tetris with noodles. You’ll want it on repeat when you're craving quick and easy dinners that warm you up without slowing you down. Don’t skip the whipped cottage cheese topper—it’s the best kind of extra.
    Get the Recipe: One Pot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese

    Ground Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage

    A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried beef, cabbage, sesame seeds, peanuts, and cilantro, with a fork resting on the side.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage. Photo credit: Bites with Bri.

    Ground Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage leans into the veggie life without losing the fast-and-furious dinner vibe. When quick and easy dinners need to sneak in something green, this one delivers in under 30. Bonus points for not needing a shopping list.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage

    Dutch Oven Chili With Beef

    A bowl of chili topped with sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and cilantro on a wooden table.
    Dutch Oven Chili With Beef. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

    Dutch Oven Chili With Beef comes in hot with meaty chunks and enough beans to count as a full meal. It hits that high mark for quick and easy dinners that feed a crowd or fill a week's worth of containers. Extra bowls are optional, but highly recommended.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili With Beef

    Quinoa Black Bean Salad

    A pan filled with quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, and green peppers. A spoon rests inside the pan. Small bowls with spices are partially visible on the side.
    Quinoa Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Cook with Kushi.

    Quinoa Black Bean Salad skips the drama and gets straight to the point with protein, color, and crunch. You’ll want it bookmarked for quick and easy dinners that double as desk lunches. It’s chill, it’s fast, and it lives for leftovers.
    Get the Recipe: Quinoa Black Bean Salad

    Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

    A white plate with cooked shrimp, asparagus topped with seasoning, and a lemon slice. A fork is placed on a colorful checkered tablecloth beside the plate.
    Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

    Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus slides onto the table with minimal effort and maximum payoff. It's one of those quick and easy dinners that feels way more put together than you do. Season it, roast it, and brag a little.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

    Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

    Chickpea curry in a white bowl and on a green plate with rice, garnished with cilantro. Naan pieces and a striped cloth are visible on a wooden surface.
    Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

    Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala clocks in with bold flavor and just the right amount of creamy spice. For quick and easy dinners that still feel indulgent, this one’s on your side. It also reheats like an absolute champion.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

    A bowl and skillet of creamy gnocchi with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and spinach on a wooden table.
    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi. Photo credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    Red Thai Curry Gnocchi is bold, creamy, and knows how to bring the heat without a hassle. Add it to your list of quick and easy dinners that feel like they took hours—no one needs to know you used store-bought gnocchi. Goes great with an “I tried” attitude.
    Get the Recipe: Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

    Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Close-up of two stacked chicken salad wraps on a plate, garnished with parsley. French fries are on the side with a beverage in the background.
    Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

    Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap bundles up dinner in tortilla form and refuses to apologize for it. You’ll want it on hand when quick and easy dinners are all that stand between you and going feral. Caesar salad, but make it rollable.
    Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl

    A bowl of rice topped with sliced avocado, carrots, cucumber, shredded chicken, and seaweed, drizzled with sauce. Black chopsticks are placed beside the bowl.
    Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl. Photo credit: The Addy Bean.

    Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl turns sushi night into a five-minute sit-down. It’s one of those quick and easy dinners that makes you feel fancy while eating out of a bowl. Bonus: no rolling skills required.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl

    Broiled Honey Miso Salmon

    Grilled salmon topped with sesame seeds, served with steamed broccoli and a small dish of sauce on a ceramic plate.
    Broiled Honey Miso Salmon. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

    Broiled Honey Miso Salmon caramelizes into something wild in just minutes—sweet, savory, and slick with flavor. Keep this in your pocket for quick and easy dinners when you’ve got zero mental bandwidth left. It’s almost too easy to look this impressive.
    Get the Recipe: Broiled Honey Miso Salmon

    Vegetable Lo Mein

    A bowl of stir-fried noodles with broccoli, red bell peppers, purple cabbage, and carrots on a blue and white patterned plate.
    Vegetable Lo Mein. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

    Vegetable Lo Mein hits back against takeout cravings with noodles, crunch, and just the right amount of sauce. Quick and easy dinners taste way better when they’re this fast and flexible. Grab a fork—or just go in with chopsticks and vibes.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetable Lo Mein

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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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