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    Home / Roundups

    21 Quick Dinners That Won’t Leave You Feeling Overwhelmed

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 21, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you’re looking for dinners that are fast to prepare and won’t leave you feeling stressed, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered 21 quick dinner ideas that are perfect for busy evenings, giving you more time to unwind and enjoy your meal. These recipes are designed to be simple and satisfying, so you can have a delicious dinner without the fuss.

    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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    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 offers a quick and flavorful option for a fast dinner. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. The rich garlic butter sauce adds a delicious touch without overwhelming your schedule. Enjoy a meal that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    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 an ideal choice for a fast and nutritious dinner. Its simple preparation and quick cooking time make it a great option for evenings when you want something healthy but don’t have much time. This dish combines shrimp and vegetables into a satisfying meal without requiring extensive effort.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    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 provides a quick way to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. This easy-to-make sauce pairs perfectly with salmon, creating a meal that’s both refreshing and simple. It’s perfect for when you want to enhance your meal with minimal preparation. Enjoy a flavorful, hassle-free addition to your dinner routine.
    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 is a simple and quick dinner option with a rich, creamy flavor. Its easy preparation means you can have a satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort. This dish offers a comforting and straightforward choice for busy nights. Enjoy a delicious meal without the stress of complicated recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    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 is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner. The balsamic sauce adds a delicious touch without complicating your meal prep. This dish offers a hearty and satisfying option that’s perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy a quick and enjoyable meal with minimal preparation time.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    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 combines rich flavors with easy preparation. This dish offers a creamy, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings. Enjoy a comforting pasta dish with minimal effort required. It’s perfect for when you want a quick and indulgent meal at home.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    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 is a quick way to enjoy a flavorful, crispy meal. The honey butter adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating, making it a satisfying choice for a busy night. Its straightforward preparation means you can enjoy a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss.
    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 offer a fast and easy option for a weeknight meal. With their crispy texture and simple prep, they’re ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner. This recipe provides a convenient way to enjoy a classic favorite with minimal effort. Enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s ready in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    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 are a flavorful and easy dinner option. Their quick cooking time and rich garlic butter sauce make them perfect for busy evenings. These steak bites offer a satisfying meal with minimal preparation, ideal for when you want something delicious but straightforward.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    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 is a hearty and easy-to-prepare meal. Its comforting combination of flavors comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy nights. This bake provides a satisfying option with minimal effort, perfect for when you need a filling meal without spending much time.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Shrimp Scampi

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

    Shrimp scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy nights. With its simple ingredients and fast cooking time, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. This dish provides a delicious option with minimal prep, making it a great choice for when you need something quick and tasty.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    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 fast and versatile dinner option. Its easy preparation and quick cooking time make it ideal for busy evenings. This stir fry provides a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort, fitting well into your streamlined dinner plans.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    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 is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Its bold flavors and easy prep make it an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner. This dish offers a delicious option with minimal effort, ideal for when you want a tasty meal without the fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    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 is a simple and satisfying dinner option. Its quick preparation and delicious flavors make it ideal for busy evenings. This pasta dish provides a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, perfect for when you need something quick and comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    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 is a fast and flavorful choice for dinner. With its crispy coating and easy prep, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal without a lot of effort. This dish provides a delicious, hassle-free option that’s ideal for busy nights. Enjoy a quick, comforting meal with minimal fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    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 offer a simple and tasty dinner option. The grilling process is quick and easy, making these skewers ideal for a fast, satisfying meal. Enjoy a flavorful dish with minimal preparation, perfect for when you need something quick and enjoyable.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    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 provide a quick and convenient option for dinner. The air fryer makes cooking these thighs easy and fast, perfect for a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Enjoy a flavorful and juicy dish with minimal prep time, ideal for busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Popcorn Chicken

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

    Popcorn chicken offers a quick and fun dinner option that’s easy to prepare. Its crispy coating and bite-sized pieces make it perfect for a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy a flavorful and convenient choice that’s ideal for busy evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    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 are a flavorful and easy option for a quick dinner. The grilling process is simple, providing a delicious meal with minimal effort. This dish offers a satisfying choice that fits well into your busy schedule. Enjoy a tasty and hassle-free meal that’s perfect for summer.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    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 is a simple and quick dinner option with a crispy coating. Its easy preparation makes it ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without much effort. This dish provides a flavorful and hassle-free option that’s perfect for your streamlined dinner routine.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    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 offers a quick and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. Its simple ingredients and fast cooking time make it ideal for busy evenings. This stir fry provides a flavorful and satisfying option with minimal fuss, fitting well into your streamlined dinner plans.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

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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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