Are you tired of asking yourself, “What should I make for dinner tonight?” Well, fret no more! We've got you covered with these 50 easy and delicious dinner ideas. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still want a tasty and satisfying meal.
50 Easy Dinner Ideas
Why is it that figuring out tonight's dinner can be such a challenge? Well, with this list of dinner ideas, you won't have to stress anymore. These all-in-one dinner ideas are here to save the day. From sheet pan meals to slow cooker recipes, and one-pot wonders, these dishes require minimal prep and are ready in 40 minutes or less.
It's time to break free from the boring dinner rut and conquer busy weeknights like a boss.
Pasta Dinner Ideas
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Let's start with some pasta dinner ideas. The simplicity of this creamy sauced spaghetti pasta is thanks to just four ingredients and a hearty dose of black pepper. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect go-to dinner option.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
If you're craving some comfort food, try this homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni. Skip the box and make it from scratch in just 30 minutes. It's delicious and will surely satisfy your craving.
Chicken Piccata Pasta
For a light and snappy pasta dinner, try this chicken piccata pasta. The lemony white wine, butter, and caper sauce coat linguine with bursts of tomato and mushrooms, creating a delightful and easy meal.
Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Peas
If you're looking for a healthy option, this pasta with turkey sausage and peas is the answer. This fast Italian skillet dinner can be made any night of the week and is packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
For a kid-friendly comfort food classic, try this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. It's a super convenient, one-pot meal that can be made even faster in the pressure cooker.
Pasta Puttanesca
Looking for a quick and flavorful pasta dish? Try Pasta Puttanesca. This Italian classic takes basic pantry staples and transforms them into a light but full-bodied sauce over spaghetti or penne in mere minutes.
One-Pot Penne Pasta with Turkey and Spinach
Need an easy ground turkey recipe? This one-pot pasta comes together in just 30 minutes and is packed with good-for-you ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, and ground turkey.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Whole Wheat Pasta
If you're in the mood for something cheesy, try this dish. A hint of stone-ground mustard gives a bit of unexpected tanginess to creamy melted cheese mixed into whole wheat pasta, broccoli florets, and shredded chicken.
Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce
Looking for a simple and flavorful pasta dinner? Try this gnocchi with pomodoro sauce. The luscious tomato sauce coats potato pillows of gnocchi, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
Soup Dinner Ideas
Easy Taco Soup
If you're a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors, try this easy taco soup. It can be made in just 30 minutes on the stove top, in the Instant Pot, or slow-cooked in the Crock Pot. It's a healthy, make-ahead, one-bowl meal.
Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage
For a comforting and hearty soup, try this creamy bean soup with sausage. It can go from cutting board to soup bowl in about half an hour, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Beef Stew with Butternut Squash
If you're in the mood for a velvety and saucy stew, try this beef stew with butternut squash. It pairs tender chuck roast beef with classic stew vegetables and butternut squash for extra nutrition. You can make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
If you have an Instant Pot, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a must-try. It's rich, creamy, and fast to make. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Sausage and Gnocchi Soup
This easy gnocchi soup calls for canned tomatoes, packaged gnocchi, and sausage with Italian flavors. It's a favorite, weeknight-friendly soup that will satisfy your cravings.
Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup
For a creamy and cheesy option, try this broccoli cheese and potato soup. It comes together quickly and is a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato & Quinoa
When there's no time to cook, let the slow cooker do it for you! This healthy and cozy chili practically cooks itself with a little planning ahead.
Asian Recipe Ideas
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
For an Asian-inspired dish, these orange chicken lettuce wraps are a must-try. They are incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a healthy main meal.
Ramen Noodles with Marinated Steak and Broccoli
Ramen noodles aren't just for soup anymore! Upgrade your favorite noodle recipe by turning it into an easy and healthy weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes or less.
Sesame Shrimp with Asian Greens Rice Bowl
For a dish that's always satisfying, try this sesame shrimp with Asian greens rice bowl. The shrimp is seasoned with sesame flavors and stir-fried with rainbow Swiss chard, spinach, edamame, and green onions. Serve it over brown rice for a delicious and healthy meal.
Thai Chicken Coconut and Rice
If you're craving Thai flavors, this easy Thai chicken coconut and rice dinner is perfect. It has just the right amount of spice from jalapeño and ginger, creating a creamy coconut sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Beef with Broccoli
This incredibly easy but flavorful recipe for beef with broccoli is a Chinese takeout favorite. It can easily be made gluten-free or in the traditional style, making it a versatile and delicious option.
Shrimp in Thai Coconut Curry Sauce
If you're a fan of Thai flavors, this shrimp in Thai coconut curry sauce is a must-try. The coconut milk flavored with peanut butter and red curry paste creates a creamy-sweet sauce with just the right amount of heat. Toss it with shrimp and bell peppers for a quick and easy dinner.
Healthier Sweet and Sour Pork
This healthier version of the classic sweet and sour pork is made with sautéed lean pork tenderloin instead of deep-fried. The stir fry sauce is sweetened with balsamic vinegar and honey, creating a flavorful and healthier alternative.
Mexican Dinner Ideas
Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowls
For a quick, easy, and healthy Mexican-inspired dinner, try these chipotle lime shrimp bowls. They feature brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and a touch of honey for a perfectly balanced meal.
Just Like Taco Bell Tacos
Craving tacos? Forget the drive-thru and make your own homemade version of Taco Bell tacos. This recipe tastes just like the real thing and is perfect for an easy Taco Tuesday dinner at home.
Chicken Fajita Foil Packet Dinners
For an easy and flavorful dinner, try these chicken fajita foil packet dinners. They are quick to prep and can be cooked on the grill or in the oven, ready to eat in just about 30 minutes.
Breakfast Tacos
Who says breakfast is just for mornings? These breakfast tacos are perfect for dinner too. Enjoy them any time of the day and savor the flavors of a delicious breakfast.
One-Pot Mexican Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini
Looking for a one-pot dinner option? Try this easy and flavor-packed shrimp, zucchini, and orzo pasta recipe. It's an oldie but a goodie, ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Easy Shredded Chicken and Zucchini Tacos
For a twist on traditional chicken tacos, try these easy shredded chicken and zucchini tacos. They are packed with flavor and are a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Pork Dinner Ideas
Mediterranean Grilled Pork Chops with Tomato Salad
For a fresh and flavorful dinner, try these Mediterranean grilled pork chops with tomato salad. The tangy tomato salad serves as a salsa and pairs perfectly with juicy grilled pork chops.
30 Minute Pork Scallopini with Lemons and Capers
If you're in the mood for Italian flavors, try this 30-minute pork scallopini with lemons and capers. The tart lemons and briny capers give this sauce its signature taste, creating a delicious and quick Italian dinner.
Garlic and Herb Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
If you're craving a tender and juicy pork tenderloin, try this garlic and herb rubbed pork tenderloin. It's seared on the stove and then finished in the oven, creating a lean and flavorful main dish in just 30 minutes.
Seafood Dinner Ideas
Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad
For a refreshing and healthy seafood dinner, try this citrus shrimp and avocado salad. It features pan-seared citrus-flavored shrimp, creamy avocado, and the crunch of sliced almonds for amazing textures and flavors.
Broiled Miso Cod with Vegetables
If you're a fan of Asian flavors, try this broiled miso cod with vegetables. The fish is marinaded in a simple miso sauce and then placed in the oven for a quick and favorite meal.
Baked Salmon with Creme Fraiche
For a healthy and delicious dinner, try this baked salmon with creme fraiche. The white wine and lemon create a tangy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the salmon.
Chana Masala with Spinach
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try this chana masala with spinach. This chickpea stew gets an added boost of nutrition with the addition of spinach to the Indian-spiced tomato curry sauce.
Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry
For a quick and healthy vegetarian stir fry, try this teriyaki tofu and broccoli stir fry. It's packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to throw together.
Conclusion
With these 50 dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again. From pasta dishes to soups, Asian-inspired recipes to Mexican favorites, and pork to seafood, there's something for everyone. So get cooking and enjoy delicious and hassle-free dinners every night of the week!
If you make any of these recipes, we'd love to hear from you! Leave a rating and comment below and share a photo on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
For more dinner ideas, check out our other articles and be sure to subscribe to FoodieCrush for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for more FoodieCrush inspiration.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the companies we partner with, which allows us to create more unique content and recipes for you. Please note that there may be affiliate links in this post from which we receive a small commission. All opinions are always our own.
