Are you tired of asking yourself, "What should I make for dinner tonight?" Look no further! We've rounded up over 60 of the best easy dinner ideas that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From convenient sheet pan dinners to quick pasta recipes, hearty soups, and better than takeout dishes, we've got you covered.
Best Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas
Let's start with some quick and easy dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes are packed with flavor and can be prepared in no time.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp: This 15-minute meal is a must-try. Creamy garlic shrimp is both delicious and quick to prepare.
- Pesto Penne Pasta: Quick and easy, this light Italian pasta dish is made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes.
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Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata: This creamy lemon chicken dish is simple, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper: Skip the store-bought version and make your own healthier and tastier hamburger helper at home.
Easy Family-Friendly Dinners
If you're looking for dinners that the whole family will love, these recipes are for you. They're easy to make and packed with flavor.
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Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: Sticky and sweet, this easy salmon recipe is perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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One Pan Garlic Roasted Chicken and Baby Potatoes: This easy one-pan meal is a family favorite. Juicy chicken and tender potatoes make the perfect combination.
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Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops: Tender and juicy pork chops coated with a honey balsamic sauce. Make this recipe in under 30 minutes.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken: With sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this quick and easy Italian chicken dinner is full of flavor and comfort.
Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas
If you're a pasta lover, you'll adore these quick and easy pasta dinner ideas. They're perfect for those nights when you're craving something comforting and delicious.
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Spaghetti Carbonara: This classic Italian pasta dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor. It's a crowd favorite.
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Spaghetti Bolognese: This rich and flavorful meat sauce is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Cacio e Pepe: Made with just four ingredients, this authentic Italian pasta dish is a true delight.
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Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake: This 30-minute dinner is packed with flavor and is a family favorite comfort food.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Ideas
Chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be cooked in many ways. Try these easy chicken dinner ideas that are sure to impress.
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Easy Chicken Parmesan: Crispy breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted cheese make this dish a comfort food favorite.
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Chicken Marsala: Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken make this 30-minute meal pure comfort food.
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Roasted Spatchcock Chicken: This juicy and flavorful roast chicken is perfect for a delicious family dinner.
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One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice: Packed with flavor and vibrant colors, this one-pot meal is a winner.
Hearty Filling Soups for Dinner
When you're in the mood for a warm and comforting meal, these hearty soups are the perfect choice.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Smooth, hearty, and light, this soup is like chicken noodle soup with a major upgrade.
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Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage: This creamy and flavorful soup is a one-pot meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.
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Chicken Tortilla Soup: Packed with Mexican flavors, this wholesome and filling soup is perfect for a quick dinner.
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Healthy Miso Ramen with Chicken: This healthy and flavorful soup is the ultimate comfort food that's ready in no time.
Better than Takeout Dinner Ideas
Craving some takeout? These recipes are even better than what you can get from your favorite restaurant.
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Healthy Lemon Chicken: This sticky chicken stir-fry is coated in a flavorful, sweet, and tangy sauce.
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15-Minute Lo Mein: Say goodbye to takeout and make this easy and delicious lo mein at home.
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Vegetarian Chow Mein: Packed with vegetables and coated in a savory sauce, this vegetarian chow mein is better than takeout.
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Teriyaki Chicken: This quick and easy chicken stir-fry is healthier and tastier than takeout.
Quick Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create quick and delicious meals. Try these recipes for a satisfying dinner.
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Swedish Meatballs: These homemade meatballs are seared and smothered in a creamy gravy sauce for ultimate comfort.
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Easy Meat Lasagna: Layers of tender lasagna, meaty tomato sauce, and cheese make this dish a classic comfort food.
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Slow Cooker Beef Chili: This hearty chili is perfect for fall and winter months. Let your slow cooker do the work.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs: These flavorful meatballs are a crowd pleaser and can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Seafood Dinner Ideas
For seafood lovers, these recipes are a must-try. From salmon to shrimp, these dishes are easy to make and packed with flavor.
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Miso Salmon: This baked salmon brings traditional Japanese flavors to your dinner table.
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Seared Scallops: These garlicky and buttery scallops are the perfect fancy meal that can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
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Steamed Mussels in Tomato Sauce: Impress your guests with this restaurant-quality dish that can be made in under 25 minutes.
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Teriyaki Salmon: This tender and flavorful salmon dish is quick and easy to make.
Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
Even if you're not a vegetarian, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. They're flavorful and filling, perfect for a meat-free dinner.
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Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust: This healthy and gluten-free quiche is both delicious and satisfying.
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20-Minute One Pot Lentils: This vegan and gluten-free lentil dish is packed with protein and is the perfect healthy meal.
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Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers: These easy stuffed bell peppers are filled with a tasty rice and vegetable mixture.
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Vegetarian Chili: This hearty vegetarian chili is loaded with protein and flavor. It's perfect for a comforting meal.
Tips for Quick and Easy Dinners
Here are some tips to make your dinner preparation even easier:
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Make ahead and freezer-friendly: Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time or frozen for later use.
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Prep in advance: You can save time by prepping the ingredients in advance and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave. Follow the individual recipe instructions for the best results.
More Dinner Ideas
If you're looking for more dinner inspiration, check out these collections:
- 60+ Fall Dinner Ideas
- 60+ Summer Dinner Ideas
- 60 Chinese Takeout Recipes
- 30 Best Mexican Recipes
- 40 Best Pasta Recipes
- 60 Best Chicken Recipes
- 25 Best Ground Beef Recipes
- 30 Best Shrimp Recipes
Did You Make Any of These Easy Dinner Recipes?
We hope you found some new favorite recipes in this collection! If you try any of these recipes, please leave a comment and rating below. We'd love to hear what you thought of these easy dinner ideas. Don't forget to snap a picture and tag us on Instagram @aheadofthyme. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
