93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

From chili and chicken to spaghetti and sheet-pan suppers, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.

chicken and polenta puttanesca melts recipe
Photo: Kate Sears

There's a time and a place for almost every recipe, and if that time is limited, you're in the right place. Every one of the 93 (yes, 93!) quick dinner recipes we've pulled together in this collection can be made in 45 minutes or less—many of them come together even faster.

Our recipes run the gamut, so you'll find familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, and stir-fries, as well as creative takes, like a North African beef stew and pasta with butternut squash and herby, garlicky, creamy Boursin cheese. While many of these dishes do rely on store-bought shortcuts (think rotisserie chicken, refrigerated pesto sauce, pre-made gnocchi, and canned or boxed chicken broth), the vast majority of them draw on raw, everyday ingredients. Read on for our best recipes for assembling a delicious meal in a flash.

01 of 93

One-Pan Pasta

one-pan pasta
Maxwell Cozzi

There's a reason why this is one of our most popular recipes: All the ingredients cook together in a straight-sided skillet. It's delicious, and it's on the table in just 20 minutes. The one-pan wonder truly lives up to its name.

02 of 93

Chicken With Mushrooms

chicken mushrooms pan
Andrew Purcell

There are so many wonderful ways to combine chicken and mushrooms, but what's special about this version is its classic simplicity. There's nothing crazy here: chicken cutlets, button mushrooms, some herbs, a bit of white wine, and chicken broth. Together, they're more than the sum of their parts.

03 of 93

Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas

Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas
Justin Walker

If you feel like taking a break from taco night, try this weeknight spin on cheesy, crunchy flautas. You stuff tortillas with a smoky, spicy ground chicken-chipotle mixture, then crisp them up in the oven.

04 of 93

Creamy Baked Tortellini With Spinach

creamy baked tortellini with spinach
Nico Schinco

Here's a dish that feels rich enough to serve on a weekend night for company but speedy enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. Briefly cook tortellini, toss it with fresh spinach and a super-quick homemade turkey ragu, top it with a crunchy seasoned panko mixture, and finish in the oven.

05 of 93

Sausage-and-Mushroom Burgers With Broccoli Rabe

sausage-burgers-123-d112221.jpg
Bryan Gardner

We love sausage and broccoli rabe together with pasta; as it turns out, they're great on a bun, too. Mushrooms and melted provolone take these burgers to the next level.

06 of 93

30-Minute Chili

med102699_0307_chili.jpg

This easy chili packs surprising flavor in such a short amount of time, thanks to powerhouse ingredients such as tomato paste, canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, cinnamon, and beer.

07 of 93

Pork Fried Rice

med105801_0311_und_pork_rice.jpg

If you have leftover cooked rice, you're already halfway to getting this quick meal on the table. It also includes ground pork, carrots, and peas—plus some scrambled egg for extra heft.

08 of 93

Spaghetti With Shrimp, Kale, and Burst Tomatoes

Spaghetti with Shrimp, Kale, and Burst Tomatoes
Chris Simpson

Quick-cooking shrimp is a weeknight dinner staple. Combined with kale, cherry tomatoes, and spaghetti, it's a fantastic meal that has plenty of health benefits, too.

09 of 93

Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs

ed104370_0309_cov005a.jpg

This well-known, crowd-pleasing meal isn't hard to make, and cooking it can be a great way to unwind after a long day. Mix the meatball ingredients, brown them in oil, then let them simmer in tomato sauce for about 10 minutes while the pasta cooks—and you've got dinner.

10 of 93

Crispy Salmon With Coconut-Ginger Collards

crispy salmon with coconut-ginger collards served with fresh cilantro
Nico Schinco

Collard greens stand up nicely to coconut milk, ginger, shallots, and chickpeas. Then, you top the creamy greens with protein-packed salmon, rice, lime wedges, and cilantro.

11 of 93

Quick Pork Goulash

Quick Pork Goulash recipe
Lennart Weibull

Traditional goulash takes hours to make, but this weeknight-friendly version has a smart shortcut. Use pork tenderloin instead of shoulder roast, which becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in a fraction of the time. Serve this comforting dish over buttered egg noodles with a crisp green salad on the side.

12 of 93

Cashew Shrimp

spicy cashew shrimp with rice
Justin Walker

Oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger are the keys to big flavor in this takeout-inspired shrimp dish. Roasted cashews and sliced celery add a welcome crunch.

13 of 93

Brothy Orzo and Pork Meatballs

Brothy Orzo and Pork Meatballs
Ryan Liebe

This light and fresh one-pot dinner stars pork and fennel meatballs and orzo pasta. Lemon juice and fresh dill give it a zippy taste, and a bit of broth ties it all together.

14 of 93

Broiled Spicy Pork and Pineapple

pork pineapple plate
Joseph De Leo

Pork and fruit are a winning combo, and this version uses pineapple, which lends a tropical feel. You place rounds of it on a rimmed baking sheet along with thin, boneless pork chops and scallions, and broil it all until browned. A ginger-lime dressing is the perfect finishing touch.

15 of 93

Spiced Chicken Kebabs With Pita

Spiced Chicken Kebabs with Pita
Con Poulos

Sign us up for this quick and easy weeknight dinner of bright, earthy, herby, toasty za'atar-spiced chicken kebabs. They're wonderful with soft pita bread, crunchy cucumbers flecked with mint, and a fast garlic-forward yogurt sauce.

16 of 93

North African Beef and Carrot Stew With Mint

beef-stew-049-mld110677.jpg
Romulo Yanes

Sirloin and carrots amped up with cinnamon, cayenne, and fresh mint make for a fast and flavorful dish that's especially nice served over steamed couscous.

17 of 93

Test Kitchen's Favorite Mac and Cheese

test kitchen mac and cheese
Armando Rafael

To make this stovetop dish, combine three different kinds of cheese: American, cheddar, and parmesan. Together, they deliver rich flavor and beautiful creaminess. Pro tip: For easier grating, put the block of cheese in the freezer for 5 minutes first.

18 of 93

Chicken and Polenta Puttanesca Melts

Chicken-and-Polenta Puttanesca Melts
Kate Sears

To make this 25-minute meal, pour famously punchy puttanesca sauce over tender slices of precooked polenta (so smart!) and thin chicken cutlets. Top everything with creamy mozzarella, and you've got a hearty dinner with zip.

19 of 93

Butternut and Boursin Shells

butternut-and-boursin-shells-102797812.jpg
Yunhee Kim

Herby, garlicky, creamy Boursin cheese puts pasta on the fast track to flavor in this dish. Roasted butternut squash, arugula, and hazelnuts round it out nicely.

20 of 93

Braised Chicken With Potatoes, Olives, and Lemon

skillet chicken potatoes olives
Johnny Miller

Cook chicken thighs and potatoes on the stove, then slide the pan into the oven to finish. The cooking liquid, along with garlic, olives, and lemon, turns into a pan sauce, so you'll want to have some crusty bread on hand to sop it up.

21 of 93

Mostly Greens Frittata

frittata-092-d111711.jpg
Bryan Gardner

Spinach and Swiss chard work equally well in this good-for-you egg dish. Nutty Gruyère cheese melts beautifully with the rest of the ingredients, and adds a nice depth.

22 of 93

Roasted Salmon With Kale and Cabbage

salmon-164-med110298.jpg
Andrew Purcell

To make this one-pan dish, you give kale and cabbage a head start in the oven; after a few minutes, you add salmon fillets to the sheet pan. About 10 minutes later, when everything's cooked, finish it with a lemon-dill-mustard dressing.

23 of 93

Chow Mein

chow mein dish
Martyna Szczesna

Craving takeout? Try this Chinese-American restaurant staple, which pairs crispy fried noodles with chicken and vegetables stir-fried in a thick brown sauce. Using Hong Kong chow mein noodles means you don't have to boil them ahead of time—a handy trick for when you're time-pressed.

24 of 93

Smoky Tofu Chili

Smoky Tofu Chili
Con Poulos

Tofu in chili? It can be done. The trick is to use extra-firm tofu, which holds its shape through cooking and soaks up the big flavors from this recipe's aromatics, which include garlic, tomato paste, chipotle, and cumin.

25 of 93

Green Chile Chicken Burgers

green-chili-turkey-burger-017-d112910.jpg
Bryan Gardner

Making chicken burgers can be tricky, since the meat is lean, but a few smart tricks here ensure there's plenty of moisture. Canned green chiles and fresh cilantro bring plenty of flavor and juiciness, and a creamy spread made from sour cream gives the patties a little extra tang.

26 of 93

Pork-Meatball Skillet Bake

Pork-Meatball Skillet Bake
Justin Walker

Sear and simmer tender, three-ingredient meatballs in a sweet pepper-studded tomato sauce, nestle in slices of toasted Italian bread, and top with mozzarella. After a trip to the broiler for maximum cheese-stretch effect, all you have left to do is to set the whole thing on the table and dig in.

27 of 93

Dan Dan Noodles

dan-dan-noodles-034-d113087.jpg
Bryan Gardner

Homemade chili oil adds a delicious complexity to this pork-and-noodle dish. It's not hard to make, but you can definitely use regular hot chili oil if you prefer.

28 of 93

Gingery Shrimp Salad With Crispies

gingery shrimp salad with crispies
Paola + Murray

Juicy seared shrimp and crunchy tortilla strips make this healthy dinner salad seem like a special occasion treat, even though it's quick and easy enough to make on a weeknight. Another reason to love it: This dish has a fantastic balance of textures and flavors.

29 of 93

Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup

ginger spice chicken soup
Pernille Loof

A restorative, immunity-boosting soup, this easy dinner leans on store-bought broth and rotisserie chicken so you can get a delicious and nutritious meal on the table quickly.

30 of 93

Easy Chicken Posole

easy chicken posole

Store-bought broth and rotisserie chicken strike again in this quick take on the classic Mexican soup. Fresh cilantro sprigs add color and a bright taste just before serving.

31 of 93

Breakfast-for-Dinner Burritos

breakfast-for-dinner burritos
Paola + Murray

Easy and delicious, these burritos are packed with hearty, filling ingredients (think: bacon, potatoes, hominy, cheddar), so they're a great choice for dinner or any meal of the day. Serve with salsa or hot sauce.

32 of 93

Chicken-Thigh Piccata With Broccoli Rabe

chicken-thigh piccata with broccoli rabe
Nico Schinco

A briny piccata sauce made with lemon juice, capers, and butter goes perfectly with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Together, they make a winning weeknight dinner that's simpler to make than you'd think.

33 of 93

Steak-and-Egg Tacos

Steak-and-Egg Tacos
Jenny Huang

Here's another quick inspired-by-breakfast dinner recipe you'll want to make on the regular. It combines chili-dusted skirt steak and fluffy scrambled eggs and tucks them into blistered corn tortillas. Lime wedges, chopped tomato, cilantro, and crumbly queso fresco, are the fresh finishing touches.

34 of 93

Tomato-Eggplant Gnocchi

tomato eggplant gnocchi
Ren Fuller

We love this one-skillet supper because it's hearty, but not too heavy, and vegetarian, too. Storebought gnocchi cook atop an eggplant and tomato sauce; red pepper flakes and creamy ricotta round out the dish.

35 of 93

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas

sheet pan chicken fajitas
Ren Fuller

Boneless, skinless chicken breast plus yellow and green bell peppers sizzle together on a sheet pan while tortillas warm in the same oven. To finish these delightful fajitas off, top with sour cream, salsa, and ripe avocado.

36 of 93

Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles

creamy chicken and mushrooms with egg noodles
Johnny Miller

Reminiscent of beef stroganoff, this weeknight dish stars chicken breasts—and the entire thing comes together in one large straight-sided skillet. After you sear the chicken, you cook the mushrooms and shallots and stir in mustard, broth, egg noodles, and cream cheese which quickly creates a rich sauce.

37 of 93

Cheater's Mac and Cheese

Cheater's Mac and Cheese recipe
Con Poulos

If you need a comforting dinner stat, turn to this 20-minute mac-and-cheese, where pasta and broccoli are cooked in the same pot. Drain them, stir together with some reserved pasta water, cream cheese, butter, and parmesan, and dinner is served.

38 of 93

Broccoli and Chickpea Parmesan

broccoli-and-chickpea parmesan
Johnny Miller

You'll want to have a crusty baguette on hand for this one-pan dinner, which brings together chickpeas, marinara sauce, and mozzarella in a single skillet, then tops it off with wedges of roasted broccoli florets. A parmesan-and-panko blend adds crunch.

39 of 93

Broiled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Watercress

bacon-wrap-chicken-plate-050-mld110754.jpg
Joseph De Leo

This lovely dinner deftly combines sweet and savory. On the one hand, you've got sweet potatoes, a spoonful of brown sugar, and red onion, which sweetens as it cooks. On the other, there are chicken breasts and bacon. In between, there's peppery watercress—which somehow ties everything together.

40 of 93

Very Veggie Fried Rice With Eggs

very veggie fried rice with eggs
Nico Schinco

Think of this as more of a general guideline than a recipe because you can use whatever leftover vegetables you have for this quick dinner. Zucchini, broccoli, and green beans all work nicely, but if you have frozen peas and carrots on hand, add them, too. A dreamy fried egg is the protein topper that takes this easy weeknight meal to legendary status.

41 of 93

Gnocchi With Sausage, Zucchini, and Tomato

Gnocchi with Sausage, Zucchini, and Tomato
Linda Xiao

Quick-cooking ingredients like fresh tomatoes, sausage, zucchini, and store-bought gnocchi help get this dinner on the table in just 30 minutes. Enhancing the dish with prepared pesto is the last flavor-boosting step.

42 of 93

Greek Mezze Salad

Greek mezze salad
Armando Rafael

Lemony yogurt, cucumber salad, roasted za'atar chickpeas, and grape leaves come together in this delightful salad that has a pleasant combination of warm and cool.

43 of 93

Ground Chicken Tacos

ground chicken tacos on white plate
Julia Gartland

Whether or not it's Taco Tuesday, this quick and tasty meal is a no-brainer. Ground chicken gets a big-time flavor charge from spices and chipotle in adobo. Topping the tacos with pico de gallo adds another level of deliciousness.

44 of 93

Skillet Chili Nachos

skillet chili nachos
Justin Walker

The fast track to making any night feel festive: a giant pan of nachos that layers meat, tortilla chips, cheese, and beans. If you whip up our easy beef chili in advance, you can get this meal on the table in just 20 minutes.

45 of 93

Shrimp Scampi With Yellow-Squash Noodles

yellow squash shrimp scampi
Armando Rafael

This low-carb dinner swaps in yellow squash strands in lieu of spaghetti, and offers protein, too, thanks to shrimp sautéed with butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

46 of 93

Creamy Lemon Chicken With Spinach and Artichokes

creamy lemon chicken with spinach and artichokes
Marcus Nilsson

If you love spinach-artichoke dip, put this great dinner on your menu. It incorporates cream cheese, spinach, artichoke, and lemon juice—along with a weeknight dinner classic, sautéed chicken cutlets (which cook in a flash).

47 of 93

Gingery Pork-and-Broccoli Stir-Fry

pork-and-broccoli stir-fry
Marcus Nilsson

Tasty, tender, and affordable pork tenderloin figures prominently in this ginger-and-broccoli stir-fry. And once you've honed the technique (super-high heat is key), you can apply it to all kinds of vegetables and proteins.

48 of 93

Pasta With No-Cook Puttanesca Sauce

Fresh Cherry-Tomato Pasta Puttanesca
Marcus Nilsson

Here's a great meal for when you have access to ripe, juicy tomatoes. Simply toss them with green olives, capers, and garlic, then finish the dish with Pecorino Romano cheese for a fresh take on a classic Italian pasta.

49 of 93

Pressure-Cooker Corn Risotto

corn risotto with basil and tomato
Marcus Nilsson

A weekend-worthy meal on a weeknight is well within reach when you use the Instant Pot or pressure cooker. To make this fantastic risotto, add corn cobs to the pot at the same time as the rice, which creates a broth that infuses the risotto with incomparable corn flavor. Save this recipe for peak summer, as it also calls for basil and cherry tomatoes.

50 of 93

Blistered Green-Bean and Corn Frittata

blistered green-bean and corn frittata plate and fork
Sidney Bensimon

Although this seasonal frittata calls for late-summer vegetables such as green beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes, you can absolutely swap in whatever vegetables are available to you at the time. And while frozen vegetables won't have quite the same fresh flavor, they can totally work in a pinch.

51 of 93

Parmesan Pork With Polenta and Asparagus

Parmesan Pork with Polenta and Asparagus
Ren Fuller

Parmesan does double duty in this quick and easy dinner: It's used to create a golden, umami-packed crust for pork cutlets and shaved over crisp-tender spears of asparagus. If you love its tangy, nutty flavor, definitely put this recipe on your list.

52 of 93

Soba-Noodle Bowl With Tofu

soba noodle bowl with tofu recipe plate
Sidney Bensimon

A quick, easy dinner that just so happens to be vegan? Sign us up. This one combines cold soba noodles, gingery asparagus, and luscious steamed tofu. Cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds make for nutty and bright garnishes.

53 of 93

Penne With Spinach Pesto and Turkey Sausage

green pasta turkey meatballs
Sidney Bensimon

Here's a smart way to incorporate spinach into your supper: Turn it into a super-green pesto, along with basil and peas, and use it to coat toothsome penne pasta. Separately, crisp some leaves in the oven for a crunchy topping. Coins of roasted Italian turkey sausage add nice heft to this delightful quick dinner.

54 of 93

Red-Hot Chicken and Peppers

red-hot-chicken-chickpeas-103242165
Sidney Bensimon

Heat seekers will adore this kicky meal, where a mix of hot sauce, smoked paprika, and roasted red pepper infuse chicken legs. You roast the meat on a bed of chickpeas and peppers, so all of the juices infuse what's below; serve everything with fresh watercress and some toasted flatbread.

55 of 93

Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup

Potato Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Alpha Smoot

When you're serving soup as a main course, it helps if it's of the stick-to-your-bones variety—and this one definitely delivers. It uses broccoli in two ways: simmered until tender for the soup base and roasted for the garnish.

56 of 93

Shortcut Italian Wedding Soup

Shortcut Italian Wedding Soup
Alpha Smoot

A parmesan rind is the powerhouse ingredient behind this fast, flavorful version of the classic soup. It also calls for sliced sausage in lieu of meatballs, which also cuts down considerably on the prep time.

57 of 93

Bacon Pasta With Cheese Sauce and Thyme

bacon pasta cheese sauce thyme
Linda Pugliese

If you can find bacon ends and pieces at the grocery store, they're great for this recipe—the small pieces tend to have more fat, which equals more flavor. Of course, regular bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces works wonderfully, too. Either way, the result is a rich weeknight pasta dinner.

58 of 93

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

buffalo chicken sandwiches
Armando Rafael

Buttery panko bread crumbs form a beautiful crust on chicken cutlets, and the "glue" that adheres them is pretty wonderful, too: a combination of mayonnaise and hot sauce. After you've cooked the chicken in the oven, lay each piece onto a bun with crumbled blue cheese, thin slices of celery, lettuce, mayo, and hot sauce.

59 of 93

Broiled Mustard-Crusted Flounder

broiled flounder
Anson Smart

Plain Greek yogurt mixed with Dijon mustard and capers helps keep flounder fillets moist and tender in this easy weeknight recipe. The mixture bubbles and browns in the oven, and a light salad is a lovely accompaniment.

60 of 93

Broiled Fish With Summer Salad

broiled fish with summer salad

Here's another simple broiled fish dinner, and this one is even easier to make. Arrange lemon sole or flounder fillets on a rimmed baking sheet, coat them in a bit of oil, sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper, and broil for 5 minutes. While the fish cooks, toss a quick salad and dinner is ready.

61 of 93

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo and Rice

plated instant pot chicken and rice topped with green onion
Bryan Gardner

Making adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, usually takes hours, but not if you use an Instant Pot. The appliance makes the vinegar-braised dish so simple, transforming chicken thighs into a flavorful one-pot dinner that's sweet, sour, and a tad salty.

62 of 93

Sausage-and-Pepper Ragu Over Polenta

sausage-and-pepper-ragu-over-polenta-236-d113040-1.jpg
Bryan Gardner

There's something so comforting about a pile of browned Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions stewed with tomato paste and chicken broth. Serve the ragu over creamy polenta topped with parmesan for a wonderfully satisfying and surprisingly fast dinner.

63 of 93

Orange Pork With Watercress Rice

orange pork with watercress rice
Armando Rafael

If you have a jar of orange marmalade in your pantry or fridge, put it to great use in this quick dinner recipe. It adds sweetness and citrus zing to pork tenderloin, and it's especially nice combined with fish sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic, and ginger.

64 of 93

Pad See Ew

pad-see-ew-102935768.jpg
Martyna Szczesna

Not as famous as Pad Thai but just as delicious, this beloved Thai dish calls for stir-frying rice noodles with soy sauce. The unique flavor comes from browning the ingredients and allowing the sauce to caramelize. It's still well within reach on a busy evening, though. Things happen quickly; just make sure your pan is so hot that you hear a sizzle throughout cooking.

65 of 93

Leek-and-Asparagus Crispy Rice

Leek-and-Asparagus Crispy Rice
Ren Fuller

Here's a great reminder that mixing varying textures can take a simple weeknight dinner to new and delicious levels. Giving the rice a few minutes in a hot skillet helps it form a crackly crust, and those little nuggets of crunch disperse throughout the dish. Leeks take on a buttery quality once cooked, melting into fluffy rice and crisp-tender asparagus. And an egg—fried just until the yolk can be used as a silky sauce—is the finishing touch on top of a most excellent vegetarian rice bowl.

66 of 93

Chicken Schnitzel With Dill and Sesame

Chicken Schnitzel with Dill and Sesame
David Malosh

A few small tweaks turn what might be a ho-hum dinner into something special. First, you pound the chicken breasts into thin cutlets, which helps them cook in a flash. And then, you season the flour and panko mixture (not just the meat) and add sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. The result: a deliciously crispy dinner that's fantastic alongside a Watercress-Apple Relish.

67 of 93

Crisped Brown Rice With Beef, Vegetables, and Eggs

fried rice eggs
Marcus Nilsson

This dish has it all: carbs (rice), protein (sirloin steak and baked eggs), and vegetables (carrots and cabbage), and it's also a smart way to use up leftover cooked rice.

68 of 93

Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad

Grilled-Chicken-and-Zucchini Salad recipe
Ren Fuller

A 15-minute marinade in garlicky, dill-flecked yogurt before grilling turns cutlets super flavorful in this chicken and zucchini salad. And if you don't have a grill, you can easily cook them in a cast-iron skillet or nonstick frying pan. Serve the chicken with a super-speedy romaine-and-radish salad, plus planks of zucchini brightened with lemon zest.

69 of 93

Barbecued-Chicken Salad

bbq-chicken-salad-188-d112910.jpg
Bryan Gardner

The smoky marinade in this dish doubles as a salad dressing. With its combo of lime zest and juice, garlic, paprika and honey, it would also be perfect for marinating grilled fish tacos or flavoring simple grilled or roasted vegetables.

70 of 93

Grilled Pork Cutlets With Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Grilled Pork Cutlets with Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Watermelon is a terrific ingredient to add to savory salads, as this Vietnamese- and Thai-inspired recipe shows. Wedges of the sweet fruit paired with half-moons of cucumber do a bang-up job in giving cool contrast to sliced chile and grilled pork (chicken works, too).

71 of 93

Cashew-Chicken Kebabs

cashew chicken kebabs
Armando Rafael

Try something different and delicious for dinner tonight. These kebabs are dressed in a sauce that you make from pulsing cashews and curry paste together with water. Vermicelli rice noodles are a great accompaniment and soak up the juices nicely.

72 of 93

Pasta With Zucchini, Mint, and Pecorino

mint pasta zucchini pecorino
Bryan Gardner

This beautiful Italian supper smartly turns grated zucchini, anchovies, garlic, and a splash of pasta water into a delightful sauce for gemelli (though any pasta works). Finish the dish with finely grated, salty Pecorino Romano and chopped fresh mint for a final burst of flavor.

73 of 93

Easy Beef Chili

easy beef chili with sour cream in bowl

Some chili recipes need to simmer for hours, but this speedy version comes together in a flash. Its base is ground beef (there are no beans) spiced with aromatics, then amped up with fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, and cocoa. Have some sour cream and sliced scallions on hand to temper the heat.

74 of 93

Chipotle Chicken and White Bean Soup

Chipotle Chicken and White-Bean Soup
Alpha Smoot

Keep canned tomato sauce, chipotle in adobo, and white beans in your pantry, and you'll never be far from getting this quick, one-pot take on tortilla soup on the table. Top the soup off with sliced radishes, tortilla chips, and diced avocado for a fresh finish and a little crunch.

75 of 93

Spanish Cod With Chorizo and Fennel

spanish cod with chorizo and fennel recipe plate
Sidney Bensimon

Chorizo lends rich flavor to cod in this easy recipe, which also includes fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and orange. You cook the fish in parchment paper, which keeps it moist, and also makes cleanup easy. Serve this healthy entrée with a simple salad and some bread for sopping up the juices.

76 of 93

Cauliflower and Chickpea Pitas with Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Cauliflower-and-Chickpea Pitas with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Chris Simpson

Here's a dinner sandwich that's bursting with flavor and good for you, too. It's a falafel-inspired pita sandwich stuffed with crunchy roasted chickpeas and spiced roasted cauliflower. Drizzle it with a bright, zippy lime-jalapeño yogurt sauce and dig in.

77 of 93

Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Noodle Bowl

sweet-and-sour chicken-noodle bowl
Lennart Weibull

You can take this refreshing noodle bowl anywhere—whether that's your kitchen table or outside for a picnic. It's a pleasant combo of crunchy carrots, cabbage, and cucumbers; a sweet and tangy lime-chili-ginger dressing; thin and tender rice noodles; and sliced roast chicken.

78 of 93

Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Wraps

grilled-halloumi-and-veggie wraps
Paola + Murray

Have we mentioned how much we love vegetarian dinner sandwiches? Here's another one to add to your rotation, starring halloumi cheese, which stands up well to high heat. Grill it (or just toss it in a hot pan) along with bell peppers, zucchini, and radicchio; then wrap it up in a warm tortilla for easy eating.

79 of 93

Summer Vegetable and Bean Tacos

summer-vegetable-and-bean-tacos-d107287-0615.jpg
Marcus Nilsson

Skillet-cooked onion, squash, and bell peppers; warmed black beans and chili powder; and some warm tortillas come together to make a tasty and easy veggie taco dinner. Have some sour cream and salsa nearby for topping.

80 of 93

Lemony Pesto Chicken Soup

lemony pesto chicken soup
Pernille Loof

Store-bought broth, rotisserie chicken, and pesto transform into a bright, lively soup with this quick recipe. The best part: It's ready in just 20 minutes!

81 of 93

Spaghetti With Spinach, Peas, and Herbed Ricotta

Spaghetti with Spinach, Peas, and Herbed Ricotta
Ryan Liebe

This vegetarian pasta is great any time of year, but feels especially right in spring, when fresh peas are in season. Combine them with lemon zest, fresh basil, spinach, and ricotta, add spaghetti, and you've got a bright, wonderful supper.

82 of 93

Cheese-Stuffed Tostadas

Cheese-Stuffed Tostadas
Ren Fuller

Change up taco night with tostadas, where crispy tortillas form the base, for a delicious melange of vegetable toppings. Here, it's a creamy black bean mash, smoky chipotle, and plenty of melty cheese. Garnish with lettuce, radishes, salsa, and cilantro leaves.

83 of 93

Chicken Paillard With Caprese Panzanella

Chicken Paillard With Caprese Panzanella
Con Poulos

This weeknight dinner takes the classic Italian salad panzanella, with bread and tomatoes, and turns it into a hearty main meal by adding creamy mozzarella and quick-cooking chicken cutlets. Capers add a salty burst and fresh basil keeps everything tasting light and bright.

84 of 93

Pasta With Peppers, Squash, and Tomatoes

pasta-peppers-squash-tomatoes-med108372.jpg
Johnny Miller

This hearty meal feels like a Sunday supper, but it's well within range on a weeknight. While the pasta cooks, add your brown sausage in a skillet, then cook bell pepper, squash, and tomatoes. Along with some pasta water, they meld into a delicious sauce.

85 of 93

Herbed Spaghetti With Tomatoes and White Beans

spaghetti-white-beans-143-d112755-0416.jpg
Sharon Radisch

Familiar and easy, pasta with a quickly-cooked tomato sauce is a weeknight staple. Add white beans, and you've got an even more substantial meal that hits the spot.

86 of 93

Salmon Shiitake Rice Bowls

salmon-shiitake rice bowls served with cucumber
Nico Schinco

Rice bowls are such a great way to turn humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner. In this one, umami, that hard-to-place but undeniably savory flavor, shows up in both the sautéed shiitake mushrooms and the miso paste of the salmon glaze.

87 of 93

Quick Chicken With Zucchini and Greens

quick-chicken-with-zucchini-and-greens-0615-d107287.jpg
Marcus Nilsson

It doesn't get much simpler than this dinner salad, which unites greens, shredded rotisserie chicken, matchsticks of raw zucchini, red onion, and almonds with an olive oil-lemon juice dressing. It's fresh, delicious, and comes together with minimal effort.

88 of 93

30-Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs

med105536_0510_meatballs.jpg

The beauty of sausage is that it's pre-seasoned and cooks quickly, which means you can easily turn it into tasty meatballs without additional ingredients or mixing. A simple tomato sauce comes together in the time it takes for you to boil the pasta.

89 of 93

Fish Chowder

chowder-fish-0583-d111106-0614.jpg
Marcus Nilsson

A comforting bowl of chowder in just 45 minutes? Yes, please. Here, the natural starches in russet potatoes provide body, while a touch of heavy cream adds velvety richness. The result is a naturally gluten-free soup with a light, creamy consistency that lets more delicate flavors, like shallots and fish, shine through.

90 of 93

Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

shrimp and broccoli stir-fry
Johnny Miller

With such a short list of ingredients (rice, shrimp, vegetable oil, broccoli, and chili-garlic sauce), each one counts. The chili-garlic sauce actually does double duty, adding both heat and deep, complex flavor.

91 of 93

Chicken Cutlets With Summer Squash and Feta

chicken-paillard-with-squash-spinach-feta-179-exp3-d113040-1.jpg
Bryan Gardner

To make this easy meal, start with chicken cutlets, which cook in a matter of minutes. Dredging them in flour helps form a luscious pan gravy, which means you'll definitely want some crusty bread for serving.

92 of 93

Chicken Puttanesca With Orzo

dinner-001b-med110615.jpg
Romulo Yanes

This richly layered Italian-inspired pasta dish is a fast and easy meal to put together on a weeknight. And while the salty-sweet sauce is usually served with spaghetti, it pairs wonderfully well with chicken and orzo, too.

93 of 93

Eggplant-Mozzarella Melt

eggplant-burger-024-ld111042.jpg
David Malosh

Eggplant sandwiches may not sound exciting, but hear us out: Grill eggplant slices and top them with slices of mozzarella, then layer them onto toasted rolls along with grilled onion, lettuce, and basil. You'll be amazed at how delicious they are.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles