15 Super Easy Dinners That Aren’t Chicken!

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15 Super Easy Dinners That Aren’t Chicken!

Feeling like you’re in a bit of a chicken dinner loop? You’re not alone. It’s time to break free from the poultry pattern with some easy and exciting alternatives. These recipes are all about bringing variety to your table without adding stress to your prep time. They’re quick, they’re flavorful, and best of all, they’re a refreshing change from the usual.

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Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lightened-up spaghetti alfredo with broccoli brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the guilt. It’s a healthier take that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a stellar choice for anyone looking to switch up their chicken-heavy menu. Ready in a jiffy, it’s comfort food that feels good to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why choose between land and sea? Sheet pan steak and shrimp fajitas bring the best of both to your dinner table. Seasoned simply and roasted together on one pan, this dish is your ticket to a fuss-free surf and turf that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner to break free from the chicken routine.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot coconut pork is here to whisk your taste buds away. With a mix of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, it’s not just another meal; it’s a flavor journey. Served over turmeric ginger rice, it turns dinner into an aromatic feast, making it an exciting pivot from the usual poultry fare. Plus, it’s quick and effortless, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf. This bomb meatloaf is a game changer, blending easy prep with a juicy, tender bite, all under a sweet and tangy glaze that’ll have you coming back for seconds. It’s the comfort food makeover you didn’t know you needed, proving that easy, delicious meals are within reach and a fantastic way to mix things up from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who said stir fry nights were just for chicken? This ground beef stir fry tosses together fresh veggies and a homemade garlic ginger sauce for a meal that’s quicker than calling for takeout. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and tasty, perfect for mixing up your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Speedy, savory, and satisfying, shaved beef and broccoli stir fry is here to change up your dinner game. It’s faster than takeout, cooking up in minutes with a sauce that’ll have you licking the plate. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal that steps away from the usual chicken fare.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shake up your meal routine with blackened cod. A few shakes of pantry spices and a quick sear is all it takes to nail this dish. It’s the perfect way to dive into seafood without the fuss, offering a tasty break from the usual chicken dinners. Ready in a snap, it’s a weeknight lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and sour tofu is your ticket to a vegetarian meal that’s anything but bland. Crispy tofu and a tangy sauce recreate the classic takeout favorite in under 30 minutes. It’s a delightful break from chicken, proving that plant-based meals can be just as exciting and easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get ready to fall for air fryer salmon bites, marinated in a garlicky, gingery soy sauce. These bites are a quick, flavor-packed alternative to chicken, cooked to perfection and served with a dip that doubles down on taste. It’s the weeknight hero you’ve been looking for, making salmon the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and create your own shrimp lo mein magic at home. With juicy shrimp, Chinese egg noodles, and a mix of veggies all tossed in a killer sauce, this 20-minute meal will have you forgetting about your go-to chicken dinners. It’s fast, flavorful, and sure to become a dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lighten up lunch or dinner with lemon feta spinach pasta. It’s a breeze to whip up, offering a zesty, refreshing twist with lemon, spinach, and feta. Whether you keep it veggie or toss in some protein, it’s a far cry from your everyday chicken dish. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s a meal you’ll want to make on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brighten up your pasta game with lemon ricotta pasta. This dish is a cinch to make, blending creamy ricotta with the fresh taste of basil and tomatoes. It’s a light yet luxurious meal that offers a delicious departure from the usual chicken options. Perfect for when you need something quick and uplifting.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata brings a tangy and bright twist to the dinner table. Dredged in almond flour and pan-fried until flaky, it’s a seafood spin on the classic piccata that’s both easy and gluten-free. With capers, lemon juice, and shallots, it’s a flavorful meal that’s a delicious way to diversify your dinner options beyond chicken.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco Tuesday just got a major upgrade with this Mexican ground beef skillet. Seasoned with taco spices and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a one-pan meal that brings the fiesta to your dinner table. Forget chicken tonight; this skillet is where it’s at for an easy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the goodness of a vegetable bean skillet. Loaded with fresh veggies and a hearty dose of beans, this meatless wonder is your answer to an easy and fulfilling meal without chicken. It’s the ultimate way to get your veggie fix in a single pan, proving that simple ingredients can lead to big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

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