We’re tackling easy recipes that’ll make everyone think you’ve spent all day in the kitchen, but really, it’s been a breeze. These picks are perfect for wowing your friends or just spoiling yourself with something special. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a last-minute gathering, these 17 recipes are your secret tool for serving up impressive meals without the all-day commitment.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Featuring shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach with a savory garlic sauce, this dinner is extra easy and perfect any day of the week. You can customize it and add some paprika or top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Serve this with a side of pasta or rice for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Dijon Chicken
In this one-pan recipe, juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach and crumbled bacon. The steps are straightforward, with easy-to-find ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great recipe to have on hand, especially when you’re running out of fuel on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Ready in 45 minutes and made in just one pot, this soup is a great option for those evenings when you want to serve a simple yet hearty dinner. This dish features sautéed mushrooms simmering in a creamy, flavorful broth. The aromatic spices, sour cream, milk, and butter enhance the flavors without any complicated prep or cooking. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs before serving to add an extra layer of comfort. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and filling dinner that will wrap up your day on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
You’ll love how this dish takes the beloved flavors of a chicken pot pie and turns them into a hearty soup. It’s a complete meal that combines chicken with a variety of vegetables simmered in a creamy and flavorful broth. This one’s a time-saver as you can make and serve it in just an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Lemon Garlic Scallops
For those evenings when you’re craving seafood, try this refreshing alternative. You’ll begin by searing the scallops until golden, then simmer them in a lemon garlic sauce to soak up all the flavors. This recipe is a light, protein-rich meal that’s full of flavor and ready in 30 minutes, perfect when you need a change from the usual dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Sausage Curry
When cooking is the last thing on your mind, this sheet pan dinner comes to the rescue. Just toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a pan, bake, and in 30 minutes, dinner is served. This dish is also very customizable. Feel free to try different vegetables, sausages, and seasonings to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great go-to for busy parents who need a quick, easy, and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. It comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and filling dinner. Everything cooks in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more quality time to spend with your family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cook up some chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is easy. It’s all done in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, or your favorite veggie side for a complete and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Keto Zuppa Toscana
This Olive Garden-inspired soup is a one-pot recipe that combines garlic, sausage, radish, and kale in a creamy base. It cleverly uses radishes instead of potatoes for a filling and low-carb version of a classic soup. Radishes effectively replace potatoes, adding a familiar texture without all the starch. This recipe is both easy to prepare and filling, making it a great option for a wholesome dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice come together in this hearty and creamy soup. Ready in about an hour with everything coming together in just one pot, it’s a great recipe for staying in, especially when you want to keep your evening routine smooth and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This dish brings together tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce made of garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for those evenings when you’re looking for something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it over pasta or rice to complete the dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
This soup brings chicken, corn, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a creamy broth in less than an hour. Everything is made in just one pot, follows easy cooking steps, and requires staple pantry ingredients. It’s also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand, making this a practical option when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s a great choice for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to serve your family a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
This creamy risotto makes for a fantastic side dish for weeknight family dinners or family gatherings. It’s a simpler yet flavorful alternative to traditional risotto; this one-pot recipe combines cauliflower and mushrooms for a dish that’s comforting and easy to make, fitting well into your busy evening schedule. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in only one pan.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Here’s a savory and hearty dish you can make in just 25 minutes. Using only one pan, you’ll saute cabbage, bacon, and onion together, adjust the taste to your preference, and then serve. It’s the perfect recipe for those busy evenings when you want something quick, easy, and flavorful. Serve it as a side or a light main course for a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Combining the sweetness of red peppers with the smooth texture of sweet potatoes, this soup is a hearty and wholesome meal that’s ready in about an hour. It’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling yet simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Another dish perfect for a busy weeknight, this one-pan recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs and artichoke hearts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with a touch of lemon. This dish is easy to make, with simple ingredients, and can be on the dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Green Chile Chicken
This one-skillet recipe is a great way to repurpose chicken thighs or any chicken you have on hand. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the heat of the green chilies as they add a new flavor profile without extra cost. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish is perfect when you need a budget-friendly dinner solution that’s both easy and practical.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken