Looking for easy dinners when you’re too tired to cook? These 26 quick recipes save time, reduce stress, and taste amazing without extra effort.
After a long and exhausting day, cooking can often feel overwhelming . However, you don’t always need to order takeout. With the right recipes, you can still enjoy a quick and delicious home-cooked meal in less than 20 minutes.
These recipes focus on minimal prep and maximum flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights. In fact, many of them rely on pantry staples such as pasta, beans, or rice, while others highlight quick-cooking proteins like ground beef, chicken, or salmon. As a result, you’ll always have options ready when motivation is low.
Below, you’ll find 26 easy dinner ideas that are simple, tasty, and satisfying. Save your favorites for those nights when energy is running low—you’ll be glad you did.
Why These Easy Dinners When You’re Too Tired to Cook Work
1. Creamy Cavatappi
Cooking pasta is quick, but you can make it even faster by preparing the sauce while the pasta boils. In addition, always save a little pasta water to create a silky sauce.
2. Chorizo Sloppy Joes
Chorizo adds a spicy kick. However, if it’s too spicy, simply add ketchup to balance out the flavor.
3. Microwave Red Curry Salmon
For thin salmon fillets, reduce the cooking time by one minute. This method makes salmon both quick and flavorful.
4. 3-Ingredient Pizza Beans
Since pizza toppings are versatile, you can add sausage, onions, banana peppers, or even anchovies.
5. Creamy Chicken Florentine
If you can’t find chicken cutlets, cut boneless chicken breasts into thinner pieces. This trick saves time and cooks evenly.
6. 20-Minute Beef and Chickpeas
Pair this with rice—start it first, and everything finishes at the same time. Alternatively, use microwaveable rice to make it even quicker.
7. 15-Minute Wonton Soup
For a heartier dish, toss in noodles such as ramen or udon.
8. Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus
Buying pre-shelled shrimp saves precious minutes, making cleanup easier as well.
9. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Olives
If you dislike olives, swap them for canned artichokes or capers for a similar briny flavor.
10. 5-Ingredient BBQ Meatloaf
Instead of a loaf pan, bake it on a sheet pan. This allows for better air circulation and more crispy edges.
11. Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini
Although this recipe uses cheese tortellini, you can substitute with any filling you prefer.
12. Cheesy Baked Tacos
Refried beans and cheese are the base. However, you can add ground beef, chicken, or even mashed potatoes for variety.
13. Honey Mustard Baked Salmon
If you don’t have honey mustard, simply mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard.
14. 20-Minute Red Lentil Soup
Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove dust or small debris.
15. Ground Beef Hummus Bowls
This meal works best when everyone can customize their own bowl with toppings of choice.
16. One-Pan Garlic Chicken & Potatoes
Roast vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts on the top rack while the chicken cooks.
17. Gingery Garlicky Ground Beef
When short on time, use microwaveable rice for a complete meal in under 20 minutes.
18. Easy Chicken Cobbler
Assemble all the layers in one dish—no stovetop cooking required.
19. Broccoli Cheddar Creamy Beans
For extra umami, stir in a teaspoon of miso without adding more time.
20. 3-Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken
Since flavor depends on sauce and cheese, choose high-quality versions for the best results.
21. Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe creates a full dinner, but you can also add couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
22. Creamed Tacos
While the meat cooks, prep the toppings like lettuce and tomatoes.
23. 10-Minute Creamy White Beans & Greens
Don’t forget to save the bean liquid (aquafaba)—it enhances creaminess.
24. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Frozen chicken tenders work great here since they can go straight from freezer to pot.
25. No-Peek Chicken
Always use quick-cooking rice to ensure the dish cooks evenly.
26. Ravioli Lasagna
If using frozen ravioli, don’t boil them—let them thaw slightly while preparing the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these 26 easy dinners prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, even on your most exhausting days. With minimal effort and smart shortcuts, you can still enjoy homemade meals instead of takeout. Next time you’re tempted to order food, try one of these recipes instead—you’ll save money, eat healthier, and feel accomplished.