23 Easy Meals for When You Don’t Know What to Cook

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Finding time to cook a delicious meal doesn’t have to be a challenge. These super easy recipes are perfect for busy days when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy pastas and hearty chicken dishes to light seafood options and vegetarian favorites, this list has a little something for everyone. Each recipe is designed to be quick, simple, and satisfying, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal any night of the week. Dive in and discover just how effortless great cooking can be!

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface.

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Spinach Mushroom Frittata in a pan sliced into wedges.

Whip up a flavor-packed Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick brunch or light supper.

Get The Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Panko Chicken

Say goodbye to boring chicken! These golden-brown cutlets feature a delightful crunch thanks to the panko parmesan crust, unveiling succulent, tender chicken inside. The perfect blend of flavor and texture will have you craving seconds in no time.

Get The Recipe: Panko Chicken

Chicken Lo mein

Craving lo mein, your way? This recipe is your blank canvas! Tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce come together in under 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

A close-up photo of a white plate overflowing with creamy tagliatelle pasta and sliced cremini mushrooms. A silver fork rests on the side of the plate.

Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes! This creamy tagliatelle and mushrooms recipe combines fresh ingredients like parsley, white wine, garlic, and butter for a flavor explosion.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

A close up image of a spoon serving up vibrant red lentil dal from a bowl, with fluffy white rice and lemon wedges in the background.

Brimming with flavor, cost-effective, and nutritious, this Indian Red Lentil Dahl Curry is incredibly tasty and easy to prepare!

Get The Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Mushroom Pasta Sauce

A close up image of plate with a serving of spaghetti topped with a tomato mushroom sauce.

Fresh mushrooms are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, releasing their earthy depth and umami richness. Combined with a touch of acidity and fragrant herbs, this sauce creates a satisfying vegetarian dinner that’s healthy and incredibly delicious.

Get The Recipe: Mushroom Pasta Sauce

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

A close up image of pasta in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and spinach.

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe is delicious and can be ready in less than 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Buttery Garlic Salmon

Two pieces of garlic butter salmon with roasted asparagus and rice pilaf.

This Buttery Garlic Salmon is a quick and easy delight, ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. Enjoy the satisfying cooking process and the even greater pleasure of eating this dish.

Get The Recipe: Buttery Garlic Salmon

Panko Breaded Pork Chops

This recipe takes your weeknight dinners to the next level with amazingly crispy panko-breaded pork chops. Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to satisfy the whole family without the fuss.

Get The Recipe: Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

a white plate with Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta and a fork.

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor! Juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes bathe in a luxurious cream sauce, coming together in a 30-minute masterpiece. It’s a weeknight dinner win that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

Chicken Stroganoff

Try this simple Chicken Stroganoff recipe, featuring tender chicken bathed in a delightful sour cream sauce—ready in a mere 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

White Clam Sauce

Flavorful clams and robust pasta unite in a delightful white wine sauce, enhanced by zesty lemon and a dash of parsley. This dish adds a celebratory flair to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Clam Sauce

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoon

The luxurious flavor of saffron forms the base, while the lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a delightful finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood for a truly personalized dish.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Crab Pasta

A close up image of a plate of spaghetti with crab, chopped parsley and red peppers.

20 Minutes to Crabby Bliss! This delectable Crab Pasta is your answer to quick and flavorful meals. Succulent crab meat takes center stage in a simple yet satisfying dish ready in no time.

Get The Recipe: Crab Pasta

Pasta Alla Norma

This isn’t just a recipe – it’s your passport to Italian culinary adventures! Our beginner-friendly guide to Pasta Alla Norma walks you through the process step-by-step, offering valuable pro tips along the way. The result? A delicious and authentic Italian dish that’s easier to make than you think.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Alla Norma

Easy Shrimp Pasta

a landscape image of a white plate full of shrimp pasta

Tender shrimp is transformed into a delightful pasta dish in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that proves ease doesn’t have to compromise on flavor.

Get The Recipe: Easy Shrimp Pasta

Miso Ramen

Warm your soul with this Japanese-inspired Miso Ramen. Savory miso broth and tender ramen noodles meet crisp bok choy for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Get The Recipe: Miso Ramen

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Chicken Francaise

Pan-fried golden brown, and finished in a vibrant lemon white wine sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and delivers a restaurant-worthy meal you can enjoy at home.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Tuna Pasta

Short on time? This pasta dish is your new best friend. With a few pantry staples like tuna and olives, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Tuna Pasta

Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

A stack of sliced quesadillas filled with melted cheese, chicken, and colorful bell peppers, garnished with cilantro. Accompanied by dollops of guacamole and diced tomatoes on a white surface.

These easy chicken and cheese quesadillas are loaded with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and veggies. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a snack that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

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